What happens at a TED conference?

At a TED conference, you experience live, short, powerful talks on "ideas worth spreading," covering science, art, tech, and global issues, alongside interactive workshops (Discovery Sessions), performances, networking dinners, and surprising activities, all designed for deep learning, connection, and collaboration among diverse thinkers. It's a fast-paced, multidisciplinary event focused on sharing impactful ideas, fostering new connections, and inspiring action, not just watching presentations.

What do TED conferences do?

TED conferences are events that focus on the relationship among technology, entertainment, and design. The first TED conference was conceived in 1984 by Richard Saul Wurman, who worked with Harry Marks to create the event.

Can anyone attend a TED conference?

We're joined by prominent academics, educators, researchers, philanthropists, environmentalists, scientists, technologists, artists, activists and more. If you'd like to come to a conference, you may need to apply to attend. We read every application, and actively seek out new members.

Who gets invited to TED Talks?

At TED, we search year-round for speakers who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight. Our presenters run the world's most admired companies and design its best-loved products; they invent world-changing devices and create ground-breaking media.

How much do TED Talks cost to attend?

Attending a main TED conference is very expensive (thousands of dollars, often $5,000-$12,500+) and requires an application, while watching most talks online or at local TEDx events is free or very cheap; TED Live offers paid streams for around $50-$500, and local TEDx events are ticketed up to around $150. Costs vary greatly depending on whether you attend a major TED conference, a local TEDx event, or watch online. 

TED & TEDx Explained

How long does a TED Talk typically last?

While 18 minutes is the traditional limit for TED and TEDx Talks, many talks are even shorter — some of the most impactful TED Talks have been just 5 minutes long. That said, the ideal length can vary based on the format.

What is the difference between TEDx and Ted conference?

Understanding the differences between TED and TEDx Talks can help you decide which platform better suits your interests and goals. TED Talks focus on broad, impactful ideas from top experts, while TEDx Talks bring the spirit of TED to local communities, offering a more intimate and diverse range of topics.

What does TED stand for?

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, the three broad fields that originally brought the conference's founders together in 1984, though the organization now covers ideas from virtually all disciplines, sharing them under the slogan "Ideas Worth Spreading". 

How do you get picked for a Ted talk?

We search year-round for presenters who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight. But a lot of our speakers come from recommendations from you! If you know someone who belongs on the TED stage, or if you belong there yourself, we want to hear from you. Please use our speaker recommendation form.

What are some criticisms of TED?

Previous criticisms of TED have focused on their alleged elitism. The program is closely associated with mega-rich venture capitalists and Silicon Valley futurists.

What to wear to a TED conference?

Do: Choose breathable fabrics and well-fitted clothes that allow you to move comfortably. Opt for shoes that offer both style and comfort, ensuring you can stand, walk, and move freely on stage. Don't: Wear anything too tight or restrictive that could cause discomfort or make you self-conscious during your talk.

What are common TEDx talk mistakes?

THE MISTAKE: DISTRACTING MOVEMENT

One of the biggest mistakes even the most experienced speakers make is using unfocused or wishy-washy movement on stage. Repetitive movement, especially hand gestures, distract your audience and undermine your powerful message.

Who owns TED?

In mid 2019, the TED Foundation was created and ownership of TED moved from the Sapling Foundation to the TED Foundation.

What are the 10 most popular TED Talks?

The "top 10" TED Talks vary by year and theme, but consistently popular ones include Brené Brown's "The Power of Vulnerability", Sir Ken Robinson's "Do Schools Kill Creativity?", Amy Cuddy's "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are", and Simon Sinek's "How Great Leaders Inspire Action", often cited for their powerful messages on human connection, innovation, self-perception, and leadership. Other frequent mentions involve happiness (Shawn Achor, Robert Waldinger), social justice (Bryan Stevenson, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie), and technology's impact, reflecting timeless themes of personal growth, societal change, and finding purpose. 

Is doing a Ted talk a big deal?

Being a TEDx speaker will also give you AMAZING credibility for potential future events, and depending on your experience, TEDx may even provide referrals and recommendations for future (paying) gigs. While TED Talks are much more exclusive and invite-only, TEDx Talks are more accessible.

Do TED talkers get paid?

No, speakers do not get paid for giving TED or TEDx talks; it's a platform for sharing ideas for free, with the main TED conference offering an honorarium and covering travel/hotel, while local TEDx events rely on volunteers, though they may cover some expenses. Speakers gain exposure, build a fan base, and find opportunities, but TED and its licensees don't pay for the talks themselves, and organizers are forbidden from paying speakers or charging them to speak. 

Are Ted Talks invite only?

The talks address a wide range of topics within the research and practice of science and culture, often through storytelling. TED conferences are invitation-only events with an admission of $6,000. Since June 2006, TED Talks had been offered for online streaming.

How much does it cost to attend a TED talk?

Attending a main TED conference is very expensive (thousands of dollars, often $5,000-$12,500+) and requires an application, while watching most talks online or at local TEDx events is free or very cheap; TED Live offers paid streams for around $50-$500, and local TEDx events are ticketed up to around $150. Costs vary greatly depending on whether you attend a major TED conference, a local TEDx event, or watch online. 

How long are TED Talks usually?

Most talks are 18 minutes or less.

Who is the target audience for TED Talks?

Attendance at TED is by application, and the attendees — scientists, CEOs, designers, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, artists — are as extraordinary as the speakers. TED's success is in bringing together the world's most remarkable people across many fields.

Why are TED Talks 18 minutes?

In fact, all TED Talks are limited to 18 minutes, to align with research on attention spans. Gallo cited TED curator Chris Anderson's reasoning of the time limit as “short enough to hold people's attention, including on the Internet, and precise enough to be taken seriously.

Why are TED Talks so expensive?

TED makes money through conference attendance fees, sponsorships, foundation support, licensing fees and book sales, and we spend it as soon as we get it — on video editing, web development and hosting for TED Talks and TED-Ed videos (ideas are free, but bandwidth is expensive…); support for community-driven ...

Is it prestigious to give a TED Talk?

Giving one is seen as highly prestigious, a sign that you've “arrived” as a credentialed expert or thought leader in your topic of choice. Plus, when you're part of the TED community, you get to plug into a network comprised of some of the smartest, most well-informed people on the planet.

Can anybody do a TED Talk?

Yes, anyone with a powerful, original "idea worth spreading" can potentially give a TED or TEDx talk, not just celebrities, though it requires a great idea, clear communication, and persistence in applying, often starting with local TEDx events. The focus is on the idea's potential impact, not personal fame, with many speakers being diverse individuals like students, scientists, or community leaders.