At a time when mental health has become increasingly important, TikTok has emerged as a platform for professionals to share their expertise and offer support to millions of users. Some of the top mental health professionals there utilize the platform to break down complex concepts, provide actionable advice, and foster a sense of community for those struggling with mental health issues. 

This listicle provides a list of experts who each brings their unique style and background to engage and educate their followers on a range of topics, from anxiety and depression to self-care and professional development:

1. Julie Smith, M.D. (@drjuliesmith)

4.6M followers

Dr. Julie is a clinical psychologist and author who shares “life-changing insights from therapy”—mainly tips on how to cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues. Unique to her content is her use of simple visual and tactile aids to effectively deliver her messages and keep her viewers watching till the end.

2. Riyan Portuguez, RPsy, RPm (@yourmillennialpsych)

239.9K followers

Riyan is a licensed psychologist who creates content that advocates for mental health, sharing small to big ways her viewers can care for theirs. She takes on a mentor or counselor role for her viewers by actively responding to their questions with healthy advice, while also inviting potential clients to book her professional services. Additionally, she shares knowledge and motivation for other aspiring mental health professionals. 

3. David Puder, M.D. (@dr.davidpuder)

105.7k followers

Dr. David is a psychiatrist and podcaster. He makes straightforward TikToks that educate his followers on various mental health topics, touching on them via common and relatable premises. Through his content, he empowers his audiences to check in on their mental and emotional resilience so they could more easily improve their overall quality of life.

4. Elle Malana (@elle.malana)

13.7K followers

Elle is a registered medical technologist, 4th-year med student, and mental health advocate. With her more mature and experienced take on medicine, she guides viewers through both the technical and emotional aspects of the practice. She also uses her wide knowledge to answer FAQs of common health concerns among her followers, ranging from diets to female reproductive health.

5. Justin Puder, PhD (@amoderntherapist) 

684.4k followers

Dr. Justin is a therapist and psychologist who invites viewers to “cry and laugh” through his content. Using a mix of trending audio, clearly labeled and subtitled videos, and relatable humor, he keeps audiences engaged while presenting them with an array of mental health and positive psychology topics. TikTok as a platform offers a valuable opportunity to connect with experts who can provide guidance and even go-to support in times of need. While social media is not a substitute for professional therapy or counseling, these creators can serve as a helpful starting point for understanding mental health issues and seeking further assistance.

Related Content:

• How Medfluencers are Changing the Face of Patient Education
• 5 Content Ideas for Your Next #HealthTok Video
• How TikTok is Creating Jobs for Filipino Content Creators

M2.0 Communications is a PR and digital marketing agency based in the Philippines specializing in business, technology, and lifestyle communication. We offer a range of services including influencer marketing and video production to help brands tell meaningful stories. Visit our Clients page to learn more about the brands we’ve worked with.

The post Mental Health Influencers to Follow on TikTok Now first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

While there are some criticisms on medical influencers, such as the possibility of misinformation from unqualified people, their positive impact cannot be denied. Besides credible information, medfluencers can inspire their followers to make smarter choices and adopt healthier lifestyles. In this article, we explore 10 ways medfluencers can benefit their viewers’ health:

1. Providing reliable health information

At the height of the pandemic, organizations like the World Health Organizations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, played a critical role in coordinating international response and providing guidance to governments and healthcare organizations around the world. However, this doesn’t mean that smaller medfluencers didn’t have their stake in keeping citizens safe and informed. Be it local individuals or global organizations, various health experts have been helping viewers navigate information overload and provide timely, accurate, and evidence-based knowledge.

2. Educating viewers about disease prevention

Medfluencers can share information about the importance of preventative health measures such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, and regular checkups.

3. Encouraging regular physical activity

In fact, a 2022 study found that US adults who viewed health-related YouTube videos were 1.33 times more likely to meet the WHO–recommended level of physical activity. Medfluencers, especially those who specialize in fitness and wellness, provide guidance on different types of physical activities and routines that can help viewers maintain a healthy weight, improve their cardiovascular health, and boost their mood.

4. Providing mental health support

Riyan Portuguez is a licensed psychologist who creates content that advocates for mental health, sharing small to big ways her viewers can care for theirs. Medical influencers like her offer advice on managing stress, anxiety, and depression, and provide resources for viewers to seek professional help if needed. 

5. Providing guidance on quitting harmful habits

When it comes to offering support and strategies for quitting harmful habits, medfluencers have got viewers covered. Their content can regularly remind people to avoid activities like smoking, excessive drinking, or drug use.

