How to Cite a TED Talk in APA Format (7th Edition)
Complete guide to citing TED Talks in APA 7. Covers official TED talks, TEDx events, and YouTube TED videos.
📋 Quick Reference
Tip: Copy this template and replace with your source details.
🔍 Try It Out
Paste a ted talk citation citation to check your formatting
Understanding TED Talk Citations in APA Format
Citing TED Talks in APA format requires adherence to specific guidelines set forth in the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual. This guide will provide a detailed explanation of how to format citations for TED Talks, including examples and practical tips to avoid common pitfalls.
Basic Structure for TED Talk Citations
When citing a TED Talk, it is essential to follow the general format for online videos. The basic structure includes the author’s name, the date of publication, the title of the talk, the description of the type of work, and the URL where the talk can be found. The general format is as follows:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of talk [Video]. Website Name. URL
Formatting Single Author TED Talks
For TED Talks with a single author, the author’s last name is followed by a comma and their initials. The initials should have periods but no spaces between them. The TED Talk's title should be italicized, and the description should indicate it is a video.
Example 1: Single Author
Brown, B. (2010, June). The power of vulnerability [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/brenebrown_the_power_of_vulnerability
In this example, Brené Brown is the author. The date of the TED Talk is provided in parentheses, followed by the title in italics. The description indicates that it is a video, and the URL leads to the specific talk.
Formatting Two Authors
When there are two authors, both names should be inverted (last name first) and separated by an ampersand (&). This format applies to both the reference list and in-text citations.
Example 2: Two Authors
Smith, J. A., & Jones, M. B. (2021, September). How to foster creativity in education [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/john_smith_how_to_foster_creativity_in_education
Here, both authors are listed with their last names followed by initials. The ampersand connects the two authors, and the rest of the citation follows the same structure as before.
Formatting Three to Twenty Authors
For TED Talks with three to twenty authors, all authors should be listed in the reference. Each author should be inverted, and their names should be separated by commas, with an ampersand before the final author's name.
Example 3: Three Authors
Taylor, R. A., Johnson, L. K., & Lee, S. T. (2019, January). The science of happiness [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/rachel_taylor_the_science_of_happiness
In this example, all three authors are credited for their contributions. This ensures they receive proper attribution, which is crucial in academic writing.
Formatting 21 or More Authors
When a TED Talk has 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis (...), and then include the final author’s name. This method prevents excessively long lists while still providing necessary attribution information.
Example 4: 21 or More Authors
Adams, A. B., Brown, C. D., Clark, E. F., Davis, G. H., Edwards, I. J., ... Williams, Z. Y. (2022, March). Innovations in technology [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/innovations_in_technology
In this case, the first 19 authors are listed, followed by an ellipsis and the final author. This format is effective for maintaining clarity while acknowledging contributions from many individuals.
When No Author is Listed
If no author is listed and the work cannot be attributed to a specific organization, the title should be moved to the author position. It is crucial not to use "Anonymous" unless the work is explicitly signed as such.
Example 5: No Author
The future of space exploration [Video]. (2023, April 15). TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/the_future_of_space_exploration
In this example, the title takes the place of the author. This format ensures that readers can still find the work based on its title when authorship is unknown.
Why These Rules Matter
Following these citation rules is crucial for several reasons. First, they ensure that all creators receive proper credit for their work, fostering a culture of academic integrity. Second, consistent formatting makes it easier for readers to locate sources and verify information. Finally, adhering to these guidelines contributes to the overall professionalism of your academic writing.
Practical Tips for Citing TED Talks
-
Double-Check URLs: Always ensure the URL is correct and leads directly to the TED Talk. This helps readers access the source easily.
-
Stay Current: As TED Talks are regularly updated, ensure you are citing the correct version. The date included in the citation should reflect the publication date of the specific talk.
-
Use Italics Correctly: Remember to italicize the title of the talk while keeping the description regarding the format in normal font.
Common Pitfalls
-
Forgetting to Invert Names: Inverting names for the reference list is a common mistake. Always ensure the last name comes first.
-
Incorrect Use of 'and' vs. '&': Remember to use 'and' in narrative citations but '&' in reference lists and parenthetical citations.
