How to Cite a TED Talk in APA and MLA

However, many students and writers struggle with how to correctly cite a TED Talk, especially when switching between APA and MLA citation styles.

This guide provides a clear and practical overview of how to cite a ted talk in both APA and MLA formats, including reference list examples, in-text citation rules, and answers to common questions.

How to Cite a TED Talk

1.1 Citing a TED Talk in APA Style

About how to cite a ted talk apa, In APA (7th edition), TED Talks are typically treated as online videos. The standard citation format includes the speaker, date, title, format, publisher (TED), and URL.

Format:

Last Name, First Initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of the talk [Video]. TED. URL

Example:

Anderson, C. (2016, February). TED's secret to great public speaking [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/chris_anderson_ted_s_secret_to_great_public_speaking

Note: If you watched the TED Talk on YouTube instead of TED.com, you should cite YouTube as the publisher.

1.2 Citing a TED Talk in MLA Style

About how to cite a ted talk mla, MLA (9th edition) treats TED Talks as digital videos. The citation includes the speaker's full name, the title of the talk in quotation marks, the name of the platform in italics, the publication date, and the URL.

Format:

Speaker's Full Name. "Title of the Talk." TED, Date, URL.

Example:

Robinson, Ken. "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" TED, Feb. 2006, www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity.

Remember to use quotation marks for the title and italics for the name of the website or platform (TED).

1.3 In-text Citation for TED Talks

1.3.1  APA In-text Citation

APA style uses the author–date system for in-text citations.

• Parenthetical: (Anderson, 2016)
• Narrative: Anderson (2016) explains the importance of authenticity in public speaking.

To reference a specific moment in the talk, include a timestamp:

• (Anderson, 2016, 2:45)

1.3.2 MLA In-text Citation

MLA uses the author's last name in the in-text citation:

• (Robinson)

If no speaker is named, use a shortened version of the title in quotation marks:

• ("Do Schools")

For referencing a specific part of the talk, include the timestamp in a narrative form:

• Robinson suggests around 3 minutes into the talk that schools may suppress creativity.

1.3.3 Including Time Stamps

• For videos, you can include time range if citing specific parts, e.g., (Anderson, 2016, 3:15–4:00)
• Page numbers usually omitted for videos.

You can also learn how to cite a TED Talk by watching the helpful video "Reference a Ted Talk from a Website" for a quick visual guide.

Tips and Tools for Citing TED Talks

2.1 Practical Citation Tips

• Always double-check the speaker's name and the publication date on the official TED website or Ted talk YouTube.
• Use italics for the platform name (e.g., TED) and quotation marks for the title in MLA.
• Include timestamps when referring to specific moments in the talk.
• APA requires the speaker's first initial, while MLA uses the full first name.

2.2 TED Talk Downloader

Snappixify

What is Snappixify

Snappixify is a browser-based tool that allows you to download TED Talks directly from the TED website or YouTube. It's useful when you need offline access for citation, study, or classroom use.

Step-by-step Guide

• Copy video link from the address bar or the share menu

• Go to Snappixify and Paste link into the box above and click "Paste Link" button

• Select your preferred Format and Resolution, then click "Download"

Note: Always ensure you have the rights or permission to download and use the content for educational or personal use.

2.3 Citation Generator Tools

Scribbr Citation Generator

Scribbr offers a free, easy-to-use citation generator for APA and MLA formats. You can select the source type (e.g., video), enter the TED Talk details, and it will generate a formatted citation instantly.

Grammarly Citation Generator

Grammarly's citation tool also supports APA and MLA formatting. It's especially helpful when writing within Grammarly's editor, allowing for seamless citation integration while you write.

Conclusion

Citing TED Talks correctly in APA or MLA style is essential for academic integrity and professional writing. Whether you're referencing expert insights in an essay or including a talk in your bibliography, following the proper format shows credibility and attention tos detail.

With tools like Scribbr, Grammarly, and Snappixify, managing citations and downloading videos becomes faster and easier. Keep this guide handy as a reliable reference whenever you cite a TED Talk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I refer to a TED Talk in an essay?

When mentioning a TED Talk in your essay, briefly introduce the speaker and the talk's title to give context. For example: "In her TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability, Brené Brown discusses…" Always include a full citation in your reference list according to the required style.

Does a TED Talk count as a scholarly source?

TED Talks are not typically considered scholarly sources because they lack peer review. However, they can be valuable for illustrating examples or expert opinions. Check with your instructor or publisher to confirm if TED Talks are acceptable in your work.

How to cite a podcast in APA?

To cite a podcast episode, include the host's name, the date, the episode title, the podcast name in italics, the format "[Audio podcast episode]," and the URL. For example:
Host, A. (Year, Month Day). Episode title [Audio podcast episode]. Podcast Name. URL

How to cite a TED Talk in APA 7th edition?

Treat TED Talks as online videos. Include the speaker's last name and initial, date, title in italics, the format "[Video]," the platform (TED), and the URL. For example:
Gallo, C. (2014, October). The secret to TED's success [Video]. TED. URL

How to in-text cite a TED Talk video?

Use the speaker's last name and year in parentheses, like (Gallo, 2014). If citing a specific part, add the timestamp: (Gallo, 2014, 3:15). In MLA, use just the speaker's last name or a shortened title.