What time are the VMAs 2025
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will air live on CBS starting at 8:00 PM ET, with the red carpet beginning around 6:00 PM ET. The ceremony may shift slightly depending on live acceptance speeches and production pacing. To watch, tune in to the CBS broadcast or stream on Paramount+ with a live TV add-on. International viewers can check local listings for time zone conversions and partner networks. This overview outlines confirmed viewing details, the typical timeline, and how to ensure you catch the show live.
Confirmed broadcast details for 2025 VMAs
Air date and time
As of the latest public schedule, the VMAs will air in the U.S. on a broadcast network for the first time in several years. CBS will carry the live telecast on the specified date, with local affiliates potentially adjusting start times within a narrow window. If the red carpet runs long, the ceremony start may move later by a few minutes, but the planned start remains 8:00 PM ET. Check your local listings the day of the event to confirm any affiliate-level adjustments.
How to watch live
To watch the 2025 VMAs live, you have two primary paths: over-the-air television or streaming via Paramount+. Subscribers with a Paramount+ subscription that includes live TV can view the ceremony there, while cord-cutters may use an antenna to receive CBS. If you miss the live broadcast, the network will offer on-demand streaming through its app and website. Below is a quick reference table for the main viewing options.
| Platform | Access type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CBS (TV antenna) | Over-the-air | Local affiliate; check channel number |
| CBS app or website | On-demand | Available after live airing with a CBS account |
| Paramount+ with Live TV | Streaming | Requires active subscription with live network add-on |
2025 VMAs timeline at a glance
While exact minute-by-minute details are subject to change, the ceremony typically follows a predictable flow that helps viewers plan their viewing window. The red carpet is a major pre-show segment, featuring interviews and arrivals, while the televised portion focuses on performances and awards. Below is a concise timeline based on recent years and current plans.
- 6:00 PM ET: Red carpet coverage begins
- 7:00 PM ET: Live pre-show analysis and fan features
- 8:00 PM ET: Main ceremony starts on CBS
- 11:00 PM ET: Expected end time, subject to variation
International viewing considerations
If you are outside the U.S., the 2025 VMAs will likely be carried by regional partners, though coverage varies widely. In some countries, the event may be delayed by a few hours or aired on different networks. Use a reliable TV time zone converter and check local entertainment news ahead of the event to identify the exact channel and start time in your region.
Why timing matters for fans and creators
For artists, the VMAs remain a pivotal career milestone that can drive streaming spikes and social media momentum. For viewers, knowing the start time and platform ensures you never miss key performances or announcements. By aligning your viewing plan with the confirmed CBS schedule, you can focus on the music, the moments, and the cultural impact of the night.
Common questions about the 2025 VMAs
Will the VMAs be live or taped?
The 2025 VMAs will be broadcast live on CBS, ensuring that performances and award moments reach audiences in real time. Live broadcasts may include limited commercial breaks and occasional scheduling adjustments, but the intent is to present the ceremony as it happens.
Can I watch the VMAs on my phone?
Yes. With a Paramount+ subscription that includes live TV, you can stream the ceremony on your phone through the Paramount+ app. Alternatively, CBS offers a free app that streams live news and affiliate content where available, though access to the full VMAs may depend on your location and network partner.
What if I miss the live show?
CBS and Paramount+ will provide on-demand access to the televised portion of the VMAs after the live broadcast. While some unaired red carpet segments may not appear immediately, the main awards and performances are typically available within hours of the original airing.