How to Watch the VMAs 2026 Live Tonight (Free + Live Chat)

The 2026 MTV VMAs start tonight, Sunday, September 27, at 4:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. ET). Here's a live countdown and every way to watch, including free ones.

Watch the VMAs Red Carpet Live (With Live Chat)

The VMAs red carpet, streamed live on YouTube by CNBC-TV18. The chat next to it updates live, so join in. The main show itself is only on CBS, MTV, and the services below.

What Channel Are the VMAs On?

On TV: the show airs live on CBS and MTV at the same time. Streaming: pick any of these.

Paramount+ PremiumStreams your local CBS channel live YouTube TVHas CBS and MTV · free trial Hulu + Live TVHas CBS and MTV FuboHas CBS and MTV · free trial DirecTVHas CBS and MTV · free trial PhiloMTV only · cheapest option

How to Watch the VMAs Without Cable (Free)

Want it free? Start a free trial on YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV, or Philo, or plug in a TV antenna. CBS is a free local channel.

Free trial lengths right now: DirecTV, 5 days; Philo, 7 days; Fubo, 1 day. Sign up before 4:30 p.m. PT so you don't miss the start.

Are the VMAs on YouTube?

Not the full show. MTV doesn't stream the ceremony on YouTube, so any "full show" stream there is fake. The red carpet is different: news channels like CNBC-TV18 stream it live, and you can watch it above. For the show itself, use YouTube TV, which carries CBS and MTV.

What Time Do the VMAs Start Tonight?

• 2:30 p.m. PT / 5:30 p.m. ET: red carpet arrivals stream live from outlets like the AP and CNN.
• 3:30 p.m. PT / 6:30 p.m. ET: the official red carpet pre-show starts.
• 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET: the show starts. Madonna opens it, and Snoop Dogg hosts.
• About 6:30 p.m. PT / 9:30 p.m. ET: the show ends.

Who's Performing at the VMAs Tonight?

• Madonna, opening the show (her first VMAs performance in 23 years)
• Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey and Gunna, Sienna Spiro, and Gener8ion with Yung Lean
• Kacey Musgraves, with a Dolly Parton tribute
• Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims, with a George Michael tribute

Want the setlist guesses and our winner picks? Read our full VMAs 2026 preview.

How to Watch the VMAs Outside the US

MTV shows the VMAs on its local channels in many countries, and Paramount+ streams it where it's available. The show starts at 12:30 a.m. Monday in the UK, 5 a.m. Monday in India, and 9:30 a.m. Monday in Sydney. Check your local MTV listings to confirm.

Vibe Along While You Watch

Hosting a watch party? Put the performers' songs on and let VibeSynced turn your screen into a light show. Tap one to jump into the app with that particle running.

• Techno: fast, flashing lights for Madonna's dance hits.
• Vortex: a spinning tunnel for the big pop moments.
• Galaxy: dreamy space visuals for the slower songs.