Quality, Reliability, and Engagement of Lumbar Disc Herniation Videos Across Major Short-Video Platforms: A Cross-Platform Analysis

Background and Objective Short-video platforms have become major sources of medical information, yet the quality of lumbar disc herniation (LDH)–related content remains unclear across China’s most widely used platforms. To evaluate the quality, reliability, transparency, and engagement of LDH-related short videos on TikTok, Bilibili, and Kuaishou. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of 297 Chinese-language LDH videos (100 per platform) was conducted. Videos were categorized by uploader type and content theme and assessed using DISCERN, JAMA benchmarks, and the Global Quality Score (GQS). Engagement metrics and platform differences were examined using appropriate statistical tests. Results Professional creators produced 69.1% of videos, with traditional Chinese medicine practitioners contributing the largest proportion. Overall information quality was low, with most DISCERN items scoring 1–2. Spine specialists and other medical specialists achieved significantly higher DISCERN Section 2 and Q16 scores than traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Preventive content had the poorest quality. Bilibili videos demonstrated higher adherence to DISCERN and JAMA Q1–Q2 criteria, whereas TikTok and Kuaishou generated substantially greater engagement but lower quality scores. JAMA currency and disclosure standards (Q3–Q4) showed 0% compliance across all platforms. Quality metrics showed only weak correlations with engagement. Conclusions LDH-related short videos on major Chinese platforms exhibit low overall quality, limited transparency, and substantial platform- and creator-level variation. Enhancing content standards, improving verification mechanisms, and promoting evidence-based communication are essential to strengthen the reliability of spinal health information on short-video platforms.