TED talks are amazing resources for anyone looking to further their knowledge and self-education. On TED, you can find talks on anything from strange animals of the ocean to how to boost your creativity to up-and-coming technologies. While there are many high-quality, inspiring TED talks, we’ve collected the most popular TED talks here to get you started.
1. How to live passionately–no matter your age
No. of views: 3,725,288
Isabel Allende, a Chilean author who has written masterpieces such as The House of the Spirits and City of the Beasts, gives an incredible perspective on how to live your life in this inspiring TED talk. She argues that, regardless of how old you are, you have the choice to live passionately on your own terms.
2. The danger of a single story
No. of views: 25,879,348
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian novelist, motivates everyone to listen to stories outside of their comfort zone and warns of the dangers of a critical misunderstanding if we hear only a single story about another person or country. In one of the most popular TED talks of all time, Adichie will inspire you to befriend those who are different from you and open your mind to the unfamiliar.
3. The puzzle of motivation
No. of views: 26,784,055
In this insightful TED talk, Dan Pink, a New York Times bestselling author, talks about how incentive design doesn’t spark creativity. Traditional rewards aren’t always as effective as we think. Watch here to learn about what kind of motivation can be most effective in inspiring change.
4. The power of vulnerability
No. of views: 51,851,713
In one of the most popular TED talks ever, Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly, argues that the ability to feel connected is what makes us feel alive. She teaches us that “shame” is the fear of disconnection, which results in our vulnerability and how we must embrace it if we want to live a full life.
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5. How great leaders inspire action
No. of views: 53,434,379
British-American author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek shares how great leaders inspire others to take action through one very simple question: Why?
6. Your body language may shape who you are
No. of views: 60,239,527
Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist, bestselling author, and award-winning Harvard lecturer, discusses the ways we use body language to change the way our life unfolds. She argues that a “power pose” can boost feelings of confidence despite our self-doubt.
7. Do schools kill creativity?
No. of views: 69,448,842
New York Times bestselling author Sir Ken Robinson discusses how children’s creativity is educated out of them. There needs to be an education system that nurtures rather than undermines creativity, he argues. This is ranked as one of the most popular TED talks not only for the quality of the information but for Robinson’s gift of entertaining while delivering that information.
8. Grit: the power of passion and perseverance
No. of views: 22,563,726
Angela Lee Duckworth, an American academic, shares insight from her research and show how passion and perseverance can outweigh high IQs when it comes to success in this short TED talk. Her experience with this concept came from a job she took teaching math to seventh graders.
9. Inside the mind of a master procrastinator
No. of views: 47,243,889
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In this poignant, funny talk, Tim Urban discusses his habit of procrastination and challenges viewers to reflect on what they’re really procrastinating on before they run out of time to get to what’s really important. The humor and inspiring information Urban offers makes this one of the most popular TED talks ever.
10. What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness
No. of views: 36,825,982
In this life-altering TED talk, Robert Waldinger, an American psychologist and professor at Harvard, discusses a 75-year-old study[1] on adult development that revealed some secrets on how to be happy. He offers some practical guidance on how to live a fulfilling life that every viewer will find useful.
11. The art of misdirection
No. of views: 28,923,538
Recognized as the greatest pickpocket in the world, Apollo Robbins uses a hilarious demonstration to show how easy it is to use human perception against individuals. Be careful; he just might swipe something while you’re not looking.
12. The next outbreak? We’re not ready
No. of views: 39,741,403
This TED talk by Bill Gates seems especially insightful against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Much of what Gates discusses is being lived by people all around the world. This has been one of the most popular TED talks for years, and with good reason, it seems. Gates suggests ways that we can continue to plan for outbreaks and pandemics in this informative, inspiring talk.
13. The happy secret to better work
No. of views: 23,249,641
Shawn Achor, an American author and advocate of positive psychology, gives a hilarious speech on the psychology of positivity and how happiness is what makes us work productively.
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14. How to spot a liar
No. of views: 30,200,822
Pamela Meyer, author of Liespotting, shows the manners and “hotspots” used by those trained to recognize deception. She argues that honesty is a value worth preserving and recognizing in one of the most popular TED talks of all time.
15. Your elusive creative genius
No. of views: 20,003,126
Elizabeth Gilbert, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love, believes that instead of being a genius, we each have a creative genius inside of us. Unfortunately, she says, we often get in our own way, blocking our creative genius from showing its true abilities.