By understanding these guidelines and applying them correctly, you can effectively cite TED Talks in APA format, contributing to the credibility and integrity of your academic work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
What You Need
- A computer or device with internet access
- Access to the TED Talk you want to cite
- A word processing program (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
- Basic understanding of APA format
Steps to Create a TED Talk Citation in APA Style
1. Identify the Author of the TED Talk
Action: Look for the name of the speaker, which is typically found at the beginning or end of the video, or in the description below the video on the TED website.
Verification: Ensure you have the correct spelling of the author's name. You may want to cross-check with a reliable source if you are unsure.
Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes.
Tip: If the speaker has a unique name, consider searching for their profile on the TED website for confirmation.
2. Determine the Date of the TED Talk
Action: Find the publication date of the TED Talk. This information is usually displayed in the video description or on the TED Talk page.
Verification: Ensure the date is formatted as year, month day (e.g., 2021, June 15).
Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
Tip: If you are citing a TED Talk that has been updated or revised, make sure to use the date of the version you are referencing.
3. Write the Author's Name in APA Format
Action: Format the author’s name according to APA guidelines. For a single author, write the last name followed by a comma and then the first initial and middle initial (if applicable). For example, if the author is Jane Doe, write it as Doe, J.
Verification: Double-check that you have inverted the name and included periods after initials with no spaces.
Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
Tip: Keep a template for author formatting handy to ensure consistency.
4. Locate the Title of the TED Talk
Action: Identify the title of the TED Talk as it appears in the video or description. The title should be in italics in your citation.
Verification: Make sure the title matches exactly how it is presented in the TED Talk platform.
Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes.
Tip: Write the title down exactly as it appears to avoid errors later.
5. Gather Additional Information
Action: Note down the URL of the TED Talk. This will typically be found in the address bar of your web browser when you are viewing the TED Talk.
Verification: Ensure the URL is correct and leads directly to the TED Talk you are citing.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip: Copy the URL directly to avoid typos.
6. Assemble Your Citation
Action: Combine all the elements you have gathered into the proper APA format. The general structure for a TED Talk citation is:
Last Name, Initials. (Year, Month Day). Title of TED Talk. TED. URL
For example: Doe, J. (2021, June 15). The future of innovation. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_doe_the_future_of_innovation
Verification: Review each part of your citation to ensure it follows the format closely, including punctuation and italics.
Time Estimate: 3-5 minutes.
Tip: Use an APA citation generator to check your formatting if you are unsure.
7. Add the Citation to Your Reference List
Action: Insert your completed citation into the reference list at the end of your paper. Ensure that it is double-spaced and uses a hanging indent.
Verification: Check that the reference list is in alphabetical order based on the first author's last name.
Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
Tip: Create your reference list as you go to avoid last-minute formatting.
8. Review and Proofread Your Citation
Action: Carefully proofread your citation to check for any typos or formatting errors.
Verification: Ensure that all elements are correctly formatted according to APA guidelines.
Time Estimate: 5 minutes.
Tip: Consider reading your citation aloud to catch any errors you might have overlooked.
By following these steps, you will be able to create a proper APA citation for a TED Talk, ensuring that your work adheres to academic standards. This methodical approach will help you maintain clarity and consistency in your citations.