6. Sharing self-care practices

Most people would think that self-care is limited to using expensive products and subscribing to a certain idealized lifestyle. Medfluencers can offer more holistic advice on mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and other self-care practices that can help viewers manage stress and improve their overall well-being. 

7. Encouraging regular medical checkups

Medfluencers can emphasize the importance of regular medical checkups and offer tips for choosing healthcare providers and making the most of appointments. Some experts, like Dr. Sandra Lee (best known as Dr. Pimple Popper to the people of the internet), always make it a point to remind viewers that their content is not a substitute for proper medical care, and urge those who may need it to seek treatment.

8. Promoting healthy eating habits

Medfluencers can share information about healthy foods, portion control, and meal planning to help viewers make healthier food choices. Miranda Galati, a registered dietician on Instagram, regularly provides meal prep ideas and tips on how people can develop better relationships with food.

9. Advocating for public health policies

Medfluencers can advocate for policies and initiatives that promote quality healthcare for all and support healthy behaviors, such as bike-friendly infrastructure, access to nutritious food, and public parks. For instance, Dr. Tony Leachon is a prominent local influencer and former public official who is known for his frequent commentary in the media on a wide range of health-related issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic and health policy. 

10. Offering community support

Lastly, medfluencers are able to create communities of viewers. Together, they support each other in making healthy choices, providing accountability, and promoting social connections. 

Medfluencers have the ability to create supportive communities and share evidence-based information across multiple platforms, ensuring a wider and more diverse reach in audiences. Thus, they have the potential to help millions of people make positive changes in their lives and achieve better health outcomes.

Related Content

• 5 Ideas for Your Next #HealthTok Video
• Filipino med students to follow on TikTok
• 6 Influencers Taking Over #HealthTok Now
• How Med Students are Making the Most of Social Media Now

M2.0 Communications is a public relations firm that helps brands tell meaningful and compelling stories. We offer a range of PR and digital marketing services including influencer management, social media marketing, and video production. Visit our Clients page to learn more about the brands we collaborate with.

The post 10 Ways Medfluencers Can Improve Your Health Now first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

Taking a few pages from the playbooks of today’s most popular medical influencers, or medfluencers, we gathered a list of effective content ideas for reaching and engaging with more audiences on TikTok.

1. Answer their FAQs

People mainly follow medfluencers for timely and credible information, especially as we move on from the pandemic and continue to navigate a digital landscape wrought with misinformation. FAQ videos are therefore a tried and tested way creators can easily interact with their audience and offer helpful advice on their most pressing concerns.

2. Say it with dance or sound

TikTok is well-known for its dance challenges and trending sounds. Deliver pertinent information through text captions strategically placed throughout the dance, or use popular sounds to get a message across in a simple yet smart way.

3. Start a “healthy habits” series

Here’s a more wholesome break from the endless content stream on TikTok: Remind your viewers to take care of themselves, and that you care for them too. Highlight the small habits that can have a big impact on overall health, such as drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, taking breaks throughout the day, or any other habits specific to your practice. Show how easy it can be to incorporate these habits into daily life and save your viewers from an extra sick day off or more trips to the doctor or pharmacy.

4. Have a say on the latest health-related products or trends

Reaction videos are pretty common among experts across all sorts of fields. As a health expert, you can give your honest opinion on products or trends taking over everyone’s feeds at the moment. Whether it is a fad diet or a challenge people hop on for the extra likes, an expert’s opinion is highly valuable in debunking any misinformation and reducing the potential harm that it may cause to people’s health and lives. Not only is it a great way to convey that you provide up-to-date information, but it’s also a sure way to expose your videos to a larger audience outside your usual scope—namely those who actively follow these trends.

5. Show them a day in your life

When in doubt, just know that taking care of other people is still one of the best jobs in the world (somebody has to do it, and we’re truly thankful to you for it). Share a glimpse into your life or work, giving your followers an inside look at what you or your organization do. Anything goes, so you can be as straightforward or as creative with this as you like. As long as you’re able to pique people’s interest in what else you’re capable of, you can have them coming back for more content. 

These are just a few examples because the possibilities for TikTok content for medfluencers will always be endless. Whether you’re looking to raise awareness about a specific health issue, provide health tips and information, or encourage healthy behaviors, TikTok offers a fun and creative way to connect with your audience. 

