Connect with us

Music

The Wiggly Wonder of Music | Jacob Collier | TED

Grammy-winning musician Jacob Collier has a name for the feeling that moves through a great piece of music: the wiggle. Watch him break down the idea into its three parts — melody, rhythm and harmony — with nothing but his own voice, a grand piano and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Turns out life,…

Published

on

Grammy-winning musician Jacob Collier has a name for the feeling that moves through a great piece of music: the wiggle. Watch him break down the idea into its three parts — melody, rhythm and harmony — with nothing but his own voice, a grand piano and Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Turns out life, like music, was never made to run in straight lines. (Recorded at TED2026 on April 14, 2026)

(“What a Wonderful World” was written by Bob Thiele and George David Weiss.)

Join us in person at a TED conference:
Become a TED Member to support our mission:
Subscribe to a TED newsletter:

Follow TED!
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
TikTok:
Facebook:
X:

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less) — plus originals, podcasts and exclusive content. Look for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design as well as science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit for our entire library, transcripts, translations and personalized recommendations.

Watch more:

TED videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with the TED Talks Usage Policy: . For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a request at

#TED #TEDTalks #Music

Continue Reading
Advertisement
72 Comments

72 Comments

  1. @jupitired777

    September 19, 2026 at 3:57 pm

    immensely talented and hardworking dude

  2. @shpakvel

    September 19, 2026 at 4:16 pm

    Thanks, Jacob.

  3. @lila44411

    September 19, 2026 at 4:17 pm

    Yeah. I’m going to need Jacob to redo all my music theory and practical experience. I don’t tire of listening to him.

  4. @lila44411

    September 19, 2026 at 4:19 pm

    It’s incredible how much watching a prodigy can both humble and inspire you to such intense degrees 🤣🤣🤣

  5. @oc7445

    September 19, 2026 at 4:30 pm

    So, when will Jacob write a book?

  6. @fangirl6115

    September 19, 2026 at 4:34 pm

    😊

  7. @Iwa_Biafwyla

    September 19, 2026 at 4:42 pm

    If you want maximum “HOOOO BOY” vibes I highly recommend just watching this and Tim Exile’s TEDtalks back to back on repeat.
    They’re both amazing eccentrics who approach music from a very unique dimension, to say the least

  8. @loading9525

    September 19, 2026 at 4:45 pm

    JACOB MY BELOEVED

  9. @TheWaveFiles

    September 19, 2026 at 4:49 pm

    Well, he’s as good as a songwriter as chatgpt when it comes to emotions for me , if he write a song as emotionally charged as “Stand by me” or “Hotel California” or Radio head’s masterpiece “paranoid Android” and ” Street spirit fade out ” then we’ll see….

  10. @matnreyes

    September 19, 2026 at 4:50 pm

    Woah woah woah

  11. @zedkaido

    September 19, 2026 at 4:52 pm

    Wiggle WIgGle WIGGLE

  12. @bumshitty-o5v

    September 19, 2026 at 5:01 pm

    Utterly insufferable

  13. @jonasc1221

    September 19, 2026 at 5:09 pm

    Beautiful, wow.

  14. @nakedhand

    September 19, 2026 at 5:37 pm

    Mega grifter. The cult is in the comments

  15. @MarkWestbrookRadio

    September 19, 2026 at 6:02 pm

    This is your sign to keep going and never give up

  16. @LordGoogoo_432

    September 19, 2026 at 6:16 pm

    What would we do without Jacob. He’s the soaring and guiding light that keeps music alive. In a world seemingly devout of talented musicians he is still on top. So much of music has lost its true value. Jacob puts the music first and always has. Lady Gaga too.

  17. @biggic2004

    September 19, 2026 at 6:31 pm

    Thank you! All one ever needs to know, to know everything about everything.. 😊❤

  18. @iam91noble

    September 19, 2026 at 6:34 pm

    Ppl rlly hate on this man for 0 reason 🤦‍♂️

  19. @JuliaisJulieMallen-e3r

    September 19, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    It will be quite interesting to visually see how everyone is going to wiggle thier way to the narrow path.
    😏🫶🪶🐻‍❄️🦢🦕💖🪽🪽🪽🕊️😎⌚🇺🇸☘️💎💎💎💎🩵🦕💖🦢🐻‍❄️🪶🪶🪶🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋⭐⭐⭐⭐🐻😎🦎

  20. @aidanfoley5627

    September 19, 2026 at 6:43 pm

    Jethro!

