How long does it take to get a TEDx talk?

How long does it take to get a TEDx talk?


The short answer:
- 5% chance in 6 months
- 30% chance within a year
- 70% chance within 2 years

And this is when you have an excellent idea and unforgettable application.


Here's the long answer:

- Why 5% chance in 6 months?

Most TEDx events that are currently accepting applications are in the fall of 2026. If your application is ready to go AND you apply today AND they accept you- you’ll be on the stage in 9 months. (6 months is already unlikely as there just aren't as many TEDx events in the summer)

The 5% is for the truly outstanding candidates and ideas


- Why 30% chance in a year?

If your application isn’t ready, it will take you at least a few weeks to get a really great application together, create a short video, get feedback on it etc.

So, you spend Jan & Feb perfecting your application. You spend March diligently sending out applications to every new event, and tailoring each application to that event’s requirements and themes. Now you're looking at Winter 2025/26 before you're on the stage.

But we're still in IF territory here. I don’t know anyone since 2020 who has got the first TEDx event they applied to. You might get lucky and get the 2nd or the 5th, but realistically you're going to have to send out 10-20 applications to get on the stage.

The 30% are the ones who are consistent and persistent in their application strategy.


- Why 70% chance in 2 years?

Organizers spend a lot of time curating their lineup- they do a huge amount of outreach themselves and are often only using applications to fill up 2-4 spots on their roster. And they might get 400 of them. Your chances are low even if they LOVE your idea.

If you are the worlds foremost speaker on the intersection of card tricks and cancer research and they love your idea, cutting edge discovery and clear wit and charm on the stage, you might not get the spot because that organizer already has a medical speaker lined in.

So they keep you on deck for next year. That's 18mths-2yrs from now. When you apply a second year, you are more experienced, more credible and already on their radar.


- And the last 30%?

Many people never get a TEDx talk because they run out of patience, don't have a strong application or have maybe never been told that their idea isn't TEDx ready yet.

If you are determined to get on that stage, be prepared for it to take time. Be prepared to reimagine your idea, your application and then your talk many times.


If you want to take your #TEDx from a dream to reality- you need to start today. So let's talk!