M2.0 Communications is a digital marketing agency and public relations company in the Philippines that helps brands tell meaningful stories. M2 provides a range of PR and marketing services including social media management, influencer marketing, content development, and video production. Learn more about the companies we work with on our Clients Page.

The post 5 Content Ideas for Your Next #HealthTok Video first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

TikTok serves as a leading platform that integrates learning and entertainment through snackable videos—perfect for med students. As of writing, the #MedStudentPH hashtag on TikTok would show you that it has amassed 209.3M views. While the most popular hashtags on the site would gather trillions, hundreds of millions of views are still indicative not only of the sheer volume of content from med students around the Philippines but also the kind of value people find in it.

Here’s a few of the most popular Filipino med students on TikTok now:

Elle Malana (@elle.malana)

13.6K followers

Elle is a registered medical technologist, 4th-year med student, and mental health advocate. With her more mature and experienced take on medicine, she guides viewers through both the technical and emotional aspects of the practice. She also uses her wide knowledge to answer FAQs of common health concerns among her followers, ranging from diets to female reproductive health.

Noie Vilela (@noievilela)

60.5K followers

Noie is known for her funny and no filter TikToks depicting the ups and downs of medical school. As a clerk, these involve a lot of “mini journals” of her experiences on hospital duty which give viewers a glimpse of what it’s like working in multiple wards and different kinds of shifts. This makes her videos surprisingly full of heart as well, as the authenticity that goes into each TikTok clearly shows just how passionate and knowledgeable Noie is about her field.

Nate Argelio (@nateargelio)

24.4K followers

Even though Nate is fairly new to medical school (he just got in May of 2022), he doesn’t waste the opportunity to share new lessons and insights as he navigates through his first year. He offers a lot of helpful advice for aspiring doctors, plus study tips and materials for other students also taking up pre-med courses.

Bela Legaspi (@beli.button)

42.2K followers

Bela treats her TikTok as a “romanticized medschool diary” where she posts about her experiences as a third year med student. From sharing her honest thoughts on the specializations introduced at their level to raving about the newest jug she just bought, her “diary” shows viewers how she balances her life as both a doctor-in-training and go-getter Gen Z. 

Kayne Hernandez (@kaynehernandez)

27.9K followers

Kayne’s TikToks range from useful everyday advice for her peers, academic help (which includes specific tips for certain programs at her university), and very candid excerpts of her life as a med student. While Kayne does not shy away from showing her more personal side in her TikToks, she also doesn’t forget to remind her followers to take care of themselves in the process. She can usually be seen promoting exercise, proper sleep, and even skincare—all backed by her growing expertise as a future doctor. 

Through their social media presence, med students provide a window into the world of healthcare education and training, bringing the public health sector closer to more people within and outside their field—and to audiences typically younger like them too. From uploading educational vlogs to hopping on trending meme formats, med students bring their own brand of health communications that’s fresh, dynamic, and most importantly, relatable. 

Related Content:

• Top Filipino Medical Influencers on Facebook in 2023
• 5 tips for viral content from famous TikTokers on #HealthTok
• 6 Influencers Taking Over #HealthTok Now
• How Med Students are Making the Most of Social Media Now

M2.0 is a communication agency specializing in business, technology, and lifestyle communication. We offer a range of PR services including reputation management, social media management, and video production to help you tell compelling and meaningful stories.

The post 5 Filipino Med Students to Follow on TikTok first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

In the past few years, social media has given many kinds of practitioners an instant platform. This doesn’t exclude practitioners-to-be—particularly med students who, just like everyone else, use social media to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and topics. Med students utilize social media to build connections with experts within and beyond their industry. 

With the former, they often seek expertise from medical professionals and professors on social media. On #MedTwitter, plenty of experts post quick and easy-to-access materials for learners. Brown Hospital Medicine keeps its audiences sharp by quizzing them on diagnoses based on sample data and pictures they provide for certain medical conditions.

Besides using social media as an educational platform, medical students often learn more by sharing their own insights and perspectives on what they have learned so far while in training. For instance, some students announce their published works on microblogging platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Threads on Twitter have become an optimal way to make comprehensive bits of knowledge easier to read and understand.

What they share isn’t limited to just medical knowledge either. Some students can also share their experiences in med school. These can range from vlogs documenting a day in their life to a brief rundown of their best study practices. This type of content provides valuable takeaways and inspiration for many audiences, from peers and aspiring healthcare workers to anyone just scrolling through their For You pages.

