Where to watch the VMAs: MTV Video Music Awards live streams, channel, nominees, presenter, and performers

The MTV Video Music Awards return the 43rd time. We've rounded up everything you need to know about where to watch the VMAs, including live streaming options, presenters, nominees, and performers.

Snoop Dogg will host this year's ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. If you don't want to read any further, you can live stream the VMAs on Paramount Plus Premium or via a live TV service (such as Philo) the US. You can access your usual streaming options from anywhere with a VPN, such as NordVPN.

What channel are the VMAs on?

The MTV Video Music Awards air on CBS in the US. They'll also be simulcast on MTV. The awards ceremony begins on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The event is blocked out until 9:30 p.m. ET in the TV guide.

Where to watch the VMAs in the US

Cord-cutters in the US can catch the VMAs through several streaming services. The most direct option is Paramount Plus, which offers CBS live streaming in its $14 a month Premium tier. Premium also unlocks ad-free on-demand content and Showtime programming.

If you're interested in a streaming service with a free trial or other channels, then Philo, YouTube TV, and Fubo might be of interest. While Philo doesn't have local channels like CBS, it carries MTV, which will simulcast the awards show. Philo is the top budget pick in our guide to the best live TV streaming services. Subscriptions cost $25 a month for the Essential tier, which carries 70+ channels and includes a seven-day free trial for new customers.

CBS and several other popular channels (including both local and cable favorites) are available in YouTube TV and Fubo, two top cable alternatives. YouTube TV carries CBS and 100+ channels in its Main plan, which normally costs $83 a month, but new customers can get $15 a month off their first five months. YouTube TV also carries CBS and 30+ other channels in its Sports plan, which usually costs $65 a month, but new users can get $20 a month off their first six months. YouTube TV also offers a free trial for first-time customers.

Fubo offers CBS in several of its plans. The Sports + News plan, when available in your region, costs $65 a month and unlocks around 30 live sports and news channels. Fubo Pro starts at $89 a month and offers over 200 channels. New users can get discounts on their first month of service after a free trial.

How to watch the VMAs from anywhere

If you're traveling abroad, you can still catch the VMAs on your usual streaming services with the help of a VPN. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are cybersecurity tools that let people temporarily change their virtual locations. This way, websites and apps work from anywhere — just like they would back home. The services we've recommended require US payment methods, so this option will work best for Americans who are just traveling away from home.

NordVPN is our top recommendation when it comes to the best VPNs. It's fast, easy to use, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you find that it's not what you're looking for.

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Who are the nominees at this year's VMAs?

Madonna leads this year's nominees with a massive 11 nominations. Taylor Swift trails right behind with nine nods. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each received seven nominations. Bruno Mars, PinkPantheress, and Zara Larsson each received five nods.

Nominees for the top award, Video of the Year, include Ariana Grande's "hate that i made you love me," Bruno Mars' "I Just Might," GENER8ION's "STORM starring Yung Lean," Madonna's "Confessions II - The Film," Sabrina Carpenter's "Tears," and Taylor Swift's "The Fate of Ophelia."

Who is presenting at this year's VMAs?

Presenters at the 2026 VMAs include Alex Warren, Belmont Cameli, Brandon Sklenar, Charli xcx, Ciara Miller, David Corenswet, Ella Bright, Isabel May, Jeff Probst, Rachel Dratch, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan, and Tyla.

Who is performing at this year's VMAs?

This year's performer list includes several nominees. Most notably, Madonna will open the VMAs with a performance. GENER8ION and Yung Lean, LISA, RAYE, Shaboozey and Gunna, and SIENNA SPIRO are among additional anticipated performers. Kacey Musgraves will give a special Dolly Parton tribute performance, and RAYE, SOMBR and TEDDY SWIMS will join together for a George Michael tribute.

Are there any other special segments at this year's VMAs?

In addition to special tribute segments, Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors at this year's awards ceremony. The music video for Swift's "Patient Zero" will also make its world premiere during the awards ceremony.

Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

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