Introduction: Cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) are congenital craniofacial anomalies classified under orofacial clefts, affecting approximately 15 per 10,000 live births. With the growing use of social media for health information, YouTube™^(Trademark) has become a common source of patient education. However, the reliability of such content is uncertain; therefore, this study evaluated the quality and credibility of YouTube™ videos on cleft lip and palate.
Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was conducted in March 2024 using a cleared browsing history. The keywords “cleft lip,” “cleft palate,” and “cleft lip and palate” were searched on YouTube™, and the top 100 most-viewed English-language videos were included. Two calibrated dental professionals independently assessed all videos using a predefined checklist, followed by a consensus discussion to resolve discrepancies. Videos were categorized as excellent, moderate, or poor based on information quality. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation tests.
Results: The mean number of views per video was 516,279.88, with average likes (5,069.79), dislikes (1,341.03), and comments (75.26) with mean viewing rate (341,437.68) and interaction index (0.656). Only 8% of healthcare professional–uploaded videos were rated excellent, while 56% were moderate and 36% poor. A strong correlation existed between viewers’ interaction index and viewing rate (r = 1.00, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Most YouTube™ videos on cleft lip and palate lack scientific accuracy and completeness. As public reliance on online sources grows, promoting evidence-based, professionally produced educational videos is essential. Healthcare institutions and policymakers should promote digital literacy and direct viewers to reliable sources.