Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency medical procedure designed to restore circulation and respiratory function in patients who have suffered cardiac arrest. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the upload sources, content characteristics, and video quality of CPR-related videos on YouTube, Bilibili, and TikTok, with a view to providing a reference for improving public first aid awareness and skills. METHODS: In December 2024, we searched each platform using "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation" and "CPR" (including "" for Bilibili and TikTok), retrieving the top 100 videos per platform. After screening, 239 videos (YouTube: 80; Bilibili: 72; TikTok: 87) met inclusion criteria. Meanwhile, we quantitatively assessed the video quality using the Patient Education Material Assessment Tool (PEMAT), Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), and Global Quality Score (GQS) assessment tools. We assessed the correlation between video quality scores and viewer interaction data (likes, comments, favorites, and retweets). RESULTS: A total of 239 videos were included for analysis (YouTube: 80; Bilibili: 72; TikTok: 87). Short-form CPR videos have increased yearly. Uploaders differed by platform: YouTube-mainly professional institutions; Bilibili-Non-professional individuals; TikTok-Non-professional Institutions. TikTok had the highest uploader certification rate (72.97%), and videos by professional individuals gained the most interactions. Content varied: YouTube focused on CPR knowledge (85.00%), TikTok on News and Reports (48.28%), and Bilibili was mixed. The automated external defibrillator (AED)-related videos on TikTok received the most likes. YouTube videos had the highest quality scores, especially those from professionals. However, correlation between quality scores and interaction data showed no strong positive correlation. CONCLUSION: Social media plays a growing role in CPR education, yet overall video quality-especially in accuracy and completeness-needs improvement. Involving more professionals in content creation and enhancing platform recommendation algorithms could help disseminate reliable first aid information more effectively.