Quality of Temporomandibular Disorder Videos on Social Media.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Video-sharing platforms are key health information sources, but poor oversight and variable quality may mislead patients. This study assesses the quality, reliability, and dissemination of TMD videos on major platforms, and examines whether user engagement aligns with information quality.

METHODS

A cross-sectional content analysis was conducted of TMD-related videos retrieved from YouTube, TikTok, and Bilibili using platform-specific search strategies. The top 100 videos from each platform were screened, and 260 eligible videos were included. Two independent reviewers assessed information quality using the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), Global Quality Scale (GQS), and Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI). Video characteristics, uploader type, content features, and engagement metrics were extracted. Between-platform comparisons were performed using nonparametric tests, and associations between quality scores and engagement metrics were examined using Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

Overall information quality was moderate and varied significantly across platforms. YouTube videos scored higher on mDISCERN, GQS, and VIQI than TikTok and Bilibili (all P < .001). Medical professional videos were of higher quality than those from patients or self-media. However, higher-quality videos did not correlate with greater dissemination; lower-quality videos tended to attract more views, likes, comments, and shares, with only weak correlations observed.

CONCLUSIONS

TMD-related health information on video-based social media platforms shows substantial variability in quality and a clear mismatch between informational value and public reach. Platform-specific dissemination patterns may allow lower-quality content to achieve substantial reach, underscoring the need for strategies that improve the visibility of credible medical information.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TMD-related video quality varies widely across major social media platforms, and high engagement does not equate to reliability. Joint efforts by clinicians, educators, and platform designers are needed to deliver trustworthy and accessible health information to those who need it most.