Referencing a TED talk in academic or professional writing helps you credit influential ideas while strengthening your argument with real-world evidence. APA style provides clear rules for citing video-based sources so your readers can find the original content easily.
This guide explains how to format an APA citation for a TED talk, compares common mistakes, and shows you exactly what to include in text and in your reference list. Use the table and sections below to adapt the format to your specific source details.
| Field | What to Include | Example | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaker | Last name, Initials | Gladwell, M. | Use the main speaker even if a curator introduced the talk |
| Year | Year posted in parentheses | (2010) | Check upload date if publication year is unclear |
| Title | Sentence case in italics, followed by [Video] | How to make stress our friend [Video] | Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns |
| Platform | TED.com | TED.com | Omit if the talk is from another platform such as YouTube |
| URL | Full web address without "Retrieved from" | https://www.ted.com/.../malcolm Gladwell... | Use https and the direct link to the talk |
Basic APA Format Rules for TED Talks
APA treats TED talks as online videos, so your citation must highlight the speaker, year, title, platform, and URL. Place the talk title in italics and use sentence case, which means only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized. After the title, include [Video] in brackets to signal the medium. Because TED is a stable site, you do not need a retrieval date unless the content is likely to change.
In-Text Citation for TED Talks
In your writing, lead with the speaker last name and year in parentheses right after the idea you cite. If you mention the speaker in the sentence, include the year in parentheses immediately after the name. For direct quotes, add a timestamp to help readers locate the exact moment in the talk.
Reference List Format and Ordering
On your references page, list TED talks alphabetically by the first author last name. Indent every line after the first to create a hanging indent. Double-space the entire list and use a clear font such as 12-point Times New Roman or an equivalent serif typeface. Ensure the URL is a direct link that does not require login or redirects through shorteners.
Common Citation Mistakes to Avoid
Many writers incorrectly label the talk as an episode, podcast, or webpage, which changes the formatting. Avoid using square brackets for non-standard labels and omitting the [Video] identifier. Also do it forget to italicize the talk title, include the year, or provide a working URL that breaks when clicked.
Advanced Tips for Accurate Referencing
When you integrate TED talks into research papers or reports, precise citations increase credibility and allow reviewers to verify your sources. Consistent formatting across sources also makes your reference list easier to scan and reduces editing time before submission.
- Always verify the speaker name exactly as it appears on the official talk page.
- Double-check the year if the talk was originally presented earlier but uploaded later.
- Use the direct video URL instead of a homepage or search result link.
- Include a timestamp in your in-text citation when quoting specific segments.
- Follow any additional guidelines from your instructor, publisher, or organization beyond basic APA rules.
FAQ
Reader questions
How should I cite a TED talk with multiple speakers in APA?
List up to twenty authors by separating names with commas and using an ampersand before the final name. If there are more than twenty authors, list the first nineteen, add an ellipsis, then include the final author name.
What do I do if the TED talk has no listed year?
Use "n.d." for no date in the reference and try to find the upload or production year on the talk page or description to include in the in-text citation.
Can I cite a TED talk from YouTube instead of TED.com?
Yes, replace "TED.com" with "[Video]" and provide the YouTube URL. Include the platform in brackets if your style asks for it, and verify the upload date to ensure accuracy.
Should I include a timestamp in the reference list entry?
No, timestamps appear only in the in-text citation when you quote directly. The reference list entry covers the entire talk without time details.