The quality and reliability of videos related to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy on TikTok and WeChat Channel: Cross-sectional study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a relatively common hereditary cardiomyopathy. Online videos about HCM have surged, yet the quality and reliability of the information presented are still unknown. OBJECTIVE To Assess the Quality of Videos Related to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) on Short-Video Platforms. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used. TikTok and WeChat channels were searched in 2025 for HCM-related videos. Eligible videos were evaluated for completeness, quality, and reliability using GQS and DISCERN tools. Spearman correlation analysis of relationships among video variables and scores. RESULTS TikTok videos were more popular in terms of likes, comments, saves, and shares (P < 0.001), even though the videos on WeChat Channel were longer in duration (P < 0.001). Short videos on both platforms were generally of low quality. TikTok had a higher percentage of low-quality videos (55.9%) compared to WeChat Channel (44.1%). Median score of GQS was 3 on both platforms (TikTok range:2-3; WeChat Channel:2-4). Median score of DISCERN was slightly higher on WeChat Channel (33) than on TikTok (32). Scores varied more on WeChat (range 27-40 vs. 27-34 on TikTok). Both reviewers scored the videos consistently. Videos uploaded by professional individuals demonstrated higher scores than others on the WeChat Channel. Longer Videos tended to have higher quality scores on both platforms. The positive correlation between video length and quality score was stronger on TikTok. CONCLUSIONS Videos on TikTok and WeChat channels generally lack quality and reliability. Content uploaded by professionals is significantly reliable. Video quality correlates with uploader type and duration, highlighting the need for stricter platform authentication. Healthcare professionals and organizations should pay attention to short videos as an important method of providing more accurate, scientific, and comprehensive health information. Patients and the public should critically evaluate health information on social media to avoid misinformation. CLINICALTRIAL