A Cross-Sectional Study of the Portrayal of Vocal Health in YouTube Videos

Abstract

Purpose The current study examines metadata, upload source, type of informational content, understandability, and actionability of YouTube videos related to vocal health. Method A search for videos related to vocal health in YouTube was completed. Metadata (i.e., number of views, video length, thumbs-up, thumbs-down), upload source (i.e., consumer, professional, media), and type of informational content were identified. The Patient Education Material Assessment Tool for Audiovisual Materials was used to assess understandability and actionability of the 100 most frequently viewed videos. Results A total of 166 videos were obtained. The collective number of views was 19,799,299. A significant difference between video source groups was found for number of views and thumbs-down, but not for video length or thumbs-up. The YouTube videos were primarily educational, and a majority of the content focused on tips and techniques for professional voice users. Videos had adequate understandability (i.e., 71.5%) and actionability scores (i.e., 74%). Videos uploaded by consumers were superior to professional sources in actionability, but no difference was noted between video source for understandability. Conclusions Study insights about metadata, source, type of informational content, understandability, and actionability of YouTube videos may help professionals understand the nature of online content related to vocal health. Study implications and recommendations for further research are discussed.