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The MTV Video Music Awards (also known as the VMAs) are one of the music industry’s biggest and most-watched annual awards shows, with last year’s event hitting a six-year viewership high at over 5.5 million viewers.
And while many spectators come solely for the handing out of the famous “Moonman” statuettes, an equally important part of the evening, in our opinion, consists of all the expressive looks that strut the MTV Video Music Awards’ step-and-repeat red carpet each year.
Where to Stream the 2026 VMAs Red Carpet Online
2025’s best-dressed guests included Sabrina Carpenter in her semi-sheer, bold-red Valentino gown; Ariana Grande, arriving in a polka-dotted Fendi dress; and Lenny Kravitz, donning a chest-baring, deconstructed-looking suit.
The 2026 VMAs are airing this Sunday, Sept. 27, with a start time of 7:30 p.m. EST for the ceremony and 6:30 p.m. EST for the red carpet pre-show kickoff. As per usual, if you’re watching from the couch, you can tune in through CBS (the VMAs will also be simulcast on MTV).
Cord cutter? No problem. Below, we round up the best editor-tested live TV streaming services that will let you catch the action without cable. Many, we should add, have free trials attached — making signing up even more worth it.
How to Watch the 2026 VMAs Red Carpet Online for Free
MTV’s official suggestion is to stream the 2026 VMAs, red carpet included, on Paramount+ (using the Premium plan). Both CBS and MTV are also carried by DirecTV, our top choice; Hulu + Live TV; and Fubo.
Red carpet interviewers have not yet been announced by MTV, but Snoop Dogg is set to host the main spectacle at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Last September, media personalities Nessa and Kevan Kenney helmed red carpet coverage at the VMAs.
Can’t wait to take in all those head-turning outfits, curated by the world’s most talented stylists for their A-list clients? Here’s how to sign up for the best streaming platforms of 2026, which will be broadcasting the Video Music Awards on the 27th.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
DirecTV
– Starting at $39.99/month
– Five-day free trial
– Up to 185+ channels
CBS and MTV are available in all of DirecTV’s standard packages, from Entertainment to the comprehensive Premier with over 185 channels to its name.
The latter is also found in the streamer’s MyEntertainment Genre Pack: one of the most affordable subscriptions at $42.99 a month. And CBS, for its part, can be watched via the MyNews Genre Pack (even more wallet-friendly at just $39.99 monthly).
DirecTV’s no-strings-attached, five-day free trial makes it a winner in the streaming category, and we urge you to stick around once this period concludes.
OFFICIAL REC
Paramount+
– $13.99/month
– No free trial
– 20 live curated channels; dedicated content hubs like CBS, MTV, and Showtime
Paramount+ is the MTV Video Music Awards’ official streaming partner, but you’ll only be able to see the show with its Premium tier (preferred by the majority of customers, as it happens). Purchasing an annual plan will drop this package’s price down from $13.99 to $11.67 per month, and Paramount+ gives you a chance to cancel at any time.
No, the streamer doesn’t have a free trial, but a few workarounds exist. Exhibit A: grabbing a Walmart+ membership, which comes with complimentary Paramount+ and perks like savings at the pump.
BEST FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Hulu + Live TV
– $89.99/month
– Three-day free trial
– Up to 100+ channels
Hulu + Live TV is another tried-and-true option for streaming the VMAs red carpet online. With its 100-plus channels, you’ll stay entertained long after the final “Moonman” is received on stage.
Hulu + Live TV’s free trial is shorter than that of DirecTV, but the provider’s dependable service has made full-fledged subscribers out of us.
HUNDREDS OF CHANNELS
Fubo
– Starting at $63.99/month
– Five-day free trial
– Up to 300+ channels
Fubo’s extensive channel roster is seriously impressive, with over 300 selections to be discovered in its most well-rounded plans. If you only need the basics for the task at hand and don’t care for 4K resolution, though, turn to the Pro package. It will cost you $88.99 a month after Fubo’s generous free trial ends (and the $25-off deal wraps up for the first month).
CBS and MTV are mainstays in every popular Fubo plan, so you can rest assured that it will place you right where you need to be: at the frontlines of one of music’s buzziest happenings.
2026 MTV Video Music Awards Date, Time
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (read: the VMAs) are taking place on Sunday, Sept. 27, starting at 6:30 p.m. EST for the red carpet segment — followed by the actual ceremony an hour later. The broadcast is scheduled to run until 9:30 p.m. EST. We advise watching the show with DirectTV, Paramount+, and other fan-favorite live TV providers detailed above.
Lady Gaga accepts the Artist of the Year award during the MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, 2025.
Courtesy Angela Weiss/Getty Images
2026 MTV Video Music Awards Nominees
Some notable MTV Video Music Awards nominees this year include, but are not limited to, Ariana Grande’s “Hate That I Made You Love Me” (Video of the Year); Morgan Wallen (Artist of the Year); Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” (Song of the Year); Sienna Spiro (Best New Artist); Charli XCX’s “SS26” (Best Pop); “Janice STFU” from Drake (Best Rap); Noah Kahan with “The Great Divide” (Best Alternative); BTS’ “Swim” (Best K-Pop); and “Yukon” by Justin Bieber (Best R&B).
Madonna is leading the pack with 13 nods (the only other star to have reached this historic nomination count is Lady Gaga), followed by Taylor Swift with 11, Sabrina Carpenter with nine, and Ariana Grande with eight.
Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter attend the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7, 2025.
Courtesy Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Who Is Presenting at the VMAs This Year? Who Is Performing?
On the presenters front, you’ll be seeing the likes of Alex Warren, Teyana Taylor, Troye Sivan, Belmont Cameli, and Ella Bright up on that stage. And as far as performers are concerned, get ready for headline-generating acts from the aforementioned Madonna (she’s opening the show), Blackpink’s Lisa, Gunna, Raye, and more.
Who Is Hosting the 2026 VMAs?
Snoop Dogg is hosting the VMAs this year. He is a 13-time VMAs nominee, having taken home three awards throughout his career.
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Meet the Author
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska regularly reports on must-stream cultural happenings.
