Accuracy, Reliability, and Quality of YouTube and TikTok Videos as Sources of Information on Urticaria: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background The era of social media platforms has transformed the dissemination of health information, raising concerns about the quality and accuracy of content. Urticaria, a common skin condition, necessitates reliable information for effective management. Unreliable information on the internet can lead to misconceptions about urticaria, which could contribute to overemphasis on triggers or underrepresentation of guideline-based interventions, delaying effective management approaches. Objective This study aimed to systematically evaluate urticaria-related content on 2 prominent social media platforms, YouTube and TikTok, using validated tools to assess information reliability and explore the characteristics of videos and their uploaders. Methods On February 16, 2023, a comprehensive search on YouTube and TikTok was conducted for videos related to urticaria. Two independent dermatologists rated 92 eligible videos using DISCERN, the Global Quality Score (GQS), and the Accuracy in Digital-Health Instrument (ANDI). Statistical analyses, including mean values, SDs, percentages, and chi-square tests, were used to interpret the data. Results TikTok videos were predominantly uploaded by patients (29/46, 63%), whereas YouTube exhibited a higher engagement of health care professionals (31/46, 67.4%). YouTube videos exhibited higher mean scores for the GQS (2.9, SD 0.7), ANDI (2.3, SD 0.8), and DISCERN (40.2, SD 7.6) compared to TikTok (GQS: mean 2, SD 0.8; ANDI: mean 1.4, SD 1; DISCERN: mean 32.9, SD 7.9). Videos uploaded by professionals on TikTok had significantly higher mean GQS (2.8, SD 0.7), ANDI (2.1, SD 0.8), and DISCERN (40, SD 6.3) scores compared to those uploaded by nonprofessionals ( P =.001). Similarly, videos from professional uploaders on YouTube exhibited significantly higher mean GQS (3, SD 0.6), ANDI (2.6, SD 0.6), and DISCERN (42.2, SD 7.1) scores compared to nonprofessionals ( P =.01 for GQS, P =.001 for ANDI, and P =.003 for DISCERN). Conclusions Urticaria videos on TikTok showed a significantly higher engagement ratio and less accuracy and quality of health-related information than YouTube videos. These insights can guide content creators, platform administrators, and health care professionals in collaboratively fostering a trustworthy and accurate health information environment on social media.