The VMAs are back, and this year, the MTV Video Music Awards will air on a new network. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about where to watch the VMAs, including live streaming options.
LL Cool J will host this year’s VMAs at New York’s UBS Arena, helping to hand out the iconic Moon Person statue to a selection of artists. But as iconic as the little awards figurines are, the performances have become the touchstone of the VMAs, with each year attempting to top the last. Scheduled performers include Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, and 2025 VMA nomination leader Lady Gaga, among others. Mariah Carey, the recipient of the ceremony’s Video Vanguard Award, is also slated to perform.
If you don’t want to read further, the cheapest way to live stream the VMAs in the US is through a Paramount Plus Premium subscription. We’ll break down everything you need to know about the app and other popular streaming options below.
What channel are the VMAs on?
For the very first time, the VMAs will air on CBS, not MTV. The event will kick off on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. It’s scheduled to last until 11 p.m., making it a three-hour program.
Where to watch the VMAs in the US
With the switch to CBS, the live streaming options are a bit more straightforward this year. There’s no need to get a full-fledged live TV streaming service, unless you want one (if that’s the case, keep reading, since we’ve highlighted some of our favorites below).
The absolute cheapest way to live stream the VMAs in the US is through Paramount Plus. You’ll need to sign up for the Premium tier to unlock CBS live streaming, in addition to ad-free on-demand content and Showtime programming. Paramount Plus Premium costs $13 a month and comes with a seven-day free trial. Paramount Plus is also running a limited-time deal that knocks 50% off annual plans, although you should keep in mind that this offer won’t come with a free trial.
Paramount Plus Premium (Monthly Plan)
Paramount Plus offers a huge library of on-demand content from Paramount, CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and MTV. The Premium Plan also includes Showtime and live CBS streaming. It costs $12.99 a month or $120 a year. More importantly, it removes ads from the on-demand streaming library.
If you’d rather live stream CBS with a service that includes other popular channels, like local networks and other popular cable options, then you can try a month-to-month live TV streaming service like DirecTV or Fubo. Both services start at $85 a month, come with a five-day free trial, and unlock anywhere from 90 to 200+ live channels, depending on which tier you choose.
We’ve highlighted the DirecTV Entertainment and Fubo Pro plans below, but CBS is also available in DirecTV’s MyNews genre pack, which carries a variety of local channels for $40 a month. Local channel availability varies by region in this pack, so it’s good to see what’s available in your ZIP code before signing up.
DirecTV Entertainment
DirecTV’s base Signature package, the Entertainment plan, carries 90+ live channels, including local networks and popular cable options like ESPN, CNN, and MTV.
Fubo Pro
Fubo is the streaming service for sports fans. Its huge library of channels includes regional and international sports leagues, setting it apart from the competition. You can also tack on additional programming to your plan, but it’ll cost you extra.
How to watch the VMAs from anywhere
Music fans traveling outside of the US can keep up with their usual watch options with the help of a VPN, or virtual private network. VPNs are easy-to-use cybersecurity tools that enable people to alter their virtual locations, so websites and apps work just like they would back home. They’re also instant ways to boost online privacy and security. The services we’ve highlighted tonight require US methods of payment, so this option will work best for Americans who are simply traveling abroad at the moment.
NordVPN is our top pick at the moment. It’s fast, straightforward, and has some helpful security assets. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can learn more in our official NordVPN review.
NordVPN Plan
NordVPN is one of the top VPN services in the business. It offers excellent value with a strong selection of features and a low monthly price. A wide selection of international servers, high-end security, fast connections, and audited privacy protection have made the brand a household name in the world of VPNs.
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. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
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