Quality and reliability of glioma treatment videos on Chinese short-video platforms: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundShort-video platforms increasingly influence patients' access to glioma treatment information; however, the quality and reliability of such content remain unclear.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed 200 high-visibility Chinese-language videos on TikTok and Bilibili (TikTok, n = 103; Bilibili, n = 97). Videos were evaluated for engagement metrics, uploader characteristics, and content coverage. Information quality and reliability were assessed using the Global Quality Score, modified DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool.ResultsTikTok videos were shorter and received greater user engagement than Bilibili videos, while also achieving higher Global Quality Score and modified DISCERN scores. Professional uploaders provided more reliable and evidence-based content, whereas non-professional videos were longer and attracted significantly more comments (p < 0.001); differences in likes, collections, and shares were not statistically significant. Only 30.0% of videos addressed grade- or molecular-specific treatment pathways, and prognostic factors were discussed in only 15.5% of videos; recurrence management and long-term care were seldom covered. Engagement metrics were weakly correlated with quality scores, indicating a mismatch between popularity and information quality.ConclusionsChinese-language short videos on glioma treatment provide accessible but uneven patient education. Verified medical authorship, guideline-based content labeling, and quality-weighted recommendation strategies may improve the visibility of trustworthy information.