We just launched our WhatsApp channel. Want to get the latest news from the Tech in Africa?
Sylvia Duruson
TikTok has introduced its dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed to Kenyan users. This specialized content stream appears alongside the platform’s traditional For You feed, creating a space where educational content from field experts can flourish.
The STEM feed brings high-quality educational content to Kenya’s estimated 10 million active TikTok users. Content initially appears in English with auto-translate subtitles available. Users who prefer not to see STEM content can disable the feature through their app settings.
TikTok reports impressive growth in science and technology content globally, with STEM-related videos increasing by 35% since the feed’s initial launch. The platform has documented nearly 10 million STEM videos published worldwide over the past three years, demonstrating significant interest in educational content.
The STEM initiative began in April 2024, reaching approximately 150 million users across select European countries. After six months of positive reception, ByteDance expanded access to additional European regions plus the United States and Canada, growing the STEM audience to roughly 10 million users before the Kenyan launch.
To maintain content quality, TikTok has strengthened partnerships with two respected organizations. Common Sense Networks evaluates age-appropriateness while the Poynter Institute, known for journalistic excellence, assesses factual accuracy. These organizations function as content gatekeepers, ensuring STEM feed material meets educational standards before publication.
This development represents a strategic shift for TikTok in Kenya, where the platform has previously faced criticism from authorities regarding explicit content. The educational focus provides valuable learning opportunities while potentially addressing content concerns.
TikTok’s STEM expansion continues globally with plans to introduce localized content in multiple languages including French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic. This multilingual approach aims to make educational content more accessible across diverse regions.
The STEM feed capitalizes on existing educational communities already thriving 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 sharing similar interests.
This launch demonstrates TikTok’s commitment to balancing entertainment with educational value on its platform. The STEM feed offers Kenyan users opportunities to explore complex topics through TikTok’s accessible short-form video format.
