My Path to Creating a Popular YouTube Cooking Channel
By Fatima Ibrahim
The aroma of jollof rice wafted through my family’s kitchen, mingling with the laughter and chatter of my siblings. I remember the day vividly; I was about ten years old. My mother was cooking for a family gathering, and I was her little shadow, eager to help. As I stirred the pot, I felt a spark—this was what I loved. Fast forward to today, and I’m standing in my own kitchen, recording my cooking tutorials for my YouTube channel, and I can’t help but smile at how far I’ve come.
The Beginning
Growing up in Nigeria, food was more than just sustenance; it was a way of life. Every dish carried a story, a memory. From the spicy suya my dad grilled on Sundays to the delicious egusi soup my mum whipped up for special occasions, I found myself surrounded by flavors and traditions. The kitchen became my sanctuary. It was where I felt most myself, where creativity flowed, and where I learned the importance of sharing meals with loved ones.
But YouTube? That was an idea that came much later. I was in university, juggling classes and part-time jobs, when my friends began to tease me about my cooking skills. “You should start a YouTube channel! You cook better than half the chefs I know!” they’d say. At first, I brushed it off. What did I know about making videos? But as they kept nudging me, I pondered the thought. Could I really share my love for cooking with the world?
Taking the Leap
One evening, after another successful cooking session with my best friend, I decided to give it a shot. I grabbed my phone, set it on a makeshift tripod (a stack of books), and hit record. The first video was a simple recipe for Nigerian pepper soup. I was nervous, stumbling over my words and fumbling with the camera. But once I started cooking, everything clicked. I was in my element, and the joy of sharing my cooking filled me with energy.
Initially, my channel grew slowly. I was excited to see a few views here and there, but I knew I needed to step up my game. So, I researched. I watched successful YouTubers, learned about lighting, editing, and the best ways to engage an audience. I invested in a decent camera and a microphone, understanding that good quality mattered.
Finding My Voice
As I continued to create content, I realized that it wasn’t just about the food; it was about storytelling. Each recipe had a history, a personal touch that connected with my viewers. I began to share snippets of my life—the challenges of being a student, the joy of cooking for friends, and the occasional kitchen disaster. I wanted people to see that cooking is not just about following a recipe; it’s about love, laughter, and sometimes a little chaos.
One day, I made a video about the struggle to perfect Nigerian chin chin—those crunchy, sweet snacks we all love. I shared my failed attempts, the flour that went everywhere, and the laughter that ensued. To my surprise, it resonated with many viewers. They appreciated my authenticity, and it felt good to know that they related to my journey. Slowly but surely, my channel began to grow.
Building a Community
With each video, I made connections. Comments poured in, and I engaged with my viewers. I learned their favorite dishes, their cooking struggles, and even their success stories. It felt like creating a family—a community of food lovers sharing experiences. I started to host live cooking sessions on weekends, where we’d cook together and chat. Those moments were some of the highlights of my journey.
One viewer, who later became a close friend, shared how my recipe for jollof rice helped her impress her in-laws during a family gathering. Hearing stories like this fueled my passion even more. Cooking was bringing people together, and I was part of that magic.
Challenges Along the Way
But let’s not sugarcoat things; it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were moments of doubt. I faced criticism, especially from people who thought I should pursue a more traditional career. “Why waste your time with cooking videos?” they’d say. Those moments stung. Yet, I learned to use them as motivation. I reminded myself of my love for cooking and the joy it brought to others.
Balancing my studies and content creation was tricky too. There were days when I juggled assignments during the day and filmed late at night. I had to learn time management quickly. But I was determined. Each video I posted was a step closer to my dream.
Celebrating Milestones
Then came a significant turning point. One of my videos went viral. It was a simple recipe for Nigerian fried rice, but the engagement was unreal. Suddenly, my subscriber count skyrocketed. I remember jumping up and down in my living room, screaming. It felt surreal. All the hard work and sleepless nights were paying off.
With this newfound attention, I took the opportunity to collaborate with other creators. I reached out to fellow Nigerian YouTubers, and together we created a series of videos highlighting traditional dishes from different cultures across Nigeria. It was a fantastic experience, and it helped me grow as a creator.
Looking Ahead
Today, my YouTube channel has blossomed into something I never imagined. I’ve built a community of over 100,000 subscribers, and the love I receive keeps me motivated. I’ve even started offering online cooking classes and partnering with local brands. My dream is to open a physical cooking school one day, where I can teach others the joy of Nigerian cuisine.
So, what’s the takeaway from my journey? If you have a passion—whether it’s cooking, art, or anything else—don’t be afraid to pursue it. Embrace the challenges and celebrate the victories, no matter how small. Your unique voice matters, and there are people out there who will connect with your story.
Final Thoughts
As I sit here writing this, I’m grateful for every moment that has led me to this point. Each recipe I share is not just food; it’s a piece of my heart. If you’ve ever thought about starting something—be it a YouTube channel or another creative endeavor—go for it. You never know where it might lead you.
What do you think? Have you ever considered sharing your passion with the world? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!