ALSO READ: How Medfluencers are Changing the Face of Patient Education

Finally, social media can also be used as a platform for advocacy and social change for these professionals-to-be. In the same way that experts use the #MedTwitter to discuss current healthcare policies, share their experiences with patients, and advocate for social change in the healthcare industry, med students do so too. With the added factor of representing the younger generation most of the time, they shed light on issues gaining prominence among Millennials and Gen Z such as work-life balance, mental health support, and progressive healthcare policies they believe in—not just for patients, but for themselves as well.

In conclusion, social media has become an essential tool for med students to spread information, share study practices, and learn from other experts. By connecting with other students and experts, sharing their research, organizing study materials, and advocating for social change, med students can use social media to enhance their learning, as well as become fresh faces of the health community they are about to serve.

Related Content:

• The Medfluencer: A New Variant of Social Media Influencers
• Top Filipino Medical Influencers on Facebook in 2023
• 5 tips for viral content from famous TikTokers on #HealthTok
• “Let me explain”: How small-town pharma Arshie Larga became a TikTok star

M2.0 Communications is a public relations company that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communication. We offer a range of services including reputation management, social media management, and video production to help you tell compelling and meaningful stories.

The post How Med Students are Making the Most of Social Media Now first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

“Self-care” is a buzzword that has been around for some time now. The World Health Organization defines it as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” Oxford Languages defines it as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, particularly during periods of stress.” 

But coined by the medical community in the 1950s and owned by marginalized activists in the following decades, it’s also notably backed by an unlikely radical history. Over time, it’s been iterated into a concept one would typically associate with home exercise videos, ice cream on bad days, and bath bombs.

Given, self-care can look different for everyone, depending on their needs, preferences, goals, and challenges—with the ultimate goal of “‘positive health’ rather than just the absence of illness.” 

The rise of social media has led to a new generation of health influencers who are changing the way we view self-care. With millions of followers and a global audience, health influencers have become a powerful force in shaping our attitudes towards self-care and healthy living. What does it mean now, and how have health influencers shaped our understanding and practice of it over the years?

Self-care and social media

“Self-care is anything that you do for yourself that feels nourishing,” Marni Amsellem, a licensed psychologist, once said. 

In the 1960s to ‘70s, self-care used to be about maintaining the physical body through hygiene, nutrition, and medical care. This made the practice very clinical in nature. With social media becoming a valuable platform for many kinds of movements, it helped revitalize the campaign for mental health among others as well. Thus, more people were able to share stories, raise awareness, seek support, and mobilize for change for their less talked about conditions.

Health influencers have challenged the traditional view of self-care as a luxury and have promoted a more inclusive and accessible approach to healthy living. By sharing their personal experiences and struggles with physical and mental health, they’ve helped break down the stigma surrounding these issues. They also encouraged their followers to get the care they need and to practice more compassion towards themselves and others. 

Different social media sites have promoted self-care in unique ways too. Twitter has become a platform for users to share quick tips and resources on self-care, as well as to connect with others who are also on their own self-care journey (@tinycarebot is a personal favorite). Instagram could be credited for popularizing the “self-care aesthetic” with its focus on visual content, but it effectively curates informative posts and more recently, Reels, too. The same could be said for TikTok which has become a hub for short-form videos showcasing routines, recipes, and even daily affirmations. Meanwhile, YouTube houses longer-form content, such as tutorials, guided meditations and workouts, and vlogs that offer a more in-depth look.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, everyone suddenly had more time—and need—for morning meditations and Chloe Ting workouts (speaking from experience) touted on these sites. Just like that, self-care became a more popular way of coping with the stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Many people have shared their self-care routines and tips online to inspire others and create a sense of community.

From influencers to advocates

Talking about self-care does not have to be limited to medical experts or activists anymore. It’s so universal and all-encompassing, even K-Pop idols can become ambassadors for it. Anyone can share their experiences and insights on what works for their physical and mental well-being. While it is a legitimate health concern like any other and medical professionals can always offer valuable expertise, it is important to recognize that self-care is a personal and ongoing journey, and everyone’s needs and experiences are unique.

While it’s a caveat that some influencers may promote unrealistic or unhealthy standards of wellness, fitness, or beauty, preventing this is a shared responsibility among creators and audiences. Influencers can avoid setting these unattainable standards by being conscious of the messaging and imagery they share, striving for authenticity and inclusivity in their content, and recognizing the impact their platform has on their followers. Audiences, on the other hand, must be mindful of the content they consume, actively seeking out diverse and inclusive perspectives, and prioritizing practices that align with their individual needs, resources, and values.

