TikTok Expands Educational Focus in Europe with STEM Feed Launch

TikTok is facing growing scrutiny over the content it serves to young users. In response, the company is making a push towards educational content by expanding its dedicated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) feed to Europe. 

Following a successful launch in the US last year, the STEM feed will now be available in the UK and Ireland, with a rollout across the rest of Europe planned for the coming weeks. 

The feed prioritizes younger users, automatically appearing for those under 18 alongside their existing "For You" and "Following" feeds.

Older users can opt-in through the app's content preferences settings. Content is primarily in English with auto-translated subtitles. 

According to TikTok, the US rollout has been a success. They report that a third of users have the STEM feed enabled, with a third of teenagers specifically visiting it each week.

Since launch, they've seen a 24% increase in STEM-related content creation in the US, with nearly 15 million such videos published globally over the past three years. 

To ensure educational quality, TikTok is expanding its partnerships with Common Sense Networks and Poynter.

Common Sense Networks will evaluate content for age-appropriateness within the STEM feed, while Poynter will assess information accuracy. Content failing these checks will be excluded. 

This launch comes amidst criticism of TikTok's influence on children. Concerns include exposure to harmful content and the app's potentially addictive design.

The European Union is currently investigating whether TikTok violates the Digital Services Act, which focuses on online user safety. 

By prioritizing educational content and implementing safeguards, TikTok hopes to position itself as a responsible platform for its young demographic. CEO Shou Chew previously highlighted the STEM feed's potential in US congressional hearings, aiming to counter concerns about the app's impact on young users.