TEDTalks usage policies
Are TEDTalks copyrighted?
Yes. TEDTalks are distributed under a Creative Commons (CC) license. This doesn't replace copyright -- which remains undivided with TED Conferences LLC -- but it makes the terms more flexible. Anyone is free to download the videos from TED.com; share them with friends; republish or embed them on their website or blog. But this use must be made within the terms of the CC license "Attribution -- NonCommercial -- NonDerivative."
This Creative Commons license allows you to reproduce, distribute, display or perform publicly the TEDTalks as long as you follow these guidelines:
Attribution: you reference explicitly TED as the original source of the materials, and TED's logos and visuals as well as those of the TEDTalks sponsors remain untouched and unedited.
NonCommercial: You can't use TEDTalks (or any parts of them) for commercial purposes
NonDerivative: You cannot alter the videos in any way (edit, remix, cut, etc).
These conditions can be modified only by explicit permission of the copyright holder (TED Conferences LLC). The complete text of the license can be seen on the Creative Commons (CC) license.
Can I repost or republish TEDTalks on my site or blog?
Yes, we encourage you to share TEDTalks widely -- as long as you comply with the terms of the Creative Commons license outlined above (See: "Are TEDTalks copyrighted?") and add a visible link back to TED.com.
Can I project TEDTalks to a group of people?
Yes, as long as you comply with the terms of the Creative Commons license outlined above (See: "Are TEDTalks copyrighted?"). In fact, we encourage you to find creative ways to share TEDTalks with your friends, family, students, colleagues, and communities. (See 10 Ways to Spread TED.)
Can I show TEDTalks during my conference?
Yes, as long as you comply with the terms of the Creative Commons license outlined above (See: "Are TEDTalks copyrighted?"). In particular, the talks must be shown unedited, including the TED visuals, those of the partner conferences, and those of the TEDTalks sponsor, as well as the copyright information, and only within the scope of a non-commercial event. If you wish to use TEDTalks in a commercial context, please contact us with a motivated request for permission.
Can I use TEDTalks in my classroom?
Yes, as long as you comply with the terms of the Creative Commons license outlined above (See: "Are TEDTalks copyrighted?"). We know of a number of teachers that use TEDTalks to stimulate discussions with their students or to complement course materials, and encourage you to do so as well.
Can I re-edit and remix TEDTalks?
No. The Creative Commons license (See: "Are TEDTalks copyrighted?") clearly states that "derivative works" of any kind (edits, cuts, re-mixes, mashups, etc) are not allowed. If you discover edited or modified versions of TEDTalks distributed online or used elsewhere, be aware that this is illegal and please inform us.
Can I translate TEDTalks?
Yes -- but if you intend to re-post your translation as a subtitled video, the way you share the video must comply with the sharing and broadcast guidelines listed on this page. (On request, TED can provide official English transcriptions of TEDTalks to aid your translation.) TED reserves the right to re-purpose, edit or broadcast your translation and publish it as a transcript or as subtitles. We prefer that translated subtitles of TEDTalks be made available in the .SRT file format. We also ask that you send us any translations you complete. To send us a translation, or to request more information, email subtitles@ted.com.
Use on TV programs
TED allows excerpts from TED talks to be aired on television, provided the speaker agrees. We have to secure permission from each individual speaker for any media use not produced by TED.
In order to approach the speaker with the request, we need a brief from the producer on the TV segment they're developing, and the intended use of the footage. For stations outside the U.S., background on the network's reach and POV are helpful.
If the speaker agrees, we'll provide footage on a hard drive, standard DVD or data DVD. Depending on the particular conference, footage will be delivered in one of the following formats: DVCPro NTSC, DVCPro PAL, DVCPro NTSC Anamorphic or DVCPro HD 1080i60. Any needed conversion will be the network's responsibility.
No licensing fees are charged, but the footage must be accompanied by an on-screen credit (generally a lower-third) referencing www.TED.com. We prefer the language "Full talk available at www.TED.com"
Documentary use
Documentary filmmakers can use excerpts of TEDtalks within their films, provided the speaker agrees. TED must secure permission from each individual speaker for any use not produced by TED.
In order for us to approach the speaker with the request, you must provide TED with a brief from the filmmaker on the intended use of the footage, the film's perspective/point of view, and distribution plan. We also like to see brief bios on the creative team (producer, director, etc).
If the speaker agrees, we will provide the filmmaker with footage on a data DVD in one of our standard formats (any needed conversion will be the filmmakers' responsibility). Depending on the particular conference, footage will be delivered in one of the following formats: DVCPro NTSC, DVCPro PAL, DVCPro NTSC Anamorphic or DVCPro HD 1080i60. We do not deliver footage on tape.
No licensing fees are charged, but the footage must be accompanied by an on-screen credit (generally a lower-third) referencing www.TED.com. We prefer the language "Full talk available at www.TED.com"
Media request tipsheet
Image requests
Image requests must be accompanied by the following information:
Name of publication/outlet
Name of requested image
Publication date
Preferred file format
Deadline for receipt of image
Image requests should be directed to Laura Galloway at laura@gallowaymediagroup.com
A photo credit will be provided when the image is delivered. This credit must run in full.
Media requests
Requests for interviews should be directed to Laura Galloway at laura@gallowaymediagroup.com. Your e-mail should include the following information:
Name of publication/outlet
Brief background on your interview request
Proposed publication date
Your deadline
All other press requests, including requests to attend TED, should include the information outlined above and be directed to Laura Galloway at laura@gallowaymediagroup.com. Press passes to TED are extremely limited, and press attendance will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Press decisions are generally made in the winter preceding the conference.