Self-care “experts” don’t have to be influencers with big followings to get a message across, either. Any advocate can post content about activities they do and products they use to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. They can also provide valuable information, tips, advice, and resources on various aspects of wellness, encouraging audiences to adopt more holistic habits, try new things, and challenge themselves in small yet impactful ways. 

Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all concept—it is a personal journey that requires constant adjustment and experimentation. Advocates can be helpful guides along the way but ultimately we are responsible for our own wellness. And when taking advice from millions of strangers online on how to be well gets overwhelming, just remember that logging out is its own form of self-care too.

Related Content:

• The Medfluencer: A New Variant of Social Media Influencers
• How Medfluencers are Changing the Face of Patient Education 
• Top Filipino Medical Influencers on Facebook in 2023
• 5 Tips for Viral Content from Famous TikTokers on #HealthTok
• “Let me explain”: How small-town pharma Arshie Larga became a TikTok star

M2.0 Communications is a Philippines-based PR agency that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communications. We offer a range of PR services including crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and influencer management. Find out more about our work on our case studies page.

The post How Health Influencers are Changing the Way We Approach Self-care first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

Here are 6 licensed healthcare professionals, local and international, who use the short-form platform to educate the public about various medical topics. They include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other medical professionals. From quick explainers to funny skits, they not only specialize in their fields but also a range of #HealthToks that rake in millions of views.

1. Morgan McSweeney, Ph.D. (@dr.noc)

Morgan is a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences and immunology who has established himself as a trusted voice in the TikTok medical community over the COVID-19 pandemic. Going by Dr. Noc on social media, he shares quick educational and informative content related to various medical topics, such as common health conditions, medical procedures, and health tips. Sticking to his purpose of debunking misinformation on COVID-19, he has since moved on to debunking other myths and misconceptions concerning our health. 

2. Arshie Larga, Pharm.D. (@arshielife)

Arshie is a Filipino pharmacist who’s best known for his short explainers on his bread and butter, medicine. Much like how our favorite teacher from high school makes learning new topics fun, Arshie takes his vast expertise as a pharmacist, from prescription drugs to over-the-counter cures, and shares it in a way that doesn’t make viewers feel dumb. His informative, sometimes even heartwarming, content has earned him the nickname of “the Philippines’ next Health secretary.”

ALSO READ: How Small-Town Pharma Arshie Larga became a TikTok star

3. Maggie Printz, M.D. (@magnoliaprintzmd)

Maggie is a board certified anaesthesiologist who shares her expertise from years in the operating room, from must-knows before a surgery to funny, relatable takes of her experiences during one. She also believes in shedding a more human light on medical training and the subsequent profession, while openly talking about how it is to be a wife and mother alongside her full-time practice. 

4. Winston Kilimanjaro Creones Tiwaquen, M.D. (@dockilimanguru)

A quick look at the profile of Winston Tiwaquen, more popularly known to Dr. Kilimanguru, would give you an idea of how he’s the go-to general consultant for the most common and burning health concerns of millions of Filipinos. His mile-a-minute FAQ videos (literally) are straightforward, rapid-fire, and posted daily, once or twice a day. This has allowed him to establish his presence and build his kili-kili community (trans. “armpit”) online.

In 2021, Dr. Kilimanguru won the Top Creative Award from the first ever TikTok Awards Philippines. Currently, he also uses his platform to direct patients to book teleconsultations with him.

5. Riyan Portuguez, RPsy, RPm (@yourmillennialpsych)

Riyan is a licensed psychologist who creates content that advocates for mental health, sharing small to big ways her viewers can care for theirs. She takes on a mentor or counselor role for her viewers by actively responding to their questions with healthy advice, while also inviting potential clients to book her professional services. Additionally, she shares knowledge and motivation for other aspiring mental health professionals. 

6. Will Flanary, M.D. (@drglaucomflecken) 

As a 6th grader, Will Flanary only wanted to do two things: Be a doctor and tell jokes. Better known as Dr. Glaucomflecken on social media, Will makes skits about life as a healthcare worker from residency to practice, usually starring a slew of specialists all played by himself. At the same time, he imparts medical knowledge in a niche yet entertaining way. Like Maggie, he uses his platform to “promote humanity, and a healthy sense of humor, in healthcare.”