  21. @mikefrank8511

    September 19, 2026 at 7:08 pm

    Breathtaking

  22. @TREACLsales

    September 19, 2026 at 7:47 pm

    10 minutes with Jacob is all it takes to open the heart

  23. @seyaro_

    September 19, 2026 at 8:37 pm

    I can’t wait for Sor Hands to react to this

  24. @marker52

    September 19, 2026 at 9:13 pm

    Woah woah woah

  25. @hugh_jerrah

    September 19, 2026 at 9:21 pm

    His Jumper has given me a vestibular migraine

  26. @x.MINUS.x

    September 19, 2026 at 11:21 pm

    Dang, all these people are really drinking up the Collie-Aid, huh?

    • @mipmipmipmipmip-v5x

      September 20, 2026 at 9:46 am

      judging by the many adoring comments he’ll lure knobheads to his cult compound in Tuscany for years to come

    • @TwisterTornado

      September 20, 2026 at 12:36 pm

      His faces are dumb, but he sounds okay.

      Why complain, though? If you think that the bar is too low, why aren’t you focusing on getting ahead?

  27. @TableTennisIsrael

    September 20, 2026 at 12:33 am

    Legend

  28. @pedro.pandeirada

    September 20, 2026 at 1:06 am

    Thank you Jacob for building this brilliant bridge to bring people closer to the beauty of music ❤

  29. @salley199

    September 20, 2026 at 1:19 am

    Lovely 🌹

  30. @Lily-2r

    September 20, 2026 at 3:19 am

    Great

  31. @JJCoolStuff

    September 20, 2026 at 3:27 am

    Gosh, I love this guy so much! ❤ Jacob’s energy and ability to share his wonder with others is therapeutic and healing. What a wonderful world indeed! 🌎✨

  32. @noahluard

    September 20, 2026 at 4:08 am

    delicious and nutritious as he would say

  33. @Ningen_1234

    September 20, 2026 at 4:31 am

    ❤❤

  34. @joenremmer

    September 20, 2026 at 5:20 am

    I can’t stop wiggling

  35. @mipmipmipmipmip-v5x

    September 20, 2026 at 6:01 am

    oh god this clown again, literal clowns custome, not even hiding that audience pays big bucks to see the elon musk of music, facade of pretentious rambling to cover nothingness behind it

    • @TwisterTornado

      September 20, 2026 at 12:35 pm

      Why the jealousy? And what’s wrong with clowns?

  36. @awombat1

    September 20, 2026 at 7:01 am

    How about giving credit to the actual writers of the song … George Douglas and George Davis Weiss who wrote the song specifically for Louis Armstrong?

  37. @aswoopyas

    September 20, 2026 at 8:52 am

    💗

  38. @viktorsincic8039

    September 20, 2026 at 9:01 am

    Martin Phillips is the original Wiggle, check him out he’s a brilliant comedian!

  39. @saramercado2624

    September 20, 2026 at 9:14 am

    Grandioso Jacob❤❤❤. Gracias por los subtitulo en español. 😊

  40. @Ijir0

    September 20, 2026 at 9:20 am

    Honestly, a WONDERFUL take on music. I’ve only heard of Jacob Collier from a classmate of mine from college a few days ago for an activity. As a producer myself, I notice his perspective being pretty much can resonate as mine. Embracing these small yet important details of music being applied to life makes me want to appreciate every bit of it.

    I’m very glad I saw this video ❤️

  41. @harrypearle9781

    September 20, 2026 at 10:07 am

    DEMOCRATS, DEMOCRATS need this, RHYTHM, JAZZ to WAKE UP Voters, now
    ================================================================ Time to Wake up?
    TIME backwards is EMIT the truth, with freedom, constantly, over and over, and over.. TNX MCH

  42. @ladydimare

    September 20, 2026 at 12:30 pm

    You are such medicine for this world, Jacob Collier. Shine on!

