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

Watch the 2026 VMA Highlights

Highlights from the 2026 VMAs, including the performances, surprises, and tributes, from TODAY on YouTube.

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.

Heads up

Skip "VMAs live" streams from random YouTube channels. They're usually fake, full of ads, or scams. The real show is only on CBS, MTV, and the services above.

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?

Who's Performing at the VMAs Tonight?

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.