Difference Between TED and TEDx

Nowadays, with the help of social media sites, it has become very easy to share ideas and experiences. But back in the days, there were not that many options readily available. But there were platforms where one could share their knowledge with others. TED talks are one of these famous platforms.

TED vs TEDx

The main difference between TED and TEDx is that TED is an event that has a global approach and TEDx a local approach. Both of them follow the same format but have a difference in their approach, advertising and reach. If we compare both of them, TED is a bigger platform than TEDx.

TED exists as a non-profit organization, being devoted to the notion of spreading ideas. The foundation was laid down in 1984 by Richard Saul Wurman, and it was co-founded by Harry Marks. The full form of Ted is Technology, Entertainment and Design converged. It mainly consists of crisp and powerful talks of approximately 18 minutes.

The x in TEDx refers to an independently organized event. The event follows the format that of TED talks. It is like a general assembly where TED-like talks and exhibitions are shared with the faction. For bringing people together and sharing a Ted like experience, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events.

Comparison Table Between TED and TEDx

Parameters of ComparisonTEDTEDx
FoundedIt was founded on 23 February 1984.It was introduced in 2009.
ApproachTED has a Global Approach.TEDx has a Local Approach.
LicensingLicensing is not required.It requires licensing from TED.
ProductionIt is produced by the officials of TED.It is produced by anyone who has a license.
SpeakersThey are experts dedicated to a particular field.They need not be experts dedicated to a particular field.
ReachIt has a bigger reach.It comparatively has a smaller reach.

What is TED?

A non-profit, non-partisan foundation that has the ownership of TED, and also which currently operates it is having the main intention of ‘spreading ideas’. The organization was started by Richard Saul Wurman and co-founded by Harry Marks in 1984. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design converged. It mainly consists of crisp and powerful talks of approximately 18 minutes.

The speakers for the events are scientists, philosophers, musicians, businesses, philanthropists, or other influential figures. The world-renowned event started as an annual event of the TED Conference in Monterey and California. Today, TED has turned into this enlarged organization that includes various Conferences, TED Talks, The Audacious Project, global TEDx, and much more.

TED published its first 6 talks online on June 27, 2006. In the year 2015, TED marked a revenue earning of US$66.2 million. TED’s audio and visual series TED talks are available for free online. Now, TED publishes 5 to 7 videos every week. By October 2020, 3500 TED talks were published.

The combined viewing figure of TED talks in June 2011 was 500 million. On July 1, 2019, TED Conferences LLC was transferred to TED Foundation ownership from Sapling Foundation. From that date, TED is now administered by a British-American businessman Chris Anderson.

What is TEDx?

TEDx is a part of the non-profit organization TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design). The license for producing a TEDx event anywhere on the face of the earth was introduced by TED in 2009.TEDx and TED are very similar. Both TED and TEDx have the same curator and format. The difference is that TED has a worldwide appeal and TEDx a local one. TEDx is a local platform that empowers local voices.

It is focused on a regional, geographic area within a community. TEDx is an independently organized event, which brings people in conjunction for having a TED-like experience. These events can also be organized within schools and colleges. However, for organizing a TED Talk or TED Conference, one needs a license from the TED officials. Also, the specified rules and regulations need to be followed.

TEDx has a diversity of topics from science, technology, academics, history, art, music, life, philosophy, and so much more. It is focused on the topics that matter and provoke conversations. A TEDx event is not a forum for any industry or marketing. It is also not limited to any political or social group. It also not a platform for selling or commercial purposes. The TEDx content is community-driven as well as Bias-Free. The common goal is to generate curiosity, kick start conversations, and strengthen the connection among the community.

Main Differences Between TED and TEDx 

  • TED was founded in 1984, and TEDx was introduced in 2009.
  • TED has a global approach, whereas TEDx has a local or communal approach.
  • The TED talks and events are organized only by the TED officials. The TEDx, however, can be organized by anyone or any organization having a license from TED.
  • In order to have TED talks licensing is not required as it is organized by the TED officials. On the contrary, it is necessary to have a license for organizing TEDx.
  • The speakers in TED events belong to a specific field or profession. Whereas the speakers in TEDx can be any industry expert, professional or influential person from the community.
  • As TED has a global approach and advertising, it has a very large reach. TEDx, on the other hand, is a local event due to which it has a smaller reach.
  • Conclusion

    Even though both TED and TEDx have many similarities, they are two different entities. Over the years, TED has had many famous personalities as their speakers, such as Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Shahrukh Khan, to name a few. It has also developed a lot. Still, the main goal is empowering ideas. As TED is on a mission to empower and spread ideas on a global level, it welcomes each and every person who has a profound knowledge about a specific field, ideology and thinking.

    It helps and urges people to think deeper about the various aspects of our life. It passionately believes in bringing changes, not only in oneself but in others too. And by doing so, achieve bigger milestones and together make the world a better place. It is a platform for those who aspire to inspire. What started as an annual event or conference has now turned into this gigantic platform for people across all the boundaries; boundaries of nationality, caste, colour and gender.

    References

  • https://www.kluniversity.in/edcnew/pdf/TEDxKLU-Report.pdf
  • https://dspace.allegheny.edu/bitstream/handle/10456/42646/Ludewig_2017_CLCWeb_TED%20Talks.pdf?sequence=1
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