How to Make Cooking Videos with Expert Baking Tips

Cooking and baking are very popular topics for online videos. And that’s no surprise because they aren’t only entertaining, but also educational. Many people want to learn how to create delicious meals and treats from the comfort of their kitchen. 

If you have a passion for cooking and baking, why not share your skills with others through making cooking videos?

In this guide, I will share with you the simple steps on how to film cooking videos. I’ll also explore how to edit your footage so it looks professional, engaging, and ready to be shared on YouTube or social media.

Step 1: Planning Your Cooking Video

A little planning won’t hurt, will it? Ask yourself key questions like:

• What recipe or baking tip are you showcasing?
• Will you include close-ups of key ingredients or specific baking techniques?
• Do you want to narrate while cooking, will you do a voiceover later, or just music with no comments?

Having these details planned out will make the shoot and editing process much easier.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Camera and Equipment

When it comes to how to make a cooking video, one of the most important aspects is your camera setup. Whether you’re using a DSLR, smartphone, or professional videography equipment, following a few basic guidelines will help capture your scenes effectively.

1. Choosing the Right Camera Angle

Consider shooting from above for overhead views of your ingredients and tools, which is especially helpful for baking videos. This angle is great for capturing detailed steps like kneading dough or decorating cakes. 

You can also shoot at a 45-degree angle to give viewers a side perspective of your workspace, making it feel more immersive.

2. Tripod and Stabilization

A pretty picture also requires steady shots. Using a tripod or phone mount helps stabilize your shots. For an overhead view, you may need a special tripod arm that extends over your work area.

3. Filming in Natural Light

Natural light is ideal for showcasing food, as it enhances colors and textures. Set up your cooking station near a window with indirect sunlight to avoid harsh shadows. Artificial lighting can also work, but it requires some experimentation and adjusting to get the right look.

4. Additional Equipment

You can’t make a good cooking video without baking tools. Always consider what you will need for your specific recipe and have it ready beforehand. You can also include these tools into the video’s description.

Step 3: Making the Shooting Process Simple and Fun

The key to successful cooking videography is to keep things simple but still enjoyable. Keep these tips in mind:

1. Shoot in Stages

You don’t need to capture everything in one continuous take. That’s not only exhausting for you, but also makes no room for error. Film each part of the cooking or baking process separately. For example, start by recording how you measure ingredients, then move on to mixing and baking.

2. Capture Key Moments

Viewers are particularly interested in seeing specific baking techniques, so be sure to capture close-ups of these moments. Whether it’s whipping egg whites to stiff peaks or demonstrating how to achieve the perfect chocolate drizzle, these small but crucial details will make your video more engaging.

3. Keep It Fun

Inject personality into your video. Be playful and conversational while explaining the steps. Add a quirky anecdote or share a personal tip. This will make your baking video more fun and relatable to viewers. As you get more comfortable in front of the camera, your cooking videos will reflect that confidence.

Step 4: Editing Your Cooking Video

And now, onto the final step of how to start a cooking blog. Video editing helps achieve much better results  than just posting raw footage. Doesn’t matter if you’re using free editing software or pro-grade programs — aim for these basics:

1. Trim Unnecessary Footage

First you should get rid of any unwanted clips, mistakes, or downtime. Your viewers want to see the main action, so only keep what is necessary. In some cases, you may need to speed up or slow down parts of your video like baking or mixing.

2. Add Transitions and Effects

There is nothing that beats a great cooking video with some sweet transitions. They can help you emphasize certain moments, add more energy, and just improve your video flow. Add animated text or graphics that explain steps or baking ingredients.

3. Enhance with Music

A lovely background tune can set the mood  and help your viewers stay engaged throughout the video. Nowadays, there are plenty of platforms with royalty-free music that fit any genre. Just make sure the volume is not too loud and that it doesn’t distract from your narration or key moments (unless that’s what you’re going for).

4. Add Nostalgia

Did you capture a VHS video of your grandma’s famous cookie recipe? Or do you want to make a video more memorable? Add a clip or a vintage filter to add a more nostalgic vibe. This may be particularly effective for baking recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Step 5: Sharing Your Cooking Videos

Platforms like YouTube and social media channels are ideal for reaching viewers interested in cooking:

1. Starting Your Cooking Blog

If you’re wondering how to start a cooking blog, pairing it with your cooking videos is a fantastic way to grow your online presence. You can share your recipes, photos, and videos all in one place and build a community of like-minded individuals.

2. Engage with Your Audience

Respond to comments, answer questions, and encourage viewers to share their experiences with your recipes. People love feeling connected to the creator behind their favorite content. Don’t be afraid to show your personality and interact with your audience.

Step 6: Baking Life Hacks to Include in Your Videos

Lastly, to truly set yourself apart as a food blogger, make sure to include expert baking tips and life hacks in your videos. Some examples include:

• How to properly cream butter and sugar for a light and fluffy cake
• The best way to test if your yeast is still active before using it in bread dough
• Tips for achieving the perfect pie crust texture
• How to use leftover ingredients or substitute ingredients in recipes

By sharing these valuable pieces of knowledge, you establish yourself as an expert and provide value to your viewers.

Learning how to make food videos isn’t that hard if you think of it. Mastering is a completely different concept. One thing I came to realize is that you should always put your heart into it. Make your videos as tasty as the food you show, and always be sincere.

Have you got any other cooking video tricks? I will be happy to hear your thoughts!