The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards air live Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, on CBS and MTV, and stream live on Paramount+ for Paramount+ Premium subscribers. For the first time since 2017, the ceremony will be broadcast from Los Angeles.
Madonna’s 11 nominations and Taylor Swift’s nine make them the artists to watch. Below, find everything you need to know, from how to watch, who’s nominated, who’s performing, how fan voting works, and more.
Key facts
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 7:30–9:30 PM ET/4:30–6:30 PM PT
- Location: Los Angeles
- Watch on TV: CBS and MTV
- Live stream: Paramount+ (Paramount+ Premium plan)
- Top nominees: Madonna (11), Taylor Swift (9)
- Fan voting: vote.mtv.com
When are the 2026 VMAs?
The 2026 VMAs air Sunday, Sept. 27, 7:30–9:30 PM ET/4:30–6:30 PM PT, live from Los Angeles. The broadcast runs live on both coasts, so West Coast viewers won’t have to wait for a tape delay.
Where can I watch the 2026 VMAs?
You can watch the VMAs live on CBS and MTV, or stream the ceremony on Paramount+ with the Paramount+ Premium plan.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 27
- Time: 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT
- CBS: Live
- MTV: Simulcast
- Paramount+: Live streaming on Paramount+ with a subscription to the Paramount+ Premium plan
The ceremony streams on Paramount+ with the Paramount+ Premium plan, both live and on demand, through the end of the day on Sept. 27. Starting the next day, on Monday, Sept. 28, the show becomes available on demand to Paramount+ subscribers of all plans.
Viewers can also watch the show live on Sept. 27 on their local CBS station via traditional TV.
What devices can I watch on?
Paramount+ works across most major streaming devices, smart TVs, gaming consoles, phones, and tablets. Browse the full list of supported devices at the Paramount+ Help Center before showtime.
Where are the 2026 VMAs?
The ceremony broadcasts from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, marking the first time the VMAs have landed in the L.A. area since 2017, when Katy Perry hosted from the Forum in Inglewood.
Can fans vote on the 2026 VMAs?
Yes. Fans can vote in 13 eligible categories at vote.mtv.com.
The standard limit is 10 votes per person, per category, per day. Regular voting runs through Sept. 25 at 6 PM ET, with the exception of Best New Artist, which stays open into the ceremony itself. The voting window also includes designated Power Hours and Double Days, when the daily vote limit temporarily increases.
Categories like Video Vanguard aren’t decided by fan vote; this year’s Video Vanguard honoree is Nirvana.
Who is hosting the 2026 VMAs?
Snoop Dogg is hosting the 2026 VMAs. Though he’s no stranger to the VMA stage, with 13 nominations and three wins over the years, the 2026 show marks his first stint as host. He closed out the 1999 ceremony with Dr. Dre and Eminem, then came back in 2022 for an Otherside-themed performance with Eminem. He’s also serving as an executive producer on this year’s VMAs.
Who is performing at the 2026 VMAs?
Performers for this year’s VMAs include Madonna, Gener8ion, Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey, Gunna, Sienna Spiro, Yung Lean, and many more!
The one and only Madonna will open the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, returning to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2003.
Top 2026 VMAs nominees to watch
Madonna leads the field with a career-best 11 nominations, her biggest haul since she racked up nine nods back in 1990 and 1998. Taylor Swift follows with nine and enters the night tied with Beyoncé at 30 career VMAs, meaning a single win could push her into the lead outright.
Rounding out the top of the pack:
- Madonna — 11 nominations
- Taylor Swift — 9 nominations
- Ariana Grande — 7 nominations
- Sabrina Carpenter — 7 nominations
- Bruno Mars — 5 nominations
- PinkPantheress — 5 nominations
- Zara Larsson — 5 nominations
How to rewatch the 2026 VMAs
Missed the live show? Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ Premium plan can stream it on demand the same day. All Paramount+ subscribers can catch it starting the next day via any Paramount+ plan, with the ceremony remaining available on the service through the end of the day on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2027.
Watch the 2026 VMAs on Paramount+
From the red carpet to the final award, watch it all live Sunday, Sept. 27, on CBS and MTV, or stream it live on Paramount+ (Paramount+ Premium plan).
2026 VMAs FAQ
What channel are the 2026 VMAs on?
You can watch the VMAs on CBS and MTV, and stream the ceremony live on Paramount+ (Paramount+ Premium plan).
What time do the 2026 VMAs start?
The VMAs begin at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT.
Do you need Paramount+ Premium to watch the VMAs live?
Yes. You need a Paramount+ subscription to the Paramount+ Premium plan to watch the VMAs live and on demand on Sunday, Sept. 27. Starting the next day, Monday, Sept. 28, the ceremony is available to stream on demand with a subscription to any Paramount+ plan, either Paramount+ Essential or Paramount+ Premium.
How long are the 2026 VMAs?
The broadcast is scheduled for two hours, running 7:30–9:30 PM ET, though runtime for live awards shows can vary.
