Video in Chinese short video sharing platforms as a source of information on sleep disorders: A cross-sectional content analysis study

Objective This study was designed to systematically evaluate the reliability and quality of content related to sleep disorders on four leading Chinese short-form video platforms (TikTok, Bilibili, Kwai, and Xiaohongshu) to inform strategies to improve the dissemination of accurate health information in China. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in March 2025, in which 400 short videos related to sleep disorders were identified and included. These videos were published between 2022 and 2025 on four major short-form video platforms. Video quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), JAMA benchmark criteria (JAMA), and a modified version of the DISCERN tool. Influencing factors were examined using Spearman correlation analysis and Poisson regression, with all multiple comparisons adjusted using the Bonferroni correction. Results Video popularity metrics and quality scores (GQS, JAMA, modified DISCERN) were significantly higher on TikTok than on other platforms (Adjusted P < .001). The quality of videos produced by physicians (64%) was better than that of laypersons (Adjusted P < .005), with the quality of videos produced by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners significantly higher than that of Clinical medicine practitioners (Adjusted P < .05). The highest quality scores were found for videos presented as expert commentary (52%). After Bonferroni correction, quality differences among specific “disease knowledge” categories were no longer statistically significant (Adjusted P > .05). Although user interaction metrics showed a statistically significant correlation with quality scores (Adjusted P < .001), the Spearman correlation coefficients were weak to moderate ( r = .18–.33), indicating the practical association was limited. Conclusions Information on sleep disorders on Chinese short-video platforms is of low quality. These findings are specific to the Chinese digital ecosystem and may not be generalizable to global platforms. Content posted by medical professionals (especially TCM practitioners) was associated with higher reliability scores, suggesting a potential role for professional oversight in improving the quality of sleep disorder information on short video platforms.