  43. @Lcsmrgx

    September 20, 2026 at 12:37 pm

    It gets to the point where Jacob looks more like a mythological creature than a human beign.

  44. @stealthzi7465

    September 20, 2026 at 12:38 pm

    he is proof that vulnerability, finding & conquering yourself is the true goal in life , then sharing it with others

  45. @graysonmorton5090

    September 20, 2026 at 2:45 pm

    Jacob has such an enchanting way of talking. His one-of-a-kind-ness shines through so brightly.

  46. @annmiddleton8780

    September 20, 2026 at 3:11 pm

    Magical heart Jacob Collier 🎶❤️🎶

  47. @RenéSchaub-f6l

    September 20, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    Vibrations, that’s life right ❤ and we can give some great feeling to others, only happiness is growing when you share it ❤

  48. @erkan.pursues.happiness

    September 20, 2026 at 5:23 pm

    Sir, with all due respect, you are missing the most important fourth element: MEANING. Your E effing major flat effing five raised half a flat chord will be meaningless if sky is covered with black smoke, trees are burning and babies are crying for all the wrong reasons. Sorry, it is not a wonderful world anymore, grow up !!!

  49. @erkan.pursues.happiness

    September 20, 2026 at 5:23 pm

    All these three elements are just building blocks of music, they are not the music itself. There is also a fourth element: meaning, which comes later with wisdom in life. Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are all building blocks of life, but they are not the life itself. Skies are covered with black smoke, trees are burning and the babies cry because of all the wrong reasons and there is a lot to do to change that. It is just not a wonderful world anymore. Next time pick Imagine from John Lennon.

  50. @mias567

    September 20, 2026 at 6:01 pm

    Beautiful.

  51. @Composeyourselfcare

    September 20, 2026 at 7:51 pm

    Be a wiggle in this wonderful world! 🌈 beautifully stated. Thank you, Jacob 💖🤘

  52. @duaneeickhoff288

    September 20, 2026 at 9:41 pm

    One of this generation’s outstanding minds (and hearts).

  53. @goronGoroGoro

    September 20, 2026 at 10:53 pm

    My tears wouldn’t stop🥹🥹❣️

  54. @MarcShake

    September 21, 2026 at 2:41 am

    If my music teacher would have loved music, I would probably have become a professional musician. But he destroyed my plans. I got back to music, but I was super insecure about that.

  55. @Taro-g2x

    September 21, 2026 at 4:01 am

    “Jacob Collier” should become a mandatory music lesson at school. It’ll change the world.

  56. @RenéSchaub-f6l

    September 21, 2026 at 4:12 am

    It’s impressive, that the audience wiggles when you explain what you call “wiggle” 😂❤

  57. @vedant.156

    September 21, 2026 at 7:17 am

    Jacob, you making the “Wonderful World” and the World more Wonderful!

  58. @freelancereunion756

    September 21, 2026 at 7:36 am

    Jacob for PM or President or New World Leader

  59. @AndreFifth

    September 21, 2026 at 11:04 am

    Wicked, Jacob!

  60. @bobsbigboy_

    September 21, 2026 at 11:37 am

    stop this nonsens

  61. @bthemonarch

    September 21, 2026 at 12:20 pm

    He can’t really sing well, make a proper song, , write decent lyrics, but other than that he’s a genius

  62. @tomelk84

    September 21, 2026 at 2:36 pm

    🥰🥰🥰

  63. @M1ster77

    September 21, 2026 at 3:50 pm

    DON’T LOOK @ HIS SHOES!
    (or you’re going to hear “yellow submarine” in your head for the entire rest of the video! I swear! 👻)

  64. @Ren_Luv

    September 21, 2026 at 4:12 pm

    The wiggles between the wiggles is my favorite too ❤ Thank you for teaching us these wonders Jacob

