Short video-sharing platform TikTok has launched a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed for educational purposes for users in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to TikTok, the feed was developed in partnership with fact-checking organisations, Common Sense Networks and Poynter.
The STEM feed was initially launched in the United States in March 2023 and was expanded to the European market in early 2024.
The feed is a curated set of videos aiming to showcase high-quality STEM content and is live in over 20 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. It features English content with auto-translated subtitles, which was verified by Common Sense Networks and Poynter.
With 25% of the platform’s global users being teenagers, TikTok says through the STEM feed, teenagers can enhance their knowledge in science, including planetary science, astrophysics, the inner workings of technology, and robotics.
“TikTok is home to more than entertainment. #STEMTok expands the world of discovery for our users whilst educating them with enriching content,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, head of content operations at Sub-Saharan Africa TikTok.
“The STEM community is growing, and with it, a variety of interesting content creators passionate about sharing their knowledge, insights, and experiences,” adds Sidwaba