Common Errors for Ted Talk Citation Citations
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget that proper nouns are always capitalized regardless of case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify all proper nouns in the title including names of people
- Ensure names of places, organizations, and institutions are capitalized
- Capitalize specific geographic names and locations mentioned
- Maintain capitalization of brand names and historical events referenced
Students forget that subtitles are treated as separate sentences for capitalization purposes
How to Avoid It:- Locate all colons in the title that separate main title from subtitle
- Capitalize the first word immediately following each colon without exception
- Apply sentence case or title case rules to remaining subtitle words appropriately
- Ensure subtitle capitalization matches the type of title case being used
Students don't know when acronyms should be in all capitals versus following sentence case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify well-known acronyms like CDC, NASA, APA, FBI that are widely recognized
- Keep these acronyms in all capitals regardless of sentence case rules
- For lesser-known acronyms, follow standard usage or title case rules
- Check if acronym is commonly written in all caps in professional contexts
Students partially apply rules but are inconsistent, mixing sentence and title case
How to Avoid It:- Choose correct case type for the source type first
- Apply rules consistently throughout the entire title without exception
- Double-check all words against the chosen case rules
- Review title for consistent application of capitalization throughout
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget the basic rule to always capitalize the first word
How to Avoid It:- Always capitalize the first word of any title without exception
- This applies regardless of sentence case or title case formatting used
- Check the very first character of the title for proper capitalization
- Ensure first word is capitalized even if it's a minor word type
Students extend italics beyond appropriate boundaries or apply them inconsistently
How to Avoid It:- Review italics boundaries carefully in citation formatting
- Italicize only titles and volume numbers in reference lists
- Keep all other elements like publisher location in plain text
- Ensure italics start and stop at appropriate points
Students omit periods after initials, especially when multiple initials are present
How to Avoid It:- Add period after each initial in author name formatting
- Ensure all initials have periods following them consistently
- Check that no initials are missing periods in reference lists
- Verify spacing between initials with periods is correct
Students space initials like regular words, not realizing they should be compact
How to Avoid It:- Remove spaces between initials in author name formatting
- Keep initials together without spacing between them
- Maintain periods after each initial without extra spacing
- Check that initials appear as M.K. not M. K. in citations
Students focus on the year in parentheses but forget the period after closing parenthesis
How to Avoid It:- Add period after closing parenthesis of year in citations
- Ensure year is in parentheses followed by period consistently
- Check that year information is complete with proper period
- Verify spacing between year period and title is correct
Students focus on internal punctuation but forget the citation must end with a period
How to Avoid It:- Add period at the very end of the citation reference
- Ensure citation ends with proper punctuation consistently
- Check that no citation is missing final period in reference list
- Verify that final period is not preceded by extra spacing
✨ Ready to Check Your Full Reference List?
Validate your entire bibliography at once with our citation checker
Validation Checklist
Before submitting your Ted Talk Citation citation, verify:
- In APA 7th edition, single authors are formatted with last name followed by a comma and first and middle initials. The initials should be separated by periods but not spaces. This format applies to all reference types including journal articles, books, and webpages. The author's name should be inverted (last name first) in the reference list only. This rule ensures consistency across all citation formats and makes alphabetical ordering more efficient in reference lists.
- For works with two authors, both names should be inverted (last name first) and separated by an ampersand (&) rather than the word 'and'. Each author's name follows the single author format (Last name, initials). The ampersand should be preceded by a comma. This format is used in both reference lists and parenthetical citations, but narrative citations use 'and' instead of '&'. This rule distinguishes APA from other citation styles and maintains consistency across multi-author works.
- For works with three to twenty authors, list all authors in the reference list. Each author's name should be inverted (last name first) with initials. Authors should be separated by commas, with an ampersand (&) before the final author's name. This represents a significant change from APA 6th edition, which used 'et al.' for works with seven or more authors. This rule ensures proper attribution to all contributors while maintaining readability for moderately sized author groups.
- For works with 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis (...), then list the final author. The ellipsis replaces authors 20 through the second-to-last author. All listed authors follow the standard inverted format. This rule prevents extremely long citation lists while still providing key attribution information. The ellipsis should not be italicized or bracketed. This change from APA 6th edition's 7+ author rule provides more comprehensive author listing.
- When no author is listed and the work cannot be attributed to a specific organization, move the title to the author position, followed by the date. Do not use 'Anonymous' as the author unless the work is actually signed 'Anonymous.' For works truly signed 'Anonymous,' treat 'Anonymous' as the author name. This rule ensures that readers can identify works by their titles when authorship is unknown while maintaining the standard reference format structure.
- Author titles, suffixes, and credentials (like Jr., Sr., II, III, Ph.D., M.D.) should be included in the reference list. Suffixes like Jr., Sr., II, and III follow the initials, separated by commas. Academic and professional credentials are generally omitted from reference list entries but may be included in special circumstances. Titles like Dr., Professor, or military ranks are not included in reference list citations. This rule provides complete identification when needed while avoiding unnecessary credential inflation.
