Take a Leaf from B. Dylan Hollis’ Book – Creating Your Own Unique Kitchen and Cooking Vlogs

In the ever-growing world of food content, it’s easy to feel like everything’s been done. 

But then along comes someone like B. Dylan Hollis, with his offbeat charm, historical recipes, musical interludes his and truly unique approach to culinary content. 

Hollis has shown us that you don’t need to be a classically trained chef or have a Michelin-starred background to captivate audiences. You just need a point of view, a passion, and a pinch of personality.

So, if you’ve been thinking about starting your own kitchen or cooking vlog, take a leaf out of Hollis’ well-flavoured book and make something that’s unmistakably you.

Who Is B. Dylan Hollis?

Bermudan-born B. Dylan Hollis rose to internet fame by digging through vintage cookbooks and trying out quirky recipes from the 20th century – think tomato soup cake or meatloaf jellies. What sets him apart isn’t just the content, but the performance. He blends cooking with storytelling, comedy, and curiosity. There’s a dash of theatrical flair, a generous helping of sass, and a genuine fascination with culinary history. He's also an accomplished jazz pianist and accordion player and has a BA in music.  

What Can You Learn from His Style?

1. Find Your Niche

Hollis didn’t just start baking generic cakes. He found a niche – vintage, often bizarre, recipes – and committed to it. Whether it’s vegan comfort food, no-waste cooking, medieval recipes, or chaotic student meals on a tenner, your vlog should reflect your passions and point of difference.

2. Embrace Personality

You are the secret ingredient. Hollis’ expressive face, witty commentary, and vintage vibes are central to his brand. Don’t be afraid to let your quirks shine. Audiences connect with authenticity, not perfection.

3. Tell a Story

Food is more than ingredients and instructions. A good vlog adds context – where the recipe comes from, why you’re making it, and what happened when you tried it. Was it a triumph? A disaster? A surprise hit with your nan? Share the story.

4. Keep It Visually Engaging

Hollis’ set-up is retro and eye-catching. Think about your background, lighting, and outfit. You don’t need a professional studio – a well-lit kitchen and a few creative touches can do wonders.

5. Lean Into the Chaos (Sometimes)

One of the joys of Hollis’ content is that not everything goes to plan – and that’s part of the fun. Don’t edit out every blooper. Real life is messy. Embrace it.

Tips to Start Your Own Kitchen Vlog

Start small and simple: Your phone, a tripod, and good natural light are enough to begin.

Develop a format: Will you start each vlog with a quirky fact? End with a taste test? Create consistency.

Use music, captions, and quick edits to keep the pace up and hold attention.

Engage your audience: Ask questions, respond to comments, and try viewer-submitted recipes.

Stay consistent: One video a week is better than five sporadically. Build trust with your audience.

Inspiration Beyond Hollis

If you enjoy the idea of blending food with entertainment, you might also look at creators like:

Tabitha Brown – soulful, positive vegan food content

Barry Lewis – home cook meets gadget tester

Emmymade – food from around the world with calming, curious commentary

Final Thoughts

B. Dylan Hollis didn’t try to fit into a mould. He made his own. And that’s exactly what you should do with your food vlog. Whether you’re channeling your inner 1950s housewife, recreating your gran’s handed-down recipes, or cooking in cosplay, there’s an audience out there who wants to see your take on food.

So put the kettle on, hit record, and start cooking up some content. Your unique kitchen adventure awaits.

How to Become a Successful Food Vlogger: A Comprehensive Guide

With the rise of digital media, food vlogging has become a popular way for culinary enthusiasts to share their passion. Whether you're a professional chef, a home cook, or simply a food lover, vlogging offers a platform to showcase your culinary adventures.

This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a successful food vlogger, from planning your content to engaging with your audience.

1. Define Your Niche

The first step in becoming a food vlogger is to define your niche. This will help you stand out in a crowded field and attract a dedicated audience. Some popular niches include:

Recipe Tutorials: Demonstrating how to prepare various dishes.

Restaurant Reviews: Visiting and reviewing local eateries.

Food Challenges: Participating in or creating unique food challenges.

Culinary Travels: Exploring food cultures and cuisines from around the world.

Healthy Eating: Focusing on nutritious and healthy recipes.

Choose a niche that aligns with your interests and expertise.

2. Set Up Your Equipment

You don't need the most expensive gear to start vlogging, but having the right equipment can significantly improve the quality of your videos.

Camera: A good quality camera is essential. Many vloggers use DSLRs, but a high-quality smartphone can also do the trick.

Microphone: Clear audio is crucial. Consider investing in a lapel mic or a shotgun mic.

Lighting: Natural light is great, but for consistency, invest in some softbox lights or ring lights.

Tripod: A sturdy tripod will keep your shots steady.

Editing Software: Programmes like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even iMovie can help you edit your videos professionally.

3. Plan Your Content

Consistency is key in vlogging. Plan your content in advance to ensure a steady stream of videos. Create a content calendar to organise your ideas and set a realistic posting schedule, whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.

4. Create Engaging Content

To attract and retain viewers, your content needs to be engaging. Here are some tips:

Be Yourself: Authenticity resonates with viewers. Let your personality shine through.

Tell a Story: Structure your videos with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This keeps viewers interested.

Keep It Concise: Attention spans are short. Aim for videos that are 5-15 minutes long.

Use Attractive Thumbnails: A compelling thumbnail can entice viewers to click on your video.

Optimise Titles and Descriptions: Use relevant keywords to help your videos appear in search results.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Building a community is essential for a successful vlog. Engage with your audience by:

Responding to Comments: Show appreciation and address questions or feedback.

Using Social Media: Promote your videos on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Collaborating with Other Vloggers: This can help you reach a broader audience.

Hosting Giveaways or Contests: Encourage viewers to participate and share your content.

6. Monetise Your Channel

Once you've built a substantial following, you can start monetising your channel. Here are some ways to earn money:

Ad Revenue: Enable ads on your YouTube channel.

Sponsored Content: Partner with brands for sponsored videos.

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn a commission on sales.

Merchandise: Sell branded merchandise to your fans.

7. Stay Updated and Adapt

The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and adapt your content accordingly. Attend workshops, join vlogger communities, and continuously seek feedback to improve your skills.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful food vlogger requires passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn. By defining your niche, investing in the right equipment, planning and creating engaging content, and building a community, you can turn your culinary passion into a thriving vlogging career. Remember, consistency and authenticity are key. Happy food vlogging!