16. The surprising science of happiness
No. of views: 19,370,111
Harvard psychologist Dan Gilbert argues that we can feel truly happy even when things don’t go as planned. This is a great talk for anyone facing difficult challenges or hardship in life.
17. My stroke of insight
No. of views: 27,336,874
Jill Bolte Taylor, an American neuroanatomist, got an opportunity many brain scientists never hope to have: she had a massive stroke that allowed her to watch as her brain functions—motion, speech, self-awareness—shut down one by one. In one of the most popular TED talks of all time, Taylor shares deep insights into how our brains work, and just how fragile they really are.
18. Strange answers to the psychopath test
No. of views: 26,742,197
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Jon Ronson, a Welsh-American journalist, author, and filmmaker, dives into what it really means to be crazy and sane and just how thick the line between them really is. This lively and eye-opening talk may have you questioning whether you have a little psychopath in you, too.
19. The power of introverts
No. of views: 27,852,382
In this insightful TED talk, Susan Cain, an American writer and lecturer, argues that introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world that should be celebrated instead of shunned. If you’re an introvert, you’ll come away from this talk feeling deeply understood. If you’re an extrovert, you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for those who don’t think the same way as you.
20. How to make stress your friend
No. of views: 25,706,979
In this inspiring TED talk, Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, makes the case that we should stop seeing stress as an enemy and instead see it as a positive part of our lives. She argues that reaching out to others can be the best way to deal with stressful situations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for inspiration, the most popular TED talks of all time can help. Each of these talks will inspire you to think or act differently. If you’re seeking a more open-mind and want to understand humanity a bit more, these speakers will get you there.
More Inspiring TED Talks
- 10 Best Ted Talks About Procrastination That Will Ignite Your Motivation
- Transform Your Life In One Month: The 30 Best TED Talks Of All Time That Will Inspire You
- 17 Ted Talks for Kids to Inspire Little Minds to Do Big Things
Featured photo credit: Miguel Henriques via unsplash.com
FAQs
What is the most watched TED talk of all time? ›
The most viewed TED Talk is “Do Schools Kill Creativity?” by author and educator Sir Ken Robinson, from February 2006. He challenged the way children are educated, arguing for a radical rethinking of how schools cultivate creativity, and an acknowledgement of multiple types of intelligence.
What are the 3 as of awesome TED talk? ›Pasricha says making such a bold transition would have required his parents to live by what he calls the “3 A's of Awesome”: having a good attitude, a great level of awareness and an authentic personality.
What are the top 5 most viewed TED Talks? ›| # | Name | Total TED talk Views |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brené Brown | 67,874,050 |
| 2 | Simon Sinek | 68,562,075 |
| 3 | Amy Cuddy | 60,720,729 |
| 4 | James Veitch | 87,856,830 |
A TED talk is a recorded public-speaking presentation that was originally given at the main TED (technology, entertainment and design) annual event or one of its many satellite events around the world. TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks, often called "TED talks."
What was the first TED talk? ›The very first TED conference in 1984 featured a demonstration of the compact disc, an e-book reader, and a presentation by fractal mathematician Benoit Mandlebrot. Despite the acclaimed speakers, the inaugural conference was a financial flop.
Do TED Talks get paid? ›TED does not pay speakers. We do, of course, cover travel costs and provide excellent hotel accommodation -- as well as a covetable pass to all five days of TED. Most speakers stay for the whole conference, soaking up the talks and connecting with other attendees.
What is a good TED talk? ›Conclusion: To deliver presentations in the popular TED style, focus on one idea, and one idea only. You can support your idea with a foundation of related points, but all of your facts, stats, and stories need to clearly relate to your central idea to have the impact of a TED talk.
What is the most viewed show ever? ›Most watched broadcasts of all time
Super Bowl XLIX, with 114.4 million viewers, is number one.
With an estimated 4.1 billion viewers worldwide the Queen's funeral was the most watched event in history, according to media reports.
What are the best TED talks for students? ›- Everyday Leadership: Drew Dudley. ...
- How to Speak So That People Want to Listen: Julian Treasure. ...
- The Power of Introverts: Susan Cain. ...
- The Key to Success? ...
- How to Build Your Creative Confidence: David Kelley. ...
- Why You Will Fail to Have a Great Career: Larry Smith.
What is the main motto of TED talk? ›
TED Conferences, LLC (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an American-Canadian non-profit media organization that posts international talks online for free distribution under the slogan "ideas worth spreading".
Why are TED talks so popular? ›Emotion: Ideas that spread touch our hearts.
