How to Watch the VMAs on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus streams the MTV Video Music Awards live

Paramount Plus carries the MTV Video Music Awards broadcast live each year. The show airs on MTV at the same time it streams on Paramount Plus, so you can watch on either platform without delay. You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to view the stream — the broadcast is not available to free-tier users.

The VMAs typically air in September, though the exact date changes year to year. Paramount Plus announces the broadcast date on its homepage and in the app several weeks ahead of time. The show usually runs for about three hours, including pre-show coverage that begins before the main event starts.

Key Takeaways

The VMAs stream live on Paramount Plus at the same time they air on MTV, with no delay between the two broadcasts.
You must have a paid Paramount Plus subscription to watch — the free tier does not include access to live events.
The show airs in September each year, and Paramount Plus posts the exact date and start time in the app and on its website weeks in advance.
You can watch on any device that runs the Paramount Plus app, including phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers.

What subscription tier you need

Paramount Plus offers two paid tiers: Paramount Plus with ads and Paramount Plus Premium. Both tiers include access to live MTV broadcasts, including the VMAs. The difference between them is the amount of advertising you see during on-demand content — the live broadcast itself carries the same ads on both tiers.

If you already subscribe to Paramount Plus for other content, you can use your current subscription to watch the VMAs. You do not need to upgrade or change your plan. The free tier of Paramount Plus does not include live TV or live events, so you will need to move to a paid plan if you currently use the free version.

How to find the VMA broadcast in the app

Open the Paramount Plus app on your device and look for a "Live TV" or "Now Watching" section. During the week of the VMAs, the broadcast will appear prominently on the home screen. You can also search for "VMAs" or "MTV Video Music Awards" in the app's search bar to jump directly to the stream.

If you are watching on a computer, go to paramountplus.com, sign in with your account, and look for the live broadcast link on the homepage. The stream will be available starting a few minutes before the show begins. Paramount Plus typically opens the stream 10 to 15 minutes early so you can tune in and settle in before the opening segment.

Devices you can watch on

Paramount Plus works on most modern devices. You can watch the VMAs on your phone or tablet using the Paramount Plus app for iOS or Android. On a computer, you can stream through a web browser on Windows, Mac, or Linux. For television, Paramount Plus is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Samsung Smart TVs, and most other major streaming platforms.

If you own an older device that is no longer supported, check the Paramount Plus website for the full list of compatible devices. The app is free to read, but remember that you need a paid subscription to access the live broadcast. Signing in with the same account across multiple devices means you can start watching on one device and pick up where you left off on another.

Internet speed and streaming quality

Paramount Plus recommends at least 5 Mbps read speed for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K, though the VMA broadcast itself streams in standard HD on most connections. If your internet is slower than 5 Mbps, the stream may buffer or drop to lower quality. You can check your connection speed using a free tool like speedtest.net before the broadcast begins.

If you experience buffering during the show, try closing other apps or devices using your internet, moving closer to your router, or restarting the Paramount Plus app. Lowering the video quality in the app settings can also help if your connection is unstable. Paramount Plus does not offer an offline read option for live events, so you must have an active internet connection to watch.

What happens if you miss the live broadcast

Paramount Plus typically makes the full VMA broadcast available on-demand within a few hours after it ends. You can rewatch the entire show at your own pace, and the on-demand version will be available for several weeks. Search for "VMAs" in the app to find the full broadcast once it has been added to the catalog.

Some clips and highlights may also appear in the MTV section of Paramount Plus within hours of the broadcast. These shorter videos let you catch up on specific moments without watching the entire three-hour show. The full broadcast is the complete version with all performances and award presentations, while the clips focus on the most talked-about moments.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If the stream will not load, first check that you are signed into your Paramount Plus account and that your subscription is active. Log out and log back in, then try again. If the problem continues, restart the app or your device entirely. Clear the app cache on your phone or tablet by going to Settings, finding Paramount Plus, and selecting "Clear Cache" — this often fixes playback issues without deleting your account information.

If you see an error message saying the broadcast is not available in your region, you may be using a VPN or proxy service that Paramount Plus blocks. Paramount Plus does not allow streaming through VPNs for live events. Disable any VPN software and try again. If you are traveling outside the United States, the broadcast may not be available in your current location — Paramount Plus only streams the VMAs within the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch the VMAs on Paramount Plus if I have the free tier?

No. The free version of Paramount Plus does not include live TV or live events. You must have a paid subscription — either Paramount Plus with ads or Paramount Plus Premium — to stream the VMAs.

Will the VMAs stream at the same time on Paramount Plus as on MTV?

Yes. The broadcast is simultaneous on both platforms. There is no delay between the MTV television broadcast and the Paramount Plus stream, so you will see the same moments at the same time regardless of which platform you use.

What time do the VMAs start on Paramount Plus?

The VMAs typically begin at 8 p.m. Eastern time, though the exact start time can vary by year. Paramount Plus posts the official start time on its homepage and in the app several weeks before the broadcast. The pre-show usually begins 15 to 30 minutes earlier.

Can I rewatch the VMAs after the live broadcast ends?

Yes. Paramount Plus makes the full broadcast available on-demand within a few hours after it ends. You can watch the complete show at any time for several weeks. Search for "VMAs" in the app to find the on-demand version once it has been added.

What should I do if the stream keeps buffering?

Check your internet speed — Paramount Plus recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming. Close other apps using your connection, restart the Paramount Plus app, or move closer to your router. You can also lower the video quality in the app settings to reduce buffering on slower connections.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.