Medfluencers on TikTok also play an important role in addressing the spread of misinformation on the internet by providing accurate and evidence-based information on health topics. Through their engaging and educational content, medfluencers play an important role in improving public health literacy and empowering individuals to make more informed decisions about their health.

Related Content

• How Medfluencers are Changing the Face of Patient Education 
• Top Filipino Medical Influencers on Facebook in 2023
• 5 Tips for Viral Content from Famous TikTokers on #HealthTok
• Why are we so addicted to pimple popping videos?

M2.0 is a communication agency and PR company in the Philippines that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communication. We offer a range of services including public relations, reputation management, influencer strategy and management, and video production to help brands tell compelling and meaningful stories.

The post 6 Influencers Taking Over #HealthTok Now first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

Up to 80% of people ages 11 to 30 experience acne at least one point in their lives. It’s more common among teens because acne is caused by too much sebum, the natural oil found on hair and skin, and sebum is affected by hormones, which change a lot throughout puberty. So if you worried a lot over acne in high school—maybe even as an adult—you’re not alone.

Perhaps that’s why it’s such a common yet understated joy to stand in front of a mirror and pop those annoying zits to oblivion—until they turn into more permanent scars, that is. (Don’t worry, we’re all entitled to our guilty pleasures, and we’ve all dealt with our fair share of blemishes anyway.) Here lies the massive appeal of Dr. Sandra Lee’s content. Famously known as Dr. Pimple Popper on the internet, Sandra is the celebrity dermatologist who has infamously captivated millions of viewers with clips of procedures where she busts open bumps, presses on pustules, and coaxes out cysts till they’re drained and deflated. Her success has even led to her own TV show of the same name, which is now on its eighth season (that’s a lot of pus!).

Capitalizing on ick

For anyone who’s ever done it (who hasn’t?), the act of popping a pimple can provide a feeling of release or relief, similar to how one might feel after scratching an itch. When the pimple is popped, the accumulated pus and oil are removed from the skin, which can provide a sense of satisfaction and completion.

Additionally, some people may find the visual aspect of pimple popping videos interesting or even therapeutic. Watching the process of removing a pimple can be a form of visual stimulation or even relaxation for some individuals. Some may also feel a sense of satisfaction from seeing the transformation of the skin from blemished to clear.

And while the reasons pimple popping videos can be satisfying to some people do stack up, we still acknowledge that they’re not for everyone. After all, they’re also hinged on shock factor. Shock factor can be important in making content because it captures people’s attention and provokes a strong emotional response. Content creators often aim to elicit reactions from their audiences, whether it’s laughter, sadness, anger, or surprise, because these can increase engagement and drive viewership. This can be especially important in a crowded media landscape where there are many competing sources of content vying for people’s attention.

Sandra utilizes this well not just through the very nature of her content, but also her choice of titles, thumbnail previews, and more recently, with the rise of TikTok and Instagram reels, trendy music. Her videos contain all the ingredients of the perfect clickbait-worthy content, except for one thing—they aren’t.

ALSO READ: This is Probably Clickbait

Content that relies on intriguing subject matter to attract viewers can sometimes be exploitative or unethical, and can even promote harmful behavior, but Sandra is able to put the “value” in “shock value.” Content creators have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact their content can have on their audiences, and Sandra is fully aware of this. Before each Youtube video, she makes it a point to state that her videos are for education purposes and are “not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.” In short, they’re not meant to be tried at home alone, without the help of a licensed expert. Attempting to do so can lead to skin damage, infection, scarring, and more serious complications.

A medfluencer oozing with appeal—and compassion

Outside the implications of DIY pimple popping or maybe watching enough videos to make you lose your appetite come lunchtime, the Dr. Pimple Popper channel proves it’s not just for views when it benefits the patients it features in more ways than one. Sandra goes beyond compensating them with free or discounted treatments. Her program shows how her expertise can help people through debilitating conditions by giving them lasting relief and a new lease on life.

The real point of Dr. Pimple Popper is that outer blemishes, much like beauty, are only skin deep. While pus-filled blisters or scaly psoriasis are embarrassing to those who have them and upsetting to those who don’t understand, they’re nothing to be ashamed of. The lighthearted and empathetic way Sandra addresses her procedures is important in promoting greater acceptance towards them. This alone presents a key facet of health communications, as it not only spreads awareness on certain conditions, but also encourages those who might have them to seek the treatment they need.

