Best Platforms to Share Your Cooking Videos and Build an Audience

If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through a recipe and thinking, “Man, I could totally film this and share it,” you’re not alone. Cooking videos have exploded in popularity — and not just with professional chefs.

Home cooks, weekend bakers, slow-food enthusiasts, you name it — everyone’s grabbing their phone or camera and letting the world peek into their kitchens.

But knowing where to post those videos? That’s a whole different story. Some platforms favor quick hits; others reward long, detailed walkthroughs.

And if you’re serious about building an audience — maybe even making a living from it one day — choosing the right platform from the start can make a massive difference.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and break it down.

1. YouTube

When people really want to learn how to make homemade gnocchi or master the perfect crème brûlée, they turn to YouTube.

With over 2 billion monthly users, it’s easily the heavyweight champion for food videos, especially when you want to go in-depth.

Why YouTube Works for Cooking Content

• Massive Reach: YouTube isn’t just for the kids watching prank videos. Food enthusiasts of all ages actively search for recipes and tutorials.
• Monetization Opportunities: Once you hit 1,000 subscribers and rack up 4,000 watch hours, you can join the YouTube Partner Program and start making ad revenue. Sponsorships and brand deals? Totally on the table too.
• Strong Searchability: Google owns YouTube, which means your videos can show up in regular Google searches. Good SEO here is a major win.

How to Shine on YouTube

• Consistency is Everything: Aim for at least one solid upload a week. The algorithm loves reliability.
• Invest in Good Gear: A decent camera, a sturdy tripod, good lighting, and a microphone can seriously level up your videos. Think about it — would you watch a blurry, echoey video about soufflés? Probably not.
• Video Structure Matters: Start with a friendly intro, list ingredients early, show the prep and cooking clearly, and always end with a good shot of the finished dish. Throw in captions or voice-overs if you can.
• Engage: Reply to comments, ask viewers for feedback, and collaborate with other creators whenever you get the chance.

If you’re just starting out and need an early boost in engagement, services like SocialWick can help your videos look active and encourage real viewers to join the conversation.

2. TikTok

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You want fast growth? TikTok’s your best bet.

It’s crazy what 15 seconds can do on this platform. Thanks to an algorithm that favors engagement over follower count, even brand-new creators have a real shot at hitting millions of views — especially in the food niche.

Why TikTok Is Perfect for Cooks

• Viral Opportunities Everywhere: It’s not about how many followers you have — it’s about how people engage with your video.
• Trend-Friendly: Jump on food trends like “#LazyGirlDinner” or “#OnePanMeals” and watch your reach skyrocket.
• Creative Editing Tools: Add music, text, filters, and effects without leaving the app.

Tips for Cooking Content That Pops

• Keep It Snappy: Get to the point. The first second is crucial — hook your audience fast.
• Color Counts: Bright, colorful dishes filmed up close grab attention.
• Use Trending Sounds: Pair your videos with popular songs or audio clips for extra visibility.
• Show Some Personality: Tell a quick story — why you love this dish, a funny kitchen fail, anything that makes it personal.

Check out Tabitha Brown’s TikTok if you need inspiration. Her positivity, mixed with approachable vegan recipes has built her an audience of millions.

3. Instagram

Instagram isn’t just selfies and sunsets anymore. It’s a powerhouse for food creators, especially if you love sharing visually stunning plates.

With 2 billion active users, Instagram gives you several ways to connect: posts, Reels, Stories, and even Lives.

Why Instagram Still Matters

• Visual-First Platform: Gorgeous food shots thrive here.
• Reels Have Real Reach: Short, punchy videos can go viral much like TikToks.
• Stories Build Connection: Daily behind-the-scenes moments keep your audience close.

How to Make the Most of Instagram

• Keep Your Look Cohesive: Pick a filter or editing style and stick with it. It makes your page feel like a brand, not a random collection of posts.
• Prioritize Reels: Quick recipes, tips, or hacks — use trending audio and hashtags for better reach.
• Engage, Engage, Engage: Comments, DMs, polls, Q&As — Instagram rewards real interactions.
• Collaborate: Team up with other creators for joint Reels or giveaways.

4. Tastemade

A crispy rice patty topped with avocado, fresh tuna and salmon is fusion food at its finest. pic.twitter.com/NS8MXtFQAx

— Tastemade (@tastemade) August 30, 2024

Tastemade isn’t as big as YouTube or TikTok, but for pure food content? It’s gold.

Think of it like an exclusive club for food lovers. If you’re serious about building a cooking-focused brand — maybe even selling products down the road — Tastemade is worth considering.

Why Tastemade Might Be Your Secret Weapon

• Niche Audience: You’re not fighting for attention against pranksters and vloggers. Everyone here loves food.
• E-Commerce Potential: Once you’ve got an audience, you can sell products, cookbooks, even meal kits.
• TV Exposure: Tastemade also has an online TV channel, which could open even bigger doors.

Keys to Succeeding on Tastemade

• Put Quality First: You’ll be among serious creators, so make sure your videos look polished.
• Get Involved: Comment, collaborate, and be active within the community.
• Think Long-Term: Tastemade rewards creators who stick around and build real food brands.

Other Platforms You Shouldn’t Ignore

While the big four will cover most of your bases, don’t sleep on a few extras:

Universal Secrets to Success (No Matter Where You Post)

Let’s be real — no matter which platform you pick, a few things will always matter:

• Know Your Audience: Are they busy parents? Health nuts? Aspiring chefs? Serve them the content they crave.
• Stay Current: Jump on trends, but keep your authentic voice.
• Invest Wisely: You don’t need a Hollywood setup, but do aim for clean visuals and good sound.
• Be Active: Comment, reply, share — it’s called “social” media for a reason.
• Track What Works: Use analytics tools (like YouTube Studio or TikTok Creator Tools) to see what’s clicking.

Real-World Numbers That’ll Fire You Up

• YouTube: Tasty boasts 18 million subscribers. Binging with Babish? Over 8 million.
• TikTok: The hashtag #Food has a mind-blowing 268 billion views.
• Instagram: Top food bloggers easily hit over 1 million followers.
• Tastemade: Many creators here have moved from hobbyist to full-time culinary influencer, thanks to the platform’s built-in food-loving audience.

Platform Comparison

Wrapping It Up

So — where should you start?

Honestly, it depends on your style. If you’re all about deep-dive tutorials, go to YouTube. Love quick, fun recipes? TikTok’s calling.

Got a serious eye for plating? Hit up Instagram. Want a foodie-first community that can grow into a business? Tastemade’s got you covered.

The truth? You don’t have to pick just one. Start with the platform that feels most natural, build some momentum, then expand.