TikTok has introduced a dedicated STEM feed in Australia, designed to engage users with educational content on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Rolling out throughout January, the initiative features Australian and global STEM creators, including Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, astrophysicist Dr Kirsten Banks, and microscopic investigator Walt Carroll. They join over 7,000 international STEM influencers and institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History, National Geographic, and New Scientist magazine, a news release revealed.
“Science tells us that coffee increases your life expectancy, but doesn’t work chemically in your body for the first two hours after you wake up. Science gave us penicillin which, by itself, increased life expectancy by 15 years!” said Kruszelnicki. “Science helps us better understand our daily lives and we need to elevate credible, quality, and fact-checked information.”
Kruszelnicki shared his experience on sharing STEM content on TikTok. “For me, one surprising change is that the average age of my audience is getting younger. The STEM feed makes it easier to find enriching, educational, videos and I’m confident it will inspire random folk to learn about subjects which are vital for Australia’s future,” he said.
Collaboration with leading institutions and experts
To ensure the reliability of featured content, TikTok has partnered with Common Sense Networks and the Poynter Institute. The news release noted that this triple-layer fact-checking process verifies the accuracy and appropriateness of all videos before they appear on the STEM feed.
Simon Bates, head of content for TikTok Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the platform’s role in connecting audiences with enriching content. “More than 8.5 million Aussies use TikTok to discover, be entertained, or learn, and our dedicated STEM feed makes it easier to find enriching, educational content on TikTok. It also gives creators and leading Australian organisations the opportunity to have their research seen around the world,” he said.
To celebrate the launch, TikTok’s “Summer of STEM” kicks off with events like SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s “Day and Night on the Reef” exhibit.
“Now with our videos featured on TikTok’s STEM feed, even more people from Australia, and globally, will learn about our important research and conservation efforts,” noted Laura Simmons, head of conservation at Merlin Entertainments.
The Australian Museum will also feature on the STEM feed, hosting TikTok LIVE sessions to provide behind-the-scenes access to its collection of 22 million specimens. Dr Jodi Rowley, curator of amphibian and reptile conservation biology, emphasised the importance of sharing the museum’s discoveries. “Working with TikTok’s STEM feed means we can share these fascinating finds in an engaging and compelling way,” she said.
Additionally, the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) will use the STEM feed to educate users on the science of firefighting, hazard reduction, and bushfire preparedness.
“I’m proud our world-leading firefighting experts and efforts will be elevated on TikTok’s STEM feed as another way we can help the community to live bush fire ready,” said Commissioner Rob Rogers.
Other Australian contributors, such as the University of Melbourne and Gilmour Space Technologies, will also showcase their work.
Since launching in other regions, TikTok’s STEM content has seen a 35% increase in engagement.