- Hyphenated surnames should be treated as a single unit with the hyphen maintained in the reference list. The entire hyphenated surname comes before the comma, followed by initials. Do not separate hyphenated names with commas or treat them as multiple surnames. This rule preserves the author's intended name format and ensures accurate alphabetical ordering in reference lists.
- Surnames with prefixes (like de, van, von, del, la, le) should be treated according to the author's preference and cultural conventions. Common prefixes like 'van' or 'de' are typically treated as part of the surname and included before the comma. The prefix and surname should remain together as a single unit. This rule respects various cultural naming traditions while maintaining consistency in reference list formatting.
- When author information is incomplete, use available information and follow specific rules for missing elements. If only initials are available, use them without periods. If no author can be identified, move the title to the author position. For edited volumes with no author, use the editor(s) with '(Ed.)' after the name. This rule ensures that references can be created even with incomplete author information while maintaining APA format consistency.
- In APA 7, the publication year for most sources is placed in parentheses following the author name. The year is followed by a period. This format applies to journal articles, books, and most other standard reference types. The year should be the actual publication year, not the copyright year when they differ. For edited books, use the year of publication of the specific edition you are citing. This format has remained consistent from APA 6 with minor clarification about copyright vs publication year.
Special Cases
Understanding Special and Edge Cases in APA Citation for TED Talks
Citing TED Talks in APA format can present unique challenges, especially when dealing with special cases and edge cases. This guide will clarify how to handle these situations according to the APA 7th edition style. It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to maintain consistency and clarity in academic writing.
General Format for Citing TED Talks
Before discussing special cases, let’s review the general format for citing TED Talks. A typical TED Talk citation in the reference list follows this structure:
Author Last Name, Initials. (Year, Month Day). Title of the talk [Video]. Platform. URL
For example:
Smith, J. A. (2020, March 15). The power of vulnerability [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/john_smith_the_power_of_vulnerability
Special Cases
No Author Listed
In some instances, TED Talks may not have an identifiable author. If the talk cannot be attributed to a specific organization, the title moves to the author position. This maintains the structure and allows readers to find the source via its title.
Example:
Title of Talk. (Year, Month Day). TED. URL
This would look like:
The art of stillness. (2014, February 15). TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/pico_iyer_the_art_of_stillness
In this case, the title of the talk is used as the author because there is no individual author listed. It is essential to keep the title in italics, as it now occupies the author position.
Multiple Authors
When a TED Talk features multiple contributors, you must adhere to the appropriate rules for listing authors. For works with two authors, both should be inverted and separated by an ampersand.
Example:
Doe, J. R., & Roe, M. L. (2021, April 5). Collaborative innovation in education [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_doe_collaborative_innovation_in_education
In this case, "Doe" and "Roe" are listed with initials. The ampersand is used rather than 'and' to denote their joint authorship.
For three to twenty authors, all names should be included in the reference list, using the same inverted format.
Example:
Brown, A. B., Green, C. D., & Black, E. F. (2019, May 10). The future of our planet [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/alice_brown_the_future_of_our_planet
This structure ensures that all contributors receive proper attribution, which is especially important in collaborative works.
Large Number of Authors
When citing TED Talks with 21 or more authors, list the first 19, insert an ellipsis, and then list the final author's name. This format prevents excessively long citations while still providing essential attribution.
Example:
Smith, J. A., Johnson, K. B., Williams, R. C., ... Thompson, L. M. (2020, June 7). Innovations in technology [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/john_smith_innovations_in_technology
In this case, the ellipsis indicates that there are additional authors not listed. It is important to remember that the ellipsis should not be italicized or bracketed.
Edge Cases
Authors with Similar Names
When multiple authors share similar names, include the initials to differentiate them. For instance, if you have two authors named "Smith" who both have a TED Talk, you would write:
Example:
Smith, J. A. (2020, March 15). The power of vulnerability [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/john_smith_the_power_of_vulnerability
Smith, J. B. (2021, April 20). The future of work [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/jane_smith_the_future_of_work
This differentiation is crucial for clarity and helps avoid confusion in your reference list.