Related Content:

• The Medfluencer: A New Variant of Social Media Influencers
• How Medfluencers are Changing the Face of Patient Education 
• Top Filipino Medical Influencers on Facebook in 2023
• 5 Tips for Viral Content from Famous TikTokers on #HealthTok
• “Let me explain”: How small-town pharma Arshie Larga became a TikTok star

M2.0 Communications is a PR company that specializes in business, technology, and lifestyle communication. We offer a range of services including public relations, reputation management, influencer management, and video production to help brands tell compelling and meaningful stories.

The post Why Are We So Addicted to Pimple Popping Videos first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

What’s the best way to get people to pay attention to health? And not just by telling them to work out or eat vegetables more, but keeping them informed of public health issues, which can help increase awareness and support for initiatives that address these at a larger scale.

It’s simple: Meet them where they are.

Over the pandemic, experts and organizations used social media to provide updates on the latest developments in the pandemic and to answer questions from followers. As a result, medical influencers or “medfluencers” became increasingly popular as people sought out reliable, trustworthy sources for information about COVID-19. TikTok, in particular, was the main platform for these medfluencers. With 1.5 billion active users as of November, this makes it the perfect platform for health professionals to promote public health campaigns, such as flu shots or handwashing. 

ALSO READ: How Small-Town Pharma Arshie Larga Became A TikTok Star

If you or your organization are looking to join the ranks of these medfluencers, here are five tried and tested techniques from the leading expert-creators for making viral #HealthToks:

1. Keep it short.

Remember that TikToks are usually 15-60 seconds long, so keep your content concise and to the point. Focus on one clear message, rather than trying to cram in too much information. Captions can also be an effective way to ensure your video is quick and easy to understand and of course, accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Dr. Noc (@dr.noc) always displays the topics of his videos on the thumbnails, maximizes auto-captions, and keeps his content under 60 seconds. 

Hashtags can also do more of the talking for you in the caption. They boost engagement and increase the reach and visibility of a post by making it more easily discoverable to users who are searching for that particular topic.

2. Use visuals and music. 

When you’re dealing with a lot of medical information that’s new to many people, incorporating visuals such as photos, graphics, and other videos into your TikTok can make it more engaging and digestible for viewers. Doc John the Dentist (@docjohnthedentist) uses videos from his procedures to answer related questions from his followers.

Music adds an extra layer of entertainment too, so choose a catchy song that fits the theme of your content. Dr. Bea Chan (@beamaxinemd) and Dr. Noc always use popular songs and TikTok trends in their content to help it get noticed and shared by a wider audience.

3. Keep it light and relatable.

Make humorous videos to lighten the mood while still conveying important health messages. Dr. Will Flanary, who goes by Dr. Glaucomflecken on the internet (@drglaucomflecken), makes skits about working at a hospital and imparts medical knowledge in a niche yet entertaining way. 

But it’s not enough to be funny—you have to be relatable too. Use simple and easy-to-understand language in your videos and engage with followers by consistently responding to their comments and messages.

4. Be collaborative.

Collaborating with other content creators is important because it allows you to combine your strengths and reach a wider audience. This can be beneficial for both parties, as combining different styles and points of view can lead to higher engagement rates and more diverse content that appeals to a larger demographic. KonsultaMD (@konsultamd) is a health app that features varied content from all their doctors on-call.

Another way to be collaborative is by sharing useful resources or links at the end of your TikTok. This not only builds credibility and trustworthiness as a health expert but also encourages viewers to be more proactive in staying informed.

5. Track analytics.

It’s not just illnesses that need a diagnosis. Maximizing the analytics feature on TikTok can enable any creator to see what’s working and what needs improvement. Analytics can help identify trends or opportunities for growth, so you can continue to reach more people with effective and purposeful content.

Adapting to short-form video content starred on platforms like TikTok is one of the best ways to launch a campaign at present. It appeals to a mobile-first generation, providing an easy-to-consume, interactive, and entertaining format that can communicate even complex or nuanced topics on healthcare. When leveraged on the expertise and following of established medfluencers, it can guarantee the reach and effectiveness of any health communications campaign.

M2.0 is a communications firm that has been helping brands tell meaningful, data-driven narratives. As a company offering influencer marketing and PR services in the Philippines, M2 has built an extensive network of media contacts and social media influencers to help our partners with their PR and marketing strategies.

The post 5 Tips for Viral Content from Famous TikTokers on #HealthTok first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..

