Sunscreen Myths Draw TikTok Engagement - Report - MDSpire
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Sunscreen Myths Draw TikTok Engagement

Health-related critiques of sunscreen were uncommon, but videos containing critique drew more audience interaction than promotion-only videos.

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • June 19, 2026

  • 7 min

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Sunscreen Myths Draw TikTok Engagement

Overview

A content analysis of TikTok videos revealed that while most promoted sunscreen use, a small number of videos criticizing sunscreen attracted significantly higher engagement.

Background

Skin cancer remains a significant public health issue, with rising incidence rates in the United States. This analysis provides insights into the types of content patients may encounter online.

Data Highlights

Video TypeCountEngagement Metrics
Promotion Only801Mean views not significantly different
Promotion and Critique42Statistically significantly more shares and comments
Critique Only16Roughly twice the mean likes, >4 times shares, ~3 times comments

Key Findings

  • 87% of analyzed videos promoted sunscreen use.
  • 62% of promotional videos featured specific products.
  • 6% of videos raised health concerns about sunscreen.
  • Critique-only videos had significantly higher engagement metrics compared to promotion-only videos.
  • Medical professionals appeared in 8% of the videos analyzed.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the prevalent misinformation regarding sunscreen on social media platforms.

Conclusion

The findings from this analysis highlight the engagement patterns of sunscreen-related content on social media.

Related Resources & Content

  1. PLOS Digital Health, 2024 -- Sunscreen Myths Draw TikTok Engagement
  2. The ASCO Post — Capitalizing on Increased Interest in Skin Cancer During Summer to Reeducate People About Sunscreens and ‘Smart Sun Strategies’
  3. JAMA Dermatology — Sun Protection 101—Your Guide to Sunscreen
  4. ada news — Debunking dental trends
  5. Final Recommendation Statement: Skin Cancer Prevention: Behavioral Counseling
  6. Sun Protection 101—Your Guide to Sunscreen
  7. Reduced Melanoma After Regular Sunscreen Use: Randomized Trial Follow-Up
  8. FDA Expands Sunscreen Options for the First Time in 20 Years | FDA

Original Source(s)

Sunscreen Myths Draw TikTok Engagement

  • by Kerri Miller

  • June 19, 2026

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