TikTok is doubling down on its mission to blend education with its signature short-form entertainment, expanding its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) feed to new corners of the globe. What started as an optional feature for U.S. teens in March 2023 has morphed into a default experience for users across the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada by late 2024—and now, it’s making waves in sub-Saharan Africa as of March 26, 2025. This isn’t just for kids anymore; adults are in on the action too, as TikTok aims to reshape its image amid looming regulatory battles.
The STEM feed is packed with bite-sized, engaging videos from creators and institutions worldwide. Think math tricks from U.S. influencer Ben Delwiche (1.3 million followers), biology breakdowns from Canada’s
@AsapSCIENCE or LIVE sessions courtesy of the Australian Museum.
Since its debut, the feed has racked up nearly 200 million views in the U.S. alone, with STEM video creation spiking 18% by late 2024. TikTok’s partnerships with Common Sense Networks and the Poynter Institute keep the content legit and age-appropriate, while regional collabs like Majarra for Arabic STEM videos in Saudi Arabia add a local flavor.
This year’s rollout has been ambitious. January 2025 saw launches in Saudi Arabia and Australia, and now Africa’s in the mix, bringing educational content to millions more. In the U.S., the feed became default for all users in October 2024 (though you can toggle it off in settings under “Content Preferences”). TikTok’s even tying it to cultural moments—think Pi Day campaigns on March 14, 2025, with influencers pushing STEM vibes to students and educators alike.
Why the big push? It’s not just about goodwill. With a potential U.S. ban deadline of April 5, 2025, unless ByteDance sells, TikTok’s flexing its educational muscle to win over critics who’ve long slammed it as an addictive time-sink. The STEM feed could be a lifeline, proving the app’s worth beyond dance challenges and lip-syncs.
For tech fans, this is TikTok evolving merging its viral DNA with a classroom twist. Whether it’s enough to secure its future remains the million-dollar question.
