Creating videos is one of the most popular ways to share content, especially when it comes to food. Plus, there’s plenty of tools out there that can make the entire process, from start to finish, as seamless as possible.
From planning to posting, we’ve rounded up the best tools, platforms, and software to help you create professional-quality food videos in no time.
So whether you’re creating videos for social media, your blog, a client, or anything in-between, make sure to keep reading!
1. Planning and Scripting Software
The first step to creating great videos? The planning process! Whether you love to plan every detail or prefer to wing it, having a place to track your content calendar, production progress, and jot down ideas, is so important in order to stay organized.
- Notebook: A simple notebook is a super helpful (and budget-friendly) way to stay organized and keep track of your videos. Plus, it’s a great way to be able to jot down last-minute thoughts and/or ideas.
- Trello or Asana: If you prefer to do all your work on your laptop, a software platform like Trello or Asana is a great way to plan out your video content calendar, track progress, and take notes.
- Shot Lister: For those who love to plan every detail out, shot lister helps you organize and plan your shots, angles, and scenes to make the filming process as smooth as possible.
P.S. We have a course all about Asana that you can watch here.
2. Camera
The only tool you absolutely need is, of course, a camera! A camera is essential for capturing food videos…and chances are you already have one handy.
- Smartphone Camera: With a smartphone you already have a high-quality camera ready to go, whether you’re an iPhone, Samsung, or Google user, all are equipped with high-quality cameras that are perfect for beginners, those shooting for social media, or those who want a more compact setup.
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: For filming more professional videos, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is going to offer professional-quality video, interchangeable lenses, and the ability to really make your food pop!
Not only do we have a lesson all about filming recipe videos with a DSLR, but we also have one specifically on how to film with a smartphone. You can learn more about both here!
3. Tripod
Having a stable shot will elevate your food videos by creating less distractions and allowing your food to be the main focus. Plus, certain tripods are specifically made to get top-down or close-up shots that are great for filming process videos.
- Octobuddy: While not technically a tripod, an octobuddy sticks to the back of your phone case and allows you to secure your phone to windows and certain objects.
- Overhead Mounts: Great for filming top-down food videos, tripods like the Arkon Overhead Phone Mount allow you to secure your smartphone from a top-down angle.
- DSLR Tripod: A reliable, sturdy tripod is especially important when filming with a DSLR, as it provides stability and flexibility for various shooting angles.
4. Lighting
Good lighting can make or break a food video. Not to mention the lighting you use can add to your video style. While some prefer natural lighting, others prefer direct, or even moody lighting.
- Natural lighting: If you have access to natural light, it’s a great (free!) way to film and ensure your videos look great.
- Ring Light Kit: A ring light kit is great if you are on a budget and don’t have much light to film with, as it will help brighten up the space you’re in.
- Studio Lights: If you want to invest in professional lighting for your set-up, a studio lighting kit will help you achieve various lighting set-ups. Watch our lesson on artificial lights to help you decide what LED lights and equipment to choose based on your preferences.
5. Microphone
While audio can be overlooked in recipe videos, the sounds of the cooking process can add LOTS to a food video. Whether it’s a chopping sound, a sizzle, or a crunch, it can enhance the viewer’s experience and make all the difference!
- Smartphone microphone: Not happy with the audio on your smartphone? Or, are you filming from a distance? These wireless mini lavalier microphones are great for picking up specific sounds and reducing background noise.
- DLSR Mic: A high-quality microphone, like the Rode VideoMic, attaches to your camera and allows you to capture clear, directional audio and minimize background noise.
6. Editing Software
Once you’ve done all the filming, the next step is to bring it all together through editing. Whether you prefer to edit on your phone or laptop, there’s a ton of different options for all budgets. Make sure to get creative with the editing process by including your own style to make your videos stand out.
- CapCut or InShot: If you’re editing on a smartphone, InShot and CapCut offer both free and paid versions and are intuitive and powerful – making the editing process a breeze. Plus, CapCut also has a free desktop app!
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Looking for a professional-grade video editing software? Premiere Pro offers advanced features like color grading, audio mixing, and multi-camera editing. It’s perfect for those who want complete control over the editing process.
- Final Cut Pro X: A Mac-exclusive software that is powerful and user-friendly. It offers a range of tools for color correction, transitions, and effects.
7. Social Media Scheduling Tools
Once your video is filmed and edited, the only step left is to publish it. If you’re posting your videos to social media, you can use a scheduling app to make sure you’re uploading at the same time, during peak hours, or just simply when you’re otherwise occupied.
- In-App Scheduler: Most social media platforms have built-in tools allowing you to schedule your posts for that specific app. Instagram, Pinterest, FaceBook, and YouTube all have free scheduling tools you can use.
- Canva / Tailwind / CoSchedule: If you’re looking to use a separate app / software to schedule, Canva, CoSchedule and Tailwind all offer various scheduling capabilities. Food Blogger Pro members have access to courses on CoSchedule, a lesson on scheduling in Canva, and a Quick Win on Tailwind!
As you can see, creating high-quality food videos is completely do-able whether you’re on a budget or willing to splurge. There’s tools and equipment out there for every level and as long as you keep practicing, your food videos will only continue to improve.
Curious what Pinch of Yum uses to record their videos? You can see their full equipment list here!
We can’t wait to see what you create!