The quality and reliability of short videos about rheumatoid arthritis on Bilibili and TikTok: Cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective Short-video platforms have become major sources of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) information for the public. The quality and reliability of such content remain uncertain. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in October 2025. Using the Chinese keyword “Rheumatoid Arthritis” we screened top-ranked videos on TikTok and Bilibili and included eligible, non-advertising videos that addressed RA. To reduce personalization, searches were performed with newly registered accounts in private-browsing mode. Two trained raters assessed overall quality using the Global Quality Score and reliability using a modified DISCERN instrument. Uploaders were classified as rheumatology professionals, medical professional on other, patients, and science communicators. Inter-rater agreement was quantified using Cohen's kappa. Nonparametric tests compared platforms and sources. Spearman correlations examined associations between engagement metrics (likes, collects, comments, shares, duration) and quality scores. Results We included 209 videos (TikTok n = 110; Bilibili n = 99). Engagement was higher on TikTok (median likes, collects, comments, shares all greater; all p < 0.05), whereas Bilibili videos were longer (median 212 s vs 70.5 s; p < 0.001) and achieved higher Global Quality Score and modified DISCERN scores (both p ≤ 0.001). Uploader distributions differed by platform: TikTok was dominated by medical professionals; Bilibili had more science communicators. Video source was strongly associated with quality and reliability: rheumatology specialists and other medical professionals scored highest; patient-generated content scored lowest. Engagement metrics were strongly inter-correlated but showed no meaningful correlation with Global Quality Score or modified DISCERN. Longer duration correlated positively with quality. Conclusion RA related short videos on TikTok and Bilibili show variable quality and reliability. Bilibili tends to provide higher-quality and more reliable information, and clinician-produced content scores highest, whereas engagement does not indicate trustworthiness. Platform-level quality signals and greater clinician participation may improve the reliability of RA information online.
Source: Digital Health
Institution: Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,000
OpenAlex ID: W7139038199