TEDx brings the spirit of TED to communities worldwide,  highlighting local voices, ideas, and inspiration with a global reach.

If you've ever watched a TED Talk and felt inspired, you might have seen the name TEDx as well and wondered: what's the difference? TEDx is an independently organized event that brings the spirit of TED to communities around the world. Whether you’re a TEDx first-timer or simply wondering how it differs from the main TED conference, here’s everything you need to know. 

What is TEDx?

TEDx is a grassroots initiative that allows individuals and communities to organize their own TED-style events. While TED conferences take place on a global scale, TEDx events are locally organized, featuring speakers who share ideas that resonate within their communities. These events maintain TED’s commitment to spreading ideas but do so with a special focus on local voices and regionally relevant topics.

The first TED conference was held in 1984, but TEDx didn’t emerge until 2009. Since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon, providing a platform for countless speakers to share insights that spark conversation, challenge perspectives, and inspire action.

How TEDx is different from TED

While both TED and TEDx focus on sharing compelling ideas, sparking discussion, and connecting people, there are a few key differences:

Local vs global

TED events are curated by the main TED organization and feature globally recognized speakers, while TEDx events are independently organized and often highlight local voices.

Scale and scope

TED typically involves larger, multi-day conferences, whereas TEDx events vary in size, length, and scope depending on the community and organizers.

Content ownership 

TEDx organizers curate their own speakers and content, but talks must align with TED’s mission and be uploaded to the official TEDx YouTube channel, which now has over 42 million subscribers. The TED website also hosts an extensive archive of TEDx talks, drawing even more viewers worldwide.

One defining feature of both TED and TEDx talks is their strict 18-minute time limit. This format is based on the idea that 18 minutes is long enough to dive into an idea but short enough to hold the audience’s full attention. It also allows for a more dynamic and engaging experience.

That summarizes the key differences, but if you also want a visual breakdown of TED vs. TEDx, check out this video explainer. 

The power of TEDx talks

Over the years, TEDx has produced some of the most memorable and widely viewed talks. Local voices do indeed have a global reach. Here are a couple of the TEDx talks that captivated millions and sparked change for viewers both at the event and beyond so you can see what we mean.

Simon Sinek's "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" has inspired leaders around the world with its leadership framework. 

Brené Brown's "The Power of Vulnerability" is a deep dive into human connection that has resonated with millions and shaped discussions around courage and vulnerability.

The TEDx YouTube channel boasts nine videos with over 30 million views each, and over 190,000 TEDx talks have been uploaded since the initiative began. Each year, approximately 3,000 TEDx events take place in over 130 countries, making it a truly global movement.

Bringing inspiration to Victoria

TEDxVictoria has a long history in Victoria despite its nine-year hiatus before the event was revived in 2024. The response to its return was overwhelming, last year’s event sold out, and talks from the event have already amassed over 580,000 views. 

If you missed the event or you just want to relive the day,  you can watch all of TEDxVictoria 2024’s talks here.

Whether you attend in person or watch from home, TEDx offers a space for ideas to flourish, conversations to spark, and communities to grow. Be part of the movement.

If you’re eager to experience the energy and inspiration of TEDxVictoria again for the first time, don’t miss out on TEDxVictoria 2025, happening June 10th at McPherson Playhouse.