The most popular TED speakers connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level primarily because they're storytellers. In my analysis, stories made up 65 to 72 percent of the most successful TED presentations.
Kiara is a child prodigy. She is the youngest TEDx speaker – at age five, she gave a talk on 'Unboxing Curiosity' in India on Children's Day on 14 November 2021. She also holds the record for Youngest Non-stop Book Reader, having read 36 books in 105 minutes at an event hosted by the Guinness Book of Records in London.
What's the difference between TED Talks and TEDx talks? ›The only thing you have to decide is which to watch first, leading many first-time viewers to ask, “What's the difference between TED and TEDx Talks? Essentially, TED Talks are aimed at a global audience while TEDx talks are designed for smaller, local audiences.
Is TEDx better than TED? ›TEDx follows the same format as a TED Talk. The main difference between TED and TEDx is that TEDx is focused on a local, geographic area. It is a local gathering where TED-like talks and presentations are shared with the community. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx.
How does TED make money? ›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 ...
Can anyone do a TED talk? ›At TED, we search year-round for presenters who will inform and inspire, surprise and delight. 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 to tell us why this person would be well-suited to speak at TED.
How long is a TED talk? ›Talks may be no longer than 18 minutes. This is the maximum length, not the goal of every talk. TED often asks speakers to present for 3, 5, or 9 minutes, so make sure your speaker knows how much time they have.
Who gave the 1st TED talk? ›'” Out of that walk came the first TED event, a presentation by mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot about fractal geometry and its use in mapping coastlines. Additionally, Lucasfilm wowed the audience with a demonstration of 3-dimensional graphics for the Star Wars trilogy.
What is TED talk slang? ›(slang, humorous) Sarcastically or self-deprecatingly said at the end of a wordy and often preachy monologue.
How many TED Talks are available? ›
TEDx events unleash fresh ideas from local communities. Close to 50,000 talks have been given at 10,000 events since the program launched in 2009.
How much does it cost to be a TED member? ›So for the first time in our 34-year history, we're turning to you, our global online audience, to ask you to consider supporting TED financially. We're suggesting a monthly contribution of $5. If this is unaffordable right now, you can choose to pay whatever you wish.
How much does it cost to be in the audience of a TED talk? ›Once you find one you are interested in, you simply need to purchase a ticket. Tickets generally range in price from 75 to 100 dollars. Keep in mind that TEDx events often sell out, so try to purchase your tickets at least a few weeks in advance. To learn how to make the most of the TED talk you attend, read on!
How much does it cost to speak at TEDx? ›Neither TED or TEDx pay speakers to be on their stage.
TED conference team covers the travel costs, hotel accommodation and gives a speakers' pass to all five days of the conference.
"My favourite TED talk is by David Blaine because his stunts are real and they make us wonder about how our own bodies work. Most people really could learn to hold their breath for 17 minutes and because two thirds of us are overweight or obese, nearly everyone can survive without food for 44 days.
How do you pick a TED talk? ›Look for ideas that need to be defended – not something self-evident, but an interesting argument, perhaps with an antagonist. Look for an idea the TED world hasn't heard before. (In other words, not a copy of a TED Talk you like!) Look for ideas that change perceptions.
How can I talk like a pro? ›- #1 Stay in your zone of genius (only talk about what you know)
- #2 Read books or articles out loud.
- #3 Use tongue twisters to practice enunciation.
- #4 Talk to yourself.
- #5 Learn from the best (& mimic them)
- #6 Always remember your MVP.
| # | TV (English) | Hours viewed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Crown: Season 5 | 84,310,000 |
| 2 | 1899: Season 1 | 79,270,000 |
| 3 | Manifest: Season 4 | 35,730,000 |
| 4 | Dead to Me: Season 3 | 30,300,000 |
...
Most watched films.
| Rank | 1 |
|---|---|
| Title | Live and Let Die |
| Viewers (millions) | 23.50 |
| Date | 20 January 1980 |
| Network | ITV |
'Stranger Things' 3: 582,100,000 hours.
What is the most watched TV show 2022? ›
In viewers, CBS' “FBI” is the most-watched entertainment show, attracting 8.6 million on average, followed by “Chicago Fire,” “NCIS” (CBS), “The Equalizer” (CBS), “Young Sheldon” (CBS), “Chicago Med” (NBC), “Ghosts” (CBS), “Chicago P.D.” and “Blue Bloods” (CBS).
