by Shawn Gossman » 11 Nov 2025, 18:02
billytsr wrote:I’m thinking about starting a YouTube channel focused on cooking. Do you think it’s a good way to earn money? Or do you have any other ideas in mind?
Yes or no.
The food niche is still a very good niche to get into. However, there are a lot of channels concentrating on it.
So, ask yourself -- in terms of food, what are you the most knowledgeable of? You want to niche-down and get known as the expert in that niche. A general cooking channel is too generic, and you'll be a needle in a haystack.
I recommend a 3-phased strategy:
Year One: Focus on making awesome videos (long-form, Shorts, live, podcasts, and posts - use all the features provided). Pump out valuable content because YouTube content is evergreen (maybe not Shorts) compatible.
Year Two: Focus on marketing channels. Newsletter, social media, Pinterest for sure (big food niche platform), paid acquisition (low risk), and collaborations.
Year Three: Profit. I recommend waiting to maximize profit during year three because you'll have content proof, social proof from your marketing effort, and by year 3, you'll be better known in your niche.
It takes work, hard work, but you can do it!
Multiple income streams will be your best route too. YPP ads, Patreon, Merch, Newsletter ads, affiliates, even making your own food products such as sauces or pots or whatever in relation to your niche.
Next year will be my 10th year of YouTube. It's brought me a second income. Life is easier because of it!
[quote="billytsr"]I’m thinking about starting a YouTube channel focused on cooking. Do you think it’s a good way to earn money? Or do you have any other ideas in mind?[/quote]
Yes or no.
The food niche is still a very good niche to get into. However, there are a lot of channels concentrating on it.
So, ask yourself -- in terms of food, what are you the most knowledgeable of? You want to niche-down and get known as the expert in that niche. A general cooking channel is too generic, and you'll be a needle in a haystack.
I recommend a 3-phased strategy:
Year One: Focus on making awesome videos (long-form, Shorts, live, podcasts, and posts - use all the features provided). Pump out valuable content because YouTube content is evergreen (maybe not Shorts) compatible.
Year Two: Focus on marketing channels. Newsletter, social media, Pinterest for sure (big food niche platform), paid acquisition (low risk), and collaborations.
Year Three: Profit. I recommend waiting to maximize profit during year three because you'll have content proof, social proof from your marketing effort, and by year 3, you'll be better known in your niche.
It takes work, hard work, but you can do it!
Multiple income streams will be your best route too. YPP ads, Patreon, Merch, Newsletter ads, affiliates, even making your own food products such as sauces or pots or whatever in relation to your niche.
Next year will be my 10th year of YouTube. It's brought me a second income. Life is easier because of it!