Swipe, watch, learn? An analysis of TikTok as a source of patient education on spondylolisthesis

TL;DR

TikTok videos about spondylolisthesis are mostly low quality, but those made by healthcare professionals are better.

Contribution

This study evaluates the educational quality of TikTok videos on spondylolisthesis and identifies factors linked to higher-quality content.

Findings

Most TikTok videos on spondylolisthesis showed low quality and limited reliability.

Videos by surgeons and physiotherapists scored significantly higher in quality.

Engagement metrics like likes and views did not predict educational value.

Abstract

Social media has become a major source of health information. TikTok, a rapidly expanding global platform that enables broad dissemination of medical content, yet the accuracy and reliability of such information remain uncertain. In this context, assessing the educational quality of videos on spondylolisthesis is of increasing clinical relevance.

To evaluate the quality, reliability, and educational value of TikTok videos on spondylolisthesis and identify factors associated with higher-quality content.

TikTok was searched in August 2025 using the keyword “spondylolisthesis.” Video metrics, uploader type and content category were recorded. Two orthopedic surgeons independently assessed reliability and quality using the DISCERN tool, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and Global Quality Score (GQS).

A total of 254 TikTok videos were screened, of which 82 met inclusion criteria, totaling 4.15 million views and 55,967 likes. Private users uploaded 46.3%, surgeons 28.0%, physiotherapists 23.2%, and researchers 2.4%. Overall quality was poor (DISCERN 34.1 ± 17.6; JAMA 1.8 ± 1.1; GQS 2.6 ± 1.1). Videos by surgeons and physiotherapists scored significantly higher (p < 0.001), and educational content outperformed patient experiences (p < 0.001). Longer videos correlated with higher quality scores, while engagement metrics were not predictive.

Most TikTok videos on spondylolisthesis showed low quality and limited reliability. Educational content produced by healthcare professionals performed better, while popularity metrics were not indicative of quality. Spine specialists should recognize TikTok's growing role in patient education and contribute accurate, evidence-based content to improve information quality.

•TikTok videos on spondylolisthesis are largely low in quality and reliability.•Videos created by surgeons and physiotherapists achieved higher quality ratings.•Longer and educational videos showed higher overall quality and value.•Engagement metrics (likes, views, shares) did not predict educational value.

TikTok videos on spondylolisthesis are largely low in quality and reliability.

Videos created by surgeons and physiotherapists achieved higher quality ratings.

Longer and educational videos showed higher overall quality and value.

Engagement metrics (likes, views, shares) did not predict educational value.

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