This study aims to assess the contents of COVID-19 vaccine related videos available on iQiYi, which is a popular video website in mainland China.

The phrases “新型冠状病毒疫苗”(COVID-19 vaccine) and “新冠疫苗”(the abbreviation of “新型冠状病毒疫苗” according to Chinese habits), were searched separately on iQiYi on July 1, 2021. The 200 most popular videos of each search were screened. Video content and characteristics were identified, extracted and independently rated against Global Quality Scale (GQS), Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONCode) and DISCERN principle by the 2 authors.

A total of 90 videos, with a total of 1165596 views, 14498 likes, and 1450 forwards as well as 95 comments at the time of data collection were included in the study. The channels, sources, topics, and formats of the videos were diversified. The majority of videos received high scores on GQS and all the videos partly adhere to HONCode and DISCERN principle.

Overall quality of information on iQiYi regarding COVID-19 vaccines remains good. However, existing evaluation tools cannot reflect the complexity of video websites. New and more effective tools or standards should be developed to help people understand the modern landscape of health communication better.