WING, the branded content production agency under Little Dot Studios, is working with TED on a YouTube-first competition series that provides the opportunity for an inspiring speaker to be heard on the TED mainstage.
The TED Idea Search, launching this week, was filmed across nine TEDx events worldwide. Out of 5,000 applicants, a select group received expert coaching from TED specialists. The series, narrated by musician and comedian Reggie Watts, takes a behind-the-scenes look at the process from idea to six-minute inspiring speech. A wide range of topics are featured, including clean energy in Africa, AI’s use in the battle against animal trafficking, and the rise of Indian fashion globally.
Kelly Stoetzel, project lead and curator at TED: said: “TED has spent four decades curating ideas worth spreading, and The TED Idea Search represents an exciting evolution of that work. This series allows us to meet emerging thinkers where they are, showcase the depth of our curation process, and invite a global audience into the experience. It’s also a powerful reflection of the incredible worldwide TEDx community, whose organizers and local teams made this search possible by championing new voices in their cities. It’s about transparency, mentorship, and discovery — and about expanding who gets to stand on the TED stage.”
Will Ingham, group chief creative officer at Little Dot Studios, added: “TED has always championed powerful ideas, but this series brings audiences closer to the people behind them. The TED Idea Search is about platforming voices we might not otherwise hear and capturing the courage it takes to step onto that red dot. It’s character-led storytelling designed for a global YouTube audience, with the potential to evolve into a significant returning format.”
