TikTok has introduced a new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), offering curated educational content to users in the region. The feed, launched in November 2024, is currently available in over 20 countries across SSA and aims to promote knowledge sharing across subjects like astrophysics, robotics, and technology.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!TikTok’s new STEM feed will be available alongside the “For You” feed, providing access to vetted content from experts in the STEM fields. The platform’s success in other regions, where 25% of teens engage with the feed weekly in markets such as the UK, Ireland, the US, and Canada, has led to a global expansion of the feature. The feed will also offer content in multiple languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic.
The move comes as TikTok reports a 18% increase in STEM-related content globally since the feed’s debut. With nearly 10 million STEM videos posted over the past three years, the platform’s influence in educational communities is growing rapidly. TikTok is home to over a billion users globally, with many seeking content in diverse categories such as education, social issues, and arts. The introduction of the STEM feed is expected to enhance the platform’s educational value, especially among its younger audience.
TikTok’s STEM feed has already garnered attention for its efforts to offer reliable and age-appropriate content. Videos are reviewed and approved by Common Sense Networks and The Poynter Institute for Media Studies to ensure they meet strict standards of credibility and suitability for younger audiences.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok aims to further support educational content creators from diverse backgrounds. Notable educators such as Nigerian science communicator Aisha Bande (@chemistrywithaishabande) and South Africa’s Mpho T Makhema (@mphokatmakhema) are already sharing accessible lessons on topics ranging from chemistry to mathematics. TikTok hopes to empower users to expand their knowledge in STEM fields while enjoying the platform’s popular, interactive features.
The STEM feed’s growing success is underscored by TikTok’s broader efforts to foster positive engagement. The introduction of this feed highlights the platform’s ongoing commitment to education and innovation, creating opportunities for users in Africa to learn and engage with STEM content in an engaging, community-driven way.
