The Power of Video in Maritime Social Media

In the latest episode of the Social Media for Business podcast, Innov8 Social’s founder, Rebecca Bridgen, sat down with Alex Anderson, Managing Director of Maritime Filming, to discuss the impact of video content in the maritime industry. From his journey of launching a business at 14 to pioneering visual storytelling for ships, yachts, and offshore industries, Alex shared invaluable insights into video marketing, technological advancements, and why short-form content is the future.

A Business Built on Passion and Drones

Alex’s story is nothing short of inspiring. What started as a teenage hobby—attaching a GoPro to a budget drone—quickly evolved into an internationally recognised maritime filming business. “People were, for some reason, paying me to fly around the world and take photographs of boats. And I don't know why, but they're still paying me to do it now,” he joked.

But the secret to Maritime Filming’s success isn’t luck. It’s expertise. Alex and his team aren’t just videographers; they’re marine professionals. “We’ve all come from boats in some way, shape or form. We speak the same language as skippers, understand tides and navigation, and know how to film a vessel turning to port without getting lost in translation.”

The Challenges of Filming at Sea

Anyone working in the maritime industry knows that it operates differently from traditional sectors. Unpredictable weather, shifting schedules, and saltwater damage all pose challenges for filmmakers.

“The kit we use is professional, but not necessarily designed for a harsh marine environment. Saltwater, strong winds, and moving vessels make every shoot an adaptation process,” Alex explained. “We build custom cases and use specialist drone licensing for operations from boats. It’s a niche skill set, which is why we only film maritime content.”

Why Video Content is Essential for Maritime Businesses

Video marketing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially in maritime. According to Alex, “Short-form vertical content—Instagram Reels, TikToks, YouTube Shorts—is what’s dominating right now. If you’re not investing in video, you’re missing a massive opportunity.”

He highlighted a crucial shift in B2B social media, particularly on LinkedIn: “Even traditionally text-heavy platforms like LinkedIn are adapting. People scroll with their phones, and video gets priority. If you post a reel, the algorithm will push it before any still image.”

Leveraging AI and New Tech for Better Video Marketing

Technology is transforming video production. AI editing tools, drones, and even 360-degree virtual experiences are making it easier than ever for maritime businesses to showcase their services.

“Now, a broker can give a full boat tour remotely, cutting down costs and making sales more efficient. You’re essentially offering a 365-day-a-year boat show,” Alex pointed out.

For those just starting with video, he offered practical advice: “Invest in a gimbal. It’ll keep your shots smooth and professional, even with a phone. Also, buy a good microphone—bad audio is a dealbreaker. These small investments will elevate your content instantly.”

Maritime Filming’s Impact: A Case Study in Success

One of Alex’s most exciting projects has been working with a crew transfer vessel company on the Isle of Wight. “They had never done professional filming before. We applied luxury yacht-level visuals to commercial vessels, making them stand out in a sea of uninspiring content. The result? Massive brand growth and industry recognition.”

This highlights a key takeaway: Storytelling isn’t just for leisure brands. Commercial maritime businesses can—and should—invest in high-quality visuals to differentiate themselves.

Best Practices for B2B Video Marketing

When asked for his #1 tip for maritime brands, Alex kept it simple: “Film short-form vertical content once a week. Post it on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook—wherever your audience is. The first three seconds are crucial—hook people immediately.”

Rebecca echoed this sentiment: “Social media is all about collaboration and strategy. Your content needs to be engaging, but also tailored to each platform. You can’t just post the same video on LinkedIn and TikTok and expect the same results.”

The Future of Maritime Video Marketing

AI-driven editing, immersive 360-degree experiences, and hyper-targeted social media ads are shaping the future of maritime marketing.

“If you fight these changes, you’ll be left behind. Businesses still relying solely on magazine ads while competitors are offering VR yacht tours are going to struggle,” Alex warned.

The episode wrapped up with a call to action: If you’re serious about video marketing in maritime, start now.

Whether it’s DIY with a phone and a gimbal or working with professionals like Maritime Filming and Innov8 Social, investing in video will future-proof your brand.

Want to Elevate Your Maritime Social Media?

🚢 Follow Innov8 Social for more expert insights.

📩 Get in touch to explore how we can bring your brand to life through high-quality video content.

🎥 Check out Maritime Filming at maritimefilming.com to see Alex’s work in action!

Listen to the Full Episode!

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