How to make cooking videos that look delicious
Starting a cooking channel on YouTube, as well as on other platforms, is not an easy task. Although cooking itself is useful and interesting, this alone is not enough to keep the attention of the average viewer.
So before you start filming cooking videos, you can check out how others do it.
Types of food video channels
Some cooking channels stand out not only for their unique and tasty recipe videos, but also for their carefully crafted visual style that creates an atmosphere and attracts the audience.
For example, "aesthetic" cooking channels, like Honeykki. They focus on visual enjoyment, emphasizing the beauty of cooking, perfect composition, soft lighting, and quality presentation. Quite often, you can see a soft color palette, slow and relaxing shots, as well as a minimalist and sophisticated style. Sometimes they are wordless, with just the sound of cooking.
And when it comes to sound, ASMR channels are a must to check out. These have cooking videos that focus on the sounds of the process – the sizzling of oil, the crunch of ingredients, the quiet (or loud) sounds of a knife and utensils. They often lack music and commentary, with an emphasis on high-quality sound. If you’re into that, you should check out Men With The Pot.
There are also "Farm to Table" style channels. They often focus on organic ingredients and fresh farm food, which creates a close-to-nature atmosphere. They show the process of growing or harvesting ingredients and then using them in the kitchen. The Duvall Homestead lifestyle channel has a lot of such cooking videos.
In general, the visual style of the channel can be anything, even if it does not initially "match" the food theme. And then the additional goal of the creator is to combine the two so that the viewers like it. And to make it easier to do this, look at the tips below!
Use a good camera
Cooking video setup is important. Find a quality camera that can shoot in HD or 4K for crisp details. And if you don’t have professional equipment, modern smartphones can also make great videos.
Make sure the sound is great
If the video has sound, clear and crisp voice or cooking sounds (such as sizzling or cutting) will add to the atmosphere. A lavalier or an external microphone for the camera is the best choice to record them.
Prepare the lighting
Natural light is the best choice for cooking videos. Try to shoot near a window so it illuminates everything evenly. If natural light is not available, use softboxes or a ring light for soft and even lighting.
Set up the background
Simple, neutral backdrops tend to look best because they don’t distract from the food. Wood or marble surfaces often create a beautiful texture in the background.
Pay attention to colors
Use bright and contrasting colors in the frame to make the dish look appetizing. Greenery, berries, and bright vegetables bring the picture to life.
Create a visually pleasing shot
The frames should be well thought out. Use the rule of thirds to position important elements in the frame. Shoot close-ups (ingredients, texture), medium shots (the cooking process) and long shots (the whole dish in context).
Focus on details
Shoot close-ups of the texture of food – cheese melting, sauce dripping, fresh vegetables glistening. These shots make the dish look appetizing. If possible, use macro photography to show the small details of the dish. This will add "flavor" to the screen.
Use color correction
After shooting the video, use any video editor to adjust the color and lighting. The right color correction will help improve the appearance of the food and make it even more appetizing.
Work on dynamics
Use sped-up shots for long processes, like kneading dough or simmering. Slow-motion shots, on the other hand, are perfect for moments like sugar falling, liquids pouring, or butter melting.
FAQs
How long should cooking videos be?
It depends on the format, audience, and platform. Generally, 1–3 minutes is good for a Shorts-like format, and 5–10 minutes for YouTube or recipe sites. Longer videos can also be made if the recipe is complex, and you need to show the process in detail.
What is the minimal cooking video setup to start with?
If you don’t have the budget for professional equipment, modern smartphone cameras also do the job well. But in that case, make sure the room is well-lit.
What are some common food video mistakes to avoid?
These are mostly things that affect the visual appeal and interest of the viewer, like making the video unnecessarily long. So it’s worth focusing on the key steps and reviewing the result carefully before publishing.
Conclusion
Cooking and decorating dishes are not only culinary activities but also an art form. Starting a cooking channel allows you to express yourself through the creation of unique recipes and video content.
