Maisie Lloyd
I'm passionate about recording the world, but most of all driven by creativity and collaborative environments. My experience revolves around the production of digital content, pertaining to graphic design, writing copy, and video and audio content.
TikTok initially launched its STEM feed to all US users under 18, back in March of 2023. It was followed by its expansion into Europe in April 2024 and is now being released all across Europe with the roll-out coming to the UK.
This launch will see over 18’s in the UK, Ireland and the US, being able to access the feed. The launch comes after TikTok reported a successful launch. Backed by claims that the feed has accrued over 200 million views since its launch.
What is TikTok’s STEM Feed?
TikTok’s STEM feed is an alternative feed to TikTok’s ‘for you’ feed, it features educational content around science, technology, engineering, and maths. The feed can be navigated along the top of the app alongside the rest of the feeds.
TikTok states “Whether it inspires people to pursue unexpected STEM careers, brings together aspiring engineers to work out formulas in comments sections, or helps a new programmer learn to code, the STEM feed provides a space for co-learning, inspiration, and enrichment.
Why roll out the STEM feature to more users and regions?
TikTok have battled arguments of the app being a healthy and addictive platform for the young users. Often labelled as toxic for the content that is displayed. By opting to roll out content that is educational and entertaining, these claims can be combatted.
The wider release is a positive one for TikTok, with them now being able to create appeal with its visually engaging and dynamic content. Providing a dedicated space online for STEM learning emboldens both younger and older audiences to seek out information.
Some of the ways we could hope to see TikTok improve this section is by padding it out with useful links to credible sources, learning sites and even releasing science-themed mini-games to further encourage educational content consumption.
