Quality and content of abdominal aortic aneurysm-related videos on TikTok, Bilibili, and YouTube: a cross-platform content analysis

Video-based social media platforms are increasingly used by the public to obtain health information; however, the quality of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)-related content across major platforms remains poorly characterized. To systematically evaluate the content completeness, educational quality, reliability, and transparency of AAA-related videos on TikTok, Bilibili, and YouTube. Videos were retrieved on November 19, 2024, using the platform-specific search term “abdominal aortic aneurysm” on YouTube and “腹主动脉瘤” on Bilibili and TikTok. After sequential screening according to each platform’s default ranking order, 300 videos were included (100 per platform). Video characteristics, uploader type, and presentation format were recorded. Content completeness was assessed across six domains (definition, etiology/risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention) using a 0–2 scale in 0.5-point increments. Video quality and reliability were evaluated using the Global Quality Score (GQS), modified DISCERN, and JAMA benchmark criteria. YouTube videos were substantially longer (median, 1639 s) than TikTok (76 s) and Bilibili (89 s) videos (omnibus P < 0.001). TikTok showed higher observed counts for selected platform-reported interaction variables; however, these counts were not normalized to views and should not be interpreted as standardized cross-platform engagement. Overall quality differed across platforms for all three assessment instruments (all omnibus P < 0.001); median GQS scores were 3.0 on YouTube, 2.0 on TikTok, and 2.0 on Bilibili. Most videos provided incomplete domain coverage, with particularly prominent gaps in risk-factor and prevention information. Interaction counts showed weak or no associations with quality scores, whereas the three quality instruments were strongly intercorrelated (Spearman ρ = 0.70–0.86, all P < 0.001). AAA-related videos varied substantially in quality across platforms. Although YouTube and medically affiliated uploaders generally achieved higher quality scores, clinically decision-relevant information remained incomplete across all platforms. Guideline-consistent educational content developed or reviewed by qualified medical professionals, together with platform-level measures that improve source transparency and visibility of authoritative information, may strengthen public education regarding AAA.