One in four young adults actively seek news content on social media platforms, including TikTok. In that regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) and TikTok announced a year-long collaboration aimed at providing people with reliable, science-based health information.

With over 1 billion people as part of its global community, TikTok is using its platform and technology to raise health awareness and increase access to trustworthy information. By breaking stigmas, sharing impactful stories, providing resources to support those in need, and building strong communities, TikTok aims to make a positive impact on people’s well-being.

The decision to collaborate reflects WHO’s commitment to leveraging multiple digital communication platforms to increase outreach to people globally, to promote health literacy, healthy behaviors and actions in an increasingly digitized world.

According to Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist, the collaboration can prove to be an inflection point in how platforms can be more socially-responsible. The intersection of health and technology presents an opportunity to reach people of all ages, where they are, when they want to access, He noted that by working with TikTok and others, they are helping people access credible information and engage in scientific discourse that collectively helps shape a healthier future for all.

Valiant Richey, Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships at TikTok said. “We know that millions of people come to TikTok every day to share and find community in all areas of their life, including their well-being, and we strive to ensure they can find reliable information on this important topic. That’s why today we are delighted to be collaborating with the World Health Organization’s Fides network of health influencers, to further strengthen this commitment by bringing engaging and authoritative mental well-being content to our community.

WHO’s Fides network, launched in 2020, has been mobilizing health content creators to counter misinformation and elevate evidence-based content. With a community of over 800 creators reaching 150 million people across various platforms, Fides can help enhance targeted, credible communication to help people access better health information.

Dr Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He said, “Creators who understand their audience’s needs have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between science and everyday life. This is where WHO can step in to support influencers in delivering evidence-based information, ensuring that health conversations on platforms like TikTok are both impactful and informed.”

The collaboration will expand efforts around a number of relevant health topics, translating science-based information into relatable and digestible video content, with more support for influencers provided through TikTok’s creator training programs.