Why These Rules Matter
The importance of following these citation rules cannot be overstated. Accurate citations lend credibility to your work and allow readers to locate the original sources. They also help maintain academic integrity by providing proper attribution to authors and creators. Inconsistent or incorrect citations can lead to confusion and undermine the quality of your research.
Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls
-
Double-check Author Names: Ensure you have the correct spelling of author names and initials. Misnaming authors can lead to lack of credibility in your work.
-
Stay Consistent: Follow the same formatting rules throughout your document. If you use specific formats for one type of source, apply those formats consistently to all similar sources.
-
Utilize Online Resources: Use citation generators as a starting point, but always verify their accuracy against APA guidelines. These tools can help avoid common mistakes, but they are not infallible.
-
Familiarize Yourself with the Guidelines: Regularly consult the APA 7th edition manual or reliable online resources for updates or clarification on citation rules.
-
Be Mindful of Special Cases: Take note of edge cases and special circumstances when citing. These can easily lead to errors if not handled carefully.
Conclusion
Understanding how to cite TED Talks properly in APA format, especially in special and edge cases, is crucial for any academic writer. By following the outlined guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and comply with APA standards. This attention to detail enhances the credibility and professionalism of your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a TED Talk in APA format?
To cite a TED Talk in APA format, you will need the speaker's name, the year of the talk, the title of the talk in italics, the format description, and the URL. For example, the basic format is: Speaker, A. A. (Year). Title of the talk [Video]. TED. URL. If you are referencing a specific part of the talk, you might also include a timestamp in your in-text citation. For instance, if you are discussing a specific point made at 5 minutes and 30 seconds, you would format it as (Speaker, Year, 5:30). For more detailed guidance, you can visit the official APA Style website.
What if the TED Talk does not have a clear presenter?
In cases where a TED Talk does not have a clearly identifiable presenter, you can use the organization as the author. For TED Talks, you can cite it as follows: TED. (Year). Title of the talk [Video]. URL. Ensure that you still include the year, title, and URL to provide a complete citation. If you are unsure, check the TED website for more specific details about the talk. For additional resources on citing organizational authors, the APA Style website can provide further clarification.
Can I use TED Talks as academic sources in my research?
Yes, TED Talks can be used as academic sources, but it is important to evaluate the content critically. TED Talks often present innovative ideas and perspectives that may enhance your research. However, since they are not peer-reviewed, you should supplement them with scholarly articles and books. When citing a TED Talk, ensure you provide a thorough context in your writing, explaining how the talk supports your argument. For a more comprehensive understanding of using non-traditional sources, the APA Style Blog offers valuable insights.
Do I need to include the date I accessed the TED Talk in my citation?
In APA format, you typically do not need to include the date you accessed a TED Talk unless the content is likely to change over time. Since TED Talks are generally stable sources, you can simply provide the publication date. However, if you are citing a webpage that frequently updates, including the access date would be appropriate. For TED Talks, just focus on the speaker, year, title, and URL for a clean citation. For further details on this topic, you can check the APA Style website.
How do I format in-text citations for TED Talks?
In-text citations for TED Talks in APA format should include the speaker's last name and the year of the talk. If you are referring to a specific moment in the talk, you can add a timestamp. For example, you might write: (Speaker, Year, 5:30) if you are referencing something said at 5 minutes and 30 seconds. This helps your readers locate the exact part of the talk you are discussing. For more tips on in-text citations, the APA Style website provides comprehensive resources.
What if I want to quote a TED Talk directly?
When quoting directly from a TED Talk, you should include the speaker's last name, the year, and the specific timestamp of the quote in your citation. For instance, you might format it like this: "Quote from the talk" (Speaker, Year, 5:30). Make sure to provide context for your quote in your writing to help readers understand its relevance. Also, remember to use quotation marks around the quoted text. For more examples and guidelines on quoting sources, the APA Style website can be a helpful resource.
Last Updated: 2025-10-26
Reading Time: 10 minutes
Quick Check Your Citation
Validate APA formatting instantly