Background <p>Appearance anxiety has become a growing public health concern among young adults; however, its psychological correlates remain inadequately explored, particularly within the realm of digital media engagement. This study examined the associations between problematic short-form video use and appearance anxiety, and whether self-esteem and boredom proneness accounted for part of this association.</p> Methods <p>A sample of 411 Chinese college students completed a battery of standardized scales assessing problematic short-form video use, self-esteem, boredom proneness, and appearance anxiety.</p> Results <p>Problematic short-form video use showed a large positive association with appearance anxiety. This association was partly explained by self-esteem and boredom proneness, both independently and sequentially, indicating significant indirect paths via lower self-esteem and higher boredom proneness.</p> Conclusions <p>These findings indicate that self-esteem and boredom proneness are important correlates linking problematic short-form video use and appearance anxiety among young adults. Although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inferences, the results point to the potential value of enhancing self-esteem and helping young people manage boredom may be promising avenues for future intervention efforts.</p>