  65. @jennifermurphy5910

    September 21, 2026 at 5:26 pm

    Masterclass in Music and Metaphysics! What could be better?!!!!! Tysm! ✨💖🙏💖✨

  66. @AngelLight444

    September 21, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Truly Exquisite, dear Light of our World… AND BEYOND🌟🌠 How Fun 2 play with Life, others, Self, creativity, music & any artistry these ways. God bless you and us ALL with our Grace, Ease, Joy & Glory of Remembering, Living and Relating. And so IT IS🕊🌻🐦🙏💞

  67. @tubelator

    September 21, 2026 at 7:58 pm

    Who is buying his clothes? sack him/her 🙂

  68. @lestmak

    September 21, 2026 at 8:31 pm

    5:58 Today I learned that What A Wonderful World is the melody of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in a different rhythm.

  69. @nhathuyp

    September 21, 2026 at 9:16 pm

    3:43 ARCTIC MONKEY

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Music

“Spark!” | Bulldog Brass Society Quintet | TED

In this electrifying performance of trumpet, tuba and trombone, Bulldog Brass Society Quintet lights up the stage with their original composition “Spark!” (Recorded at TEDNext 2025 on November 9, 2025) Join us in person at a TED conference: Become a TED Member to support our mission: Subscribe to a TED newsletter: Follow TED! Instagram: LinkedIn:…

Published

on

In this electrifying performance of trumpet, tuba and trombone, Bulldog Brass Society Quintet lights up the stage with their original composition “Spark!” (Recorded at TEDNext 2025 on November 9, 2025)

Join us in person at a TED conference:
Become a TED Member to support our mission:
Subscribe to a TED newsletter:

Follow TED!
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
TikTok:
Facebook:
X:

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less) — plus originals, podcasts and exclusive content. Look for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design as well as science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit for our entire library, transcripts, translations and personalized recommendations.

Watch more:

TED videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with the TED Talks Usage Policy: . For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a request at

#TED #TEDTalks #Performance

Continue Reading

Music

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” — Like You’ve Never Heard It Before | MAS Vocal | TED

Your life will be divided into two sections: before and after you heard this choir sing, says music maker Jacob Collier. Listen along as the youth choir MAS Vocal gives a stunning performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” with a special arrangement by Collier. (Recorded at TED2026 on April 15, 2026) Join us in person…

Published

on

Your life will be divided into two sections: before and after you heard this choir sing, says music maker Jacob Collier. Listen along as the youth choir MAS Vocal gives a stunning performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” with a special arrangement by Collier. (Recorded at TED2026 on April 15, 2026)

Join us in person at a TED conference:
Become a TED Member to support our mission:
Subscribe to a TED newsletter:

Follow TED!
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
TikTok:
Facebook:
X:

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less) — plus originals, podcasts and exclusive content. Look for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design as well as science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit for our entire library, transcripts, translations and personalized recommendations.

Watch more:

TED videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with the TED Talks Usage Policy: . For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a request at

#TED #TEDTalks #Music #Performance

Continue Reading

Music

“To My Bones” / “As the River Flows” / “In Dictum” | Wallis Bird | TED

Musician Wallis Bird performs three genre-bending songs with carefully crafted lyrics that weave themes of grief and societal struggle. The result is raw, roaring and deeply moving. (With singer Tracey Kelleher and followed by a note from TED guest curator Jacob Collier) (Recorded at TED2026 on April 15, 2026) Join us in person at a…

Published

on

Musician Wallis Bird performs three genre-bending songs with carefully crafted lyrics that weave themes of grief and societal struggle. The result is raw, roaring and deeply moving. (With singer Tracey Kelleher and followed by a note from TED guest curator Jacob Collier) (Recorded at TED2026 on April 15, 2026)

Join us in person at a TED conference:
Become a TED Member to support our mission:
Subscribe to a TED newsletter:

Follow TED!
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
TikTok:
Facebook:
X:

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less) — plus originals, podcasts and exclusive content. Look for videos on Technology, Entertainment and Design as well as science, business, global issues, the arts and more. Visit for our entire library, transcripts, translations and personalized recommendations.

Watch more:

TED videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with the TED Talks Usage Policy: . For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), submit a request at

#TED #TEDTalks #Performance #Music

Continue Reading

Trending