Effects of TikTok food ads on calorie consumption in youth
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining How TikTok Influencers' Posts With Vs. Without Food Differentially Affect Youth Dietary Choices
Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT05777486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how food ads on TikTok affect what kids aged 10 to 13 choose to buy and eat.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 10 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 17, 2023 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05777486 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are youth aged 10-13 who identify as non-Latino White or Black/African American and use TikTok daily.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not meet the age, racial identity, or TikTok usage criteria will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates how food advertisements posted by TikTok influencers influence calorie purchases among youth aged 10 to 13. Participants will be randomly assigned to view either food-related influencer ads or non-food-related ads. After viewing the ads, they will complete a food purchasing task in an online store featuring various food and beverage items. The study aims to understand the impact of social media marketing on dietary choices in a young demographic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how influencer marketing affects dietary habits in children, potentially guiding healthier advertising practices.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on social media marketing exist, this specific approach focusing on TikTok influencer ads and their direct impact on calorie consumption is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be 10-13 years old * Identify as only non-Latino White or only Black/African American * Report that they log into TikTok at least once daily * Read and speak English Exclusion Criteria: • Any criteria not met as listed above will bar an adolescent from participating in the study
Where it's running
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NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marie Bragg, PhD — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Zora Hall
- Email: Zora.hall@nyulangone.org
- Phone: (646) 501-3716
Similar studies
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How social media ads affect teens' food choices.
This project will test whether racially matched Facebook food ads and visible 'likes' change food purchases and calorie intake among Black and White teens aged 13–17.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.