A Social Media Quality Review of Popular Ankyloglossia Videos on TikTok

To evaluate the accuracy, quality, and potential harm or benefit of TikTok videos related to ankyloglossia and to assess how uploader type influences informational reliability and educational value.

A cross-sectional analysis of TikTok videos was conducted using 4 search terms related to ankyloglossia. Videos posted between January 2021 and August 2024 were screened, yielding 66 eligible videos. Videos were categorized by uploader type (medical provider, influencer, layperson) and content type. Three independent reviewers assessed factual accuracy based on AAO-HNSF Clinical Consensus Statements, classified videos using a harm-benefit scale, and evaluated quality using the PEMAT-AV and Global Quality Scale (GQS).

Of 66 videos, 78.8% were educational, but only 63.5% were factual. Medical providers produced significantly more factual content than influencers and laypersons (85% vs 50%, P = .045). Medical provider videos demonstrated the highest harm-benefit scores (P = .025) and the highest PEMAT-AV and GQS averages, though quality score differences were not statistically significant. Influencer-generated content achieved higher view counts despite lower accuracy. Views and shares did not correlate with quality or accuracy metrics. Lifestyle and medical advice videos were significantly associated with more negative harm-benefit scores.

Although TikTok videos on ankyloglossia reach large audiences, misinformation remains prevalent, particularly among non-medical uploaders. Popularity metrics were poor indicators of educational quality, while videos aligned with the clinical consensus statement demonstrated higher clarity and benefit.

Medical professionals should play a proactive role in creating accurate, accessible social media content to counter misinformation and guide patient understanding of ankyloglossia. However, given that engagement metrics do not favor accuracy, broader platform-level strategies and collaborations may be necessary to meaningfully counter health misinformation on social media.