As you give very little information as to make, model, engine size or year, and exactly when it is ticking, this is just an educated guess. Normally this is valve noise caused by valve clearance issues. If it has solid lifters then they need adjusting. If it has hydraulic lifters, they may be clogged and sticking. If it has hydraulic lifters try adding a can of Seafoam engine tune to a fresh oil filter change. It can be purchased at many auto parts stores. Drive the car for 500 miles and change the oil and filter again. You may have to do this more than once to remove the deposits in the lifters. If this does not work, then the valve stems or lifters are worn, and need adjustment or possible replacement.
The fuel injectors make the ticking noise you hear at startup, especially when the engine is cold (colder temperatures).
the ticking noise is a small exhaust leak close to the exhaust headers or exhaust pipe near the engine.
lifters
if ticking noise is in engine, u most likely have a worn hydraulic lifter. check oil for correct volume and viscocity
from which part of your engine is the ticking noise coming from. if is the TOP it would most likely be lifter noise.try using a thicker oil.
Try to locate the ticking noise. Is it the engine? Is it ticking when you are driving? When you are sitting still? It could be as simple as a stone stuck in yoru tire, everytime it hits the road it ticks. it could be a lifter in the engine. Try to be more specific as to where and when the ticking happens.
your battery is dead
Bearing noise is usually deeper and comes from farther down in the engine. Lifter noise is more of a ticking and is up in the engine heads.
98 Chevy new 383 block 30k, ticking noise from sounds like heads . 210k on heads;
Possible lifters that are bad that could explain your ticking noise. It should cost you nothing by stopping by an Auto repair shop and have them listen to your engine.
Most likely it's your valves in need of adjustment.
Well if its sort of like a scratchy noise coming from the engine you might want to get your transmission checked out