TikTok, a video sharing platform owned by the Chinese firm, ByteDance, has launched an educational feed for several Sub Saharan Africa countries.
The feed will feature Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) topics, and will be available in over 20 countries across Sub Saharan Africa.
“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,” said Boniswa Sidwaba, the Head of Content Operations Sub Saharan Africa.
TikTok has more than a billion users, and 25% of its users are teenagers. The platform believes that they have the potential to shape and inspire an entire generation, and through this STEM feed, enhance their knowledge on relevant topics.
“Users can now click on the STEM feed alongside the For You feed to open up a world of knowledge from respected experts in their fields. The feed features content in the English language with auto-translated subtitles, verified by two independent fact-checking organizations, CSN and Poynter. With the STEM feed, parents and guardians can rest assured that the platform offers more than dance trends and new songs. On TikTok, they can be every part of a community of shared interests.,” read a statement from TikTok.
Among the creators to watch for this new feed are Kenya’s Eric Mwaura who creates interactive content for math and science enthusiasts. “He takes pride in exploring STEM topics, delving into phenomena such as the gravity hill, why people in Antarctica don’t feel upside down, why babies don’t have an innate sense of time, and whether the Earth moves according to the Bible and science.”
“A Mr. Fix of sorts, Duncanzz (@duncanzz) from Kenya is the go-to person for all things tech-related. He helps his followers learn how to get things done using technology, from reducing mobile data usage on certain phones to making devices scroll automatically,” added the statement.
Wambui, from Kenya, was also tapped as a creator to watch. She was introduced as a creator who, “uses hiking sessions to creatively review tech gadgets. She creates entertaining and educational videos that recommend the best and most affordable laptops for university and college students, as well as fun facts about technology.”
Additionally, Jessy Lesly from Kenya was also tapped for creating content that focuses on unboxing and reviewing gadgets, tutorials and effective software tops. He shares advice on home setups and where to find tech products.
Other creators are specifically from Nigeria and South Africa.
