Abstract
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cardiovascular emergency and a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. With the proliferation of short-form video platforms, channels like TikTok and BiliBili have become primary sources for health information. However, the lack of peer review and regulatory oversight on these platforms may facilitate the dissemination of inaccurate or incomplete health information. This study aimed to systematically assess the content quality and reliability of short videos about MI on TikTok and Bilibili. A cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2025, systematically retrieving the top 100 videos related to “myocardial infarction” from both TikTok and Bilibili. After screening, 171 videos were included (89 from TikTok, 82 from BiliBili). Data on general characteristics, user interaction metrics, and treatment suggestions were collected. Video quality and reliability were evaluated using Global Quality Scale (GQS), modified DISCERN (mDISCERN), Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), JAMA benchmark criteria, and an video content integrity assessment tool. Correlation analyses between video content and quality assessments were also performed. Compared to BiliBili, TikTok videos had significantly higher user interaction metrics (Likes, Comments, Collections, Shares) (P < 0.01) but significantly shorter video length (P < 0.01). Regarding quality, TikTok videos had significantly higher GQS and mDISCERN scores (P < 0.05), whereas Bilibili videos scored significantly higher on the Integrity assessment (P < 0.05). The user interaction metrics, GQS score, and integrity assessment of videos uploaded by professionals were significantly better than those uploaded by non-professionals (P < 0.05). Content analysis revealed a strong focus on Diagnosis and Symptoms, with critical information on Disease assessment, management, and outcome being severely lacking. Additionally on Bilibili, cardiologists outperformed other groups in terms of user interaction metrics and integrity assessment, with significant differences observed in comments, collections, shares, and integrity assessment (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between Likes and Comments, Likes and Collections, Likes and Shares, Comments and Collections, Comments and Shares, Collections and Shares, and PEMAT-U and PEMAT-A on both platforms. Information about MI on TikTok and Bilibili differs significantly in content coverage, quality, and user interaction, with overall quality and completeness requiring substantial improvement. This study underscores the necessity for effective oversight of medical content on social media and encourages more active participation from healthcare professionals in producing and disseminating accurate, comprehensive, and high-quality health information. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-35441-5.