Over the COVID-19 pandemic, there had been a significant rise in the number of medical influencers on social media. With people spending more time on social media in quarantine, many turned to these platforms for credible information and updates on the pandemic.  In fact, medfluencers got so big that we already wrote a whole article about them here. 

Fighting misinformation was a chief concern since the early days of the pandemic. Back when people were taking horse medicine and drinking bleach based on popular advice, medfluencers realized the importance of fact-checked, lifesaving information made easily available online. And so, they took matters into their own hands. 

Established groups like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were valuable resources for practitioners and patients alike. Through social media, they released timely and comprehensive information on COVID-19.  Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the White House; Dr. Vin Gupta, a critical care pulmonologist and NBC News medical analyst; and Dr. Helen Boucher, an infectious disease specialist, shared information about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines on Facebook and Twitter.

Improving patient education and outcomes for free

Before the pandemic, the expertise and experience medfluencers shared have already been valuable to patient education. The goal of patient education is to empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare and make informed decisions about their treatment. Time and again, medfluencers have helped bridge the gap between professionals at facilities and the general public. They not only simplify complex medical concepts, but also provide a mostly free platform for people to get personalized advice. Coinciding with the rise of telemedicine in lieu of physical consultations, online medical advice has helped bring quality healthcare closer to patients with limited access to it.

Dr. Willie Ong is an internal medicine specialist and cardiologist, who is well-known for providing free medical advice on social media platforms such as Facebook since 2013, and YouTube since 2007. He uses these platforms to share information about various topics including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as answer questions from the public.

There’s also Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, better known as “Doctor Mike,” who is a family physician, professional boxer, and Internet star. He first gained fame through his “Doctor Mike” Instagram account. He regularly shares various pieces of advice on health and wellness, along with his experiences in the field.

Additionally, they can help increase patient engagement and compliance with treatment plans, which can result in better outcomes. For instance, Arshie Larga is a breakout medfluencer who has become one of the most famous TikTokers and Twitter users in the Philippines. As a licensed pharmacist, he would post quick explainers on the proper dosage and effects of common prescription and over-the-counter medications he encountered regularly at work. His content has also been co-opted by the Department of Health to spread awareness on generic drugs.

A 2022 study found that US adults who viewed health-related YouTube videos were 1.33 times more likely to meet the WHO–recommended level of physical activity. This suggests that people with more exposure to free and engaging health content took better care of their health.

An earlier study by Twitter in 2015 also found that health-related conversations on the site “has been a goldmine for the field of epidemiology in that people are often very open and candid about their health issues in Tweets.” Dr. John Brownstein, one of the earliest innovators in “web epidemiology,” “has used Twitter data to study a myriad of interrelated public health issues including chronic disease, disease detection, [and] quality of patient care.” This has helped Brownstein and his team track flu outbreaks on a city-level and determine the side-effects of common medications such as antidepressants and over-the-counter medicines. 

With more medfluencers leading informative discussions online, the field—along with improved patient outcomes—can only be expected to grow in the coming years.

Patient beware: An important caveat to medfluencers

While medfluencers and the wider use of social media have grown awareness over the past decade, there are negative implications to it too. Medfluencers’ increasing popularity has led others to argue that some personalities may be unreliable or unqualified, leading them to promote unproven or dangerous treatments—and we can’t say they’re wrong. Some influencers have promoted treatments, diets, or supplements that are not supported by scientific evidence, and may even be harmful. Even verified accounts on Twitter share anti-vaxx sentiment to this day.

However, this shouldn’t deter medfluencers who have the public’s best interests at heart. While their content can’t fully replace actual medical advice and treatment from a healthcare facility, they can still maximize social media as a platform to improve more people’s lives. Ultimately, it boils down to proper media literacy—and being social media-savvy—for the tried and true experts to win against the algorithm and deliver information that’s as correct as it is inclusive.

Related Content

• Why are we so addicted to pimple popping videos?
• Top Filipino Medical Influencers on Facebook in 2023
• 5 Tips for Viral Content from Famous TikTokers on #HealthTok
• “Let me explain”: How small-town pharma Arshie Larga became a TikTok star

M2.0 Communications is a Philippines-based PR company helping brands and businesses engage their target audience through meaningful narratives. We specialize in PR advisory, influencer management, stakeholder communication, reputation management, video production, and media training.

The post How Medfluencers are Changing the Face of Patient Education first appeared on M2.0 Communications Inc..