What is the most liked film on Netflix? ›If you are under the age of 13, you may not create a TED.com account, but you are welcome to watch TED Talks and enjoy the site. If you are under the age of 16, and from the European Union (“EU”), you can only create an account if you have verifiable parental consent.
What are the seven types of TED talks? ›- The big idea. ...
- The tech demo. ...
- The performance. ...
- The artist's statement. ...
- The “dazzle with wonder” ...
- The small idea. ...
- The “issue” talk.
When it was founded, in 1984, TED (which stands for “Technology, Entertainment, and Design”) brought together a few hundred people in a single annual conference in California.
What do all TED Talks have in common? ›While each presentation shares fresh insights, there are two common threads that run through the most successful TED Talks – engaging storytelling and useful takeaways, which together ultimately and effectively build the speaker's personal brand.
How many TED Talks Are There 2022? ›Awe: Notes from Session 11 of TED2022
Eleven mainstage sessions of TED Talks, two sessions of TED Fellows talks, an incredible array of on-site activations, countless Discovery Sessions, parties, dinners and more made TED2022 a triumphant return to Vancouver.
We ask that you keep talks within a time limit of 18 minutes to uphold TED's celebrated format of concise and enlightening talks. This short talk model works, since it only demands the audience's attention for a short period of time.
Are TED Talks inspiring? ›TED Talks began in 1984 with the mission of “spreading ideas.” Since then, a single conference has blossomed into a flurry of ideas that inspire and motivate people from all over the world to achieve more and dare to do great things.
What is the secret to a good TED talk? ›One thing became quickly clear: The more hand gestures, the more successful the Talk. There was a direct correlation between the number of views on a TED Talk and the number of hand gestures. The bottom TED Talks had an average of 124,000 views and used an average of 272 hand gestures during the 18 minute Talk.
What is Brené Brown's most famous TED talk? ›
Shame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown, whose earlier talk on vulnerability became a viral hit, explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on.
What is TED's motto? ›TED Conferences, LLC (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is an American-Canadian non-profit media organization that posts international talks online for free distribution under the slogan "ideas worth spreading".
What is the main message of TED talk? ›Our goal is to inform and educate global audiences in an accessible way. Scientists, researchers, technologists, business leaders, artists, designers and other world experts take the TED stage to present “Ideas Worth Spreading”: valuable new knowledge and innovative research in their fields.
What is Brené Brown's favorite quote? ›“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” Remember: Love should come from within. Here are some self-love quotes that will make you feel like a million bucks.
What does Brené Brown always say? ›“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” “Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.” “Courage is not staying quiet about things that make us uncomfortable.” For more Brené Brown quotes on courage, check out her Netflix special, Brené Brown: The Call to Courage.
Why did Brené Brown stop posting on Spotify? ›3, 2022 10:03 a.m. New York Times best-selling author and University of Texas at Austin visiting professor of management Brené Brown announced she will not be producing podcast episodes on Spotify amid the platform's Joe Rogan COVID-19 misinformation controversy.
Who pays for TED Talks? ›What do you pay speakers? TED does not pay speakers. We do, of course, cover travel costs and provide excellent hotel accommodation -- as well as a covetable pass to all five days of TED. Most speakers stay for the whole conference, soaking up the talks and connecting with other attendees.
What is your favorite TED Talk and why? ›"My favourite TED talk is by David Blaine because his stunts are real and they make us wonder about how our own bodies work. Most people really could learn to hold their breath for 17 minutes and because two thirds of us are overweight or obese, nearly everyone can survive without food for 44 days.
What are the best TED Talks for students? ›- Everyday Leadership: Drew Dudley. ...
- How to Speak So That People Want to Listen: Julian Treasure. ...
- The Power of Introverts: Susan Cain. ...
- The Key to Success? ...
- How to Build Your Creative Confidence: David Kelley. ...
- Why You Will Fail to Have a Great Career: Larry Smith.
Look for ideas that need to be defended – not something self-evident, but an interesting argument, perhaps with an antagonist. Look for an idea the TED world hasn't heard before. (In other words, not a copy of a TED Talk you like!) Look for ideas that change perceptions.
Why are TED Talks 18 minutes? ›
We ask that you keep talks within a time limit of 18 minutes to uphold TED's celebrated format of concise and enlightening talks. This short talk model works, since it only demands the audience's attention for a short period of time.
What's the difference between TED and TEDx? ›The only thing you have to decide is which to watch first, leading many first-time viewers to ask, “What's the difference between TED and TEDx Talks? Essentially, TED Talks are aimed at a global audience while TEDx talks are designed for smaller, local audiences.