This study aims to investigate the dissemination effectiveness and optimization strategies for English-language scientific journals of China on overseas social media platforms. Given the increasing importance of social media in academic communication, understanding how journals of China perform on global platforms can help enhance their international visibility and influence. The study analyzes the dissemination of 434 scientific journals of China across five major platforms— X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok—evaluating their effectiveness from three key perspectives: cognition, attitude, and behavior. By applying the entropy weight method to determine the weight of each indicator, the study develops a scientific and systematic evaluation framework for assessing the dissemination outcomes of these journals. The findings highlight that some journals stand out in specific platforms. For example, Chinese Chemical Letters demonstrates exceptional performance on X, reflecting strong audience engagement and recognition in that particular network. In contrast, Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery excels on YouTube, showing significant reach and influence, especially in terms of video-based content. These results underscore the varying degrees of success that journals can achieve on different social media platforms, depending on their content type, target audience, and engagement strategies. However, the study also identifies several challenges that hinder the effective dissemination of English-language scientific journals of China. Cultural differences and language barriers are significant obstacles, limiting the appeal of content to international audiences. Additionally, competition from other well-established international journals and the dominance of Western publications pose challenges to the visibility and credibility of scientific journals of China on the global stage. These factors can result in a lack of recognition, limited audience reach, and diminished overall impact. To address these challenges and improve the international dissemination effectiveness of scientific journals of China, the study proposes several strategies. First, these journals should actively create and manage overseas social media accounts to establish a stronger presence on global platforms. Second, they should innovate in the formats of content dissemination, including the use of multimedia, infographics, and interactive elements tailored to the preferences of international audiences. Increasing audience engagement through interactive discussions, live sessions, and user-generated content can further boost the journals' visibility and reputation. Additionally, fostering the development of interdisciplinary talents with expertise in both academia and digital media is crucial for optimizing content delivery and outreach. The implementation of these strategies can significantly increase the global impact of scientific journals of China and contribute to the cross-border exchange of scientific knowledge. Moreover, future research could explore the potential of artificial intelligence and big data technologies in optimizing the operational strategies of scientific journals. These technologies could help journals analyze audience behavior, predict trends, and improve content targeting, ultimately enhancing their international competitiveness in specific academic fields.While this study has limitations, such as the focus on a specific set of social media platforms and journals, it provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing the international dissemination of English-language scientific journals of China. The findings offer a strategic framework that can guide future efforts to strengthen the global presence and impact of these journals, ultimately fostering more robust international scientific communication and collaboration.