The feed is a curated set of videos with the aim of showcasing high-quality STEM content and is currently live in over 20 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
TikTok has introduced a dedicated STEM feed across 20+ countries in sub-Saharan Africa, providing users with curated content on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The initiative aims to empower discovery and connect a dynamic community of learners and experts.
Users in the region can now access the STEM feed alongside their Following and For You feeds, unlocking educational content from verified experts. To ensure accuracy and credibility, all content will be reviewed by Common Sense Networks (CSN) and the Poynter Institute, with auto-translated subtitles available for English-language videos.
With over 1bn monthly users, TikTok has evolved beyond entertainment to become a platform for learning and self-improvement. Hashtags like #BookTok have revolutionised reading culture, while #LearnonTikTok has introduced millions to new languages, historical insights, and practical skills. The new #STEMTok initiative builds on this momentum, fostering deeper engagement with educational content.
Boniswa Sidwaba, Head of Content Operations Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok, said: “TikTok is home to more than entertainment. It’s a platform where users flock to make discoveries; whether it’s uncovering a new restaurant, listening to a new artist for the first time or learning a new language. #STEMTok expands the world of discovery for our users whilst educating them with enriching content.”
The launch in sub-Saharan Africa follows the success of the STEM feed in the US and Europe, where STEM-related content has seen a 35% growth globally since its introduction. TikTok’s educational community is thriving, with nearly 15m STEM-related videos published worldwide in the past three years.
To encourage youth participation, the STEM feed will be enabled by default for users aged 13-18, though they can adjust their settings if desired. All users have the option to disable the feed in their content settings. Since its US rollout, a third of teens have engaged with the STEM feed weekly.
To ensure the quality and reliability of STEM content, TikTok has expanded partnerships with Common Sense Networks and the Poynter Institute. Common Sense Networks will assess content suitability for young audiences, while Poynter will verify the accuracy of information. Content that fails either checkpoint will not be featured in the STEM feed.
By introducing the STEM feed to Sub-Saharan Africa, TikTok reinforces its commitment to education, providing users with a trusted space to explore STEM topics, spark curiosity, and gain valuable knowledge in an engaging way.
