Status of Medical Aesthetic Science Popularization Videos on Social Media in China: Characteristics and Quality Assessment

Abstract Background Medical aesthetics science popularization videos have progressively emerged as a crucial channel of information for patients. Therefore, the significance of their scientific rigor and standardization has become increasingly pronounced. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of comprehensive quality evaluation for such videos in China. Objectives This study evaluates the current state and quality of such videos on China’s three major social media platforms. Methods The top 200 videos for six key words on three major social media platforms were collected. Baseline characteristics and quality evaluation (PEMAT - A/V score and DISCERN questionnaire) of the videos was gathered. Analyses were conducted on the differences in video quality and baseline information among different social media and content categories. Then, subgroup analysis based on video sources and correlation analysis was performed. Results A total of 2,202 medical aesthetic science popularization videos from three major social media platforms (Bilibili, TikTok, and Rednote) and six topic terms (medical aesthetics, injectable aesthetics, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, fat grafting, and breast surgery) were incorporated into this study. The overall score of such videos was relatively low according to PEMAT-A/V and DISCERN score. The overall quality of videos on TikTok was relatively higher, followed by that on Bilibili and then on Rednote. Videos related to eye blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty or uploaded by specialists had higher PEMAT-A/V and DISCERN scores. Conclusions The overall quality of these videos in China is currently relatively low. In particular, videos on various platforms showed differences in both content and patterns, and videos, with content related to blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty and those produced by specialists exhibited relatively higher quality. This study elucidates the current state of such videos and further emphasizes the significance of improving the standardization and scientific rigor of medical aesthetics science popularization videos.