TED is known for “ideas worth spreading,” and in 2024 we are unveiling our brand new tagline — “Ideas Change Everything.” This shift highlights our commitment to creating positive impact on individuals, communities, and the world. The TED Audio Collective builds on that mission with podcasts and videos that help audiences put ideas into action, through content that expands beyond the constraints of a TED talk.
With "How to Be a Better Human," we invite TED speakers and other experts to elaborate on how their research and experiences can contribute to the long philosophical tradition of examining the nature of a good life. The heart of the show is host Chris Duffy learning what awe-inspiring ideas look like in the day-to-day and giving listeners clear takeaways on living with greater purpose and care.
We aim to reach audiences who access podcasts on YouTube. In 2022, 57.8% of podcast listeners prefer to stream programs on YouTube, and the shift from audio to video platforms is expected to continue (Forbes). In 2023, YouTube became the leading podcast listening platform, and 27% of podcast newcomers (i.e., those who started listening in the past year) use YouTube more than other platforms (Cumulus/Signal Hill, 2023).
The proposed videos build upon the show’s idea-driven style to present a deeply sociable approach to character. We will get to see the facial expressions and body language that accompany conversations, which we believe will demonstrate how people can learn and grow character virtues and skills.
We aim to produce 40 video episodes that weave high-quality footage with subtitles to make the show more engaging and inclusive, particularly to young and new audiences. We also envision 5 bonus videos featuring host Chris Duffy and his expert guests grappling with big questions in the real world. Finally, we seek marketing support to allow more people to engage with the question of How to Be a Better Human.
