TikTok Launches STEM Feed in Kenya
TikTok has recently unveiled its dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed for Kenyan users. This specialized content stream is designed to run alongside the platform’s traditional For You feed, providing a space where educational content from field experts can thrive.
The introduction of the STEM feed aims to bring high-quality educational content to Kenya’s estimated 10 million active TikTok users. Initially available in English, the content also offers auto-translate subtitles for users who prefer them. Additionally, users have the option to disable the STEM feed feature through their app settings if they wish to focus on other types of content.
The platform has reported a significant growth in science and technology-related content globally, with STEM videos seeing a 35% increase since the feed’s initial launch. Over the past three years, TikTok has documented nearly 10 million STEM videos published worldwide, indicating a strong interest in educational content among users.
The STEM initiative was first introduced in April 2024, reaching around 150 million users across select European countries. Following six months of positive feedback, ByteDance expanded access to additional European regions, as well as the United States and Canada, expanding the STEM audience to approximately 10 million users before the launch in Kenya.
To ensure the quality of content, TikTok has established partnerships with two reputable organizations. Common Sense Networks evaluates the age-appropriateness of content, while the Poynter Institute, known for journalistic excellence, verifies factual accuracy. These organizations serve as content gatekeepers, ensuring that all material in the STEM feed meets educational standards before being published.
This move represents a strategic shift for TikTok in Kenya, where the platform has previously faced criticism for explicit content. By focusing on educational content, TikTok aims to provide valuable learning opportunities while also addressing content-related concerns.
Going forward, TikTok plans to introduce localized STEM content in multiple languages, including French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic. This multilingual approach is intended to make educational content more accessible to users across diverse regions.
The STEM feed builds upon existing educational communities within TikTok’s ecosystem. By formalizing this content category, TikTok creates structured pathways for users to discover reliable information from qualified sources while connecting with others who share similar interests.
This launch highlights TikTok’s commitment to striking a balance between entertainment and educational value on its platform. The STEM feed offers Kenyan users the chance to explore complex topics through TikTok’s engaging short-form video format, providing a unique learning experience for all users.
