TikTok Offers Dedicated Feed for Science, Tech, Engineering, and Math Content
TikTok decided to cater to its science, technology, engineering, and math communities by introducing a dedicated STEM feed.
"We designed the STEM feed to serve as a destination for those looking to dive into these enriching topics further," TikTok explains in a blog post(Opens in a new window). "Whether encouraging aspiring scientists to work out experiments in comments sections or helping a new programmer learn to code, the STEM feed provides a space for co-learning, inspiration, and enrichment."
The STEM feed is expected to make it easier to learn and engage in like-minded discussions. Curator Common Sense Network and the fact checkers at Poynter will assess content for appropriateness and reliability, respectively; posts must clear both hurdles to be eligible for inclusion in the new feed.
In an effort to boost in-app discovery, TikTok has been experimenting with its Topic Feed, inviting people in select markets to explore videos across subjects like gaming, food, fashion, sports, and now STEM. Still in the early stages, the new feature will begin rolling out to US users later this month.
The short-form video hosting service, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has been cracking down on rule-breaking creators and teenage viewers, while introducing new ways for people to earn money on the social network.
None of that may matter soon, though: This launch comes amidst pushback from western politicians, a number of which have already banned the popular app from government-issued devices. Earlier this month, a group of bipartisan US senators once again targeted TikTok with a bill aimed at "foreign threats," including Kaspersky antivirus software, Huawei telecom equipment, Tencent's WeChat, and Alibaba's Alipay.
Sign up for
Read more on pcmag.com
