How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs Without Cable (Sabrina Carpenter, Post Malone, and More)

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The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards (better known as the VMAs) are about to take over screens once again, airing live on Sept. 7 at 8/7c. It's one of the most unpredictable nights in music, and if history has taught us anything — remember Lady Gaga's unforgettable "Paparazzi" performance back in 2009? — you truly never know what's going to happen once the lights go up. There will be performances of a lifetime, that's for sure, and you don't want to be the one scrolling through clips the next day wishing you tuned in. It's time to learn where to watch the 2025 VMAs.

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So, when are the 2025 VMAs? The ceremony kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 7, with red carpet coverage expected earlier in the evening. This year's celebration is once again being held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, marking its second year in a row as the home for one of music's wildest nights. Whether it's shocking wins, jaw-dropping fashion, or that one performance everyone talks about the next morning, the VMAs are built for water-cooler conversation.

And let's talk performers, because the lineup this year is stacked. Expect powerhouse sets from Jelly Roll, Doja Cat, Post Malone, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter, Alex Warren, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin with DJ Snake, Ricky Martin, and sombr. From genre-crossing collabs to solo show-stoppers, it's definitely going to keep your eyes glued to your television set.

Now for the important part: where to watch the 2025 VMAs if you've cut the cord. You'll either need access to live TV (which is easier than ever thanks to streaming platforms that carry MTV) or a Paramount+ Premium subscription to watch the broadcast in real time. If you've got Paramount+ Essential, don't worry — the show will be available on demand the very next day.

Who's walking away with Artist of the Year? Video of the Year? And the coveted Best New Artist trophy? That's still anyone's guess. But one thing's certain: the 2025 VMAs are going to deliver moments we'll be replaying for years to come. Learn more below.

How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs on Paramount+

All you need to watch the MTV VMAs is, well, MTV. Luckily, everything MTV-related you'll ever need is available on Paramount+. Paramount+ Premium subscribers ($12.99/month) can stream the 2025 MTV VMAs live through the app, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers ($7.99/month) will get the show on demand the following day. The service also offers a week-long free trial and comes packed with tons of binge-worthy content from across multiple networks, making it a solid pick even after the VMAs wrap.

You can also subscribe to Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ Premium via Prime Video, which costs the same price. All you'll have to do is subscribe to Prime Video by itself for $8.99/month or Amazon Prime (which comes with Prime Video) for $14.99/month or $139/year.

How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs on DIRECTV STREAM

While Paramount+ is a great pick for watching shows and movies, it's not built around live TV. If you're after a streaming service that feels like a full cable replacement, DIRECTV STREAM is the way to go. Every plan includes MTV, so you'll be set for the 2025 VMAs no matter which option you choose.

Plans start at $79.99/month (with 90+ channels), and with most packages you'll get a chunk of money knocked off your first month as a sign-up deal. If you want something more streamlined, DIRECTV STREAM also offers the MyEntertainment plan for $34.99/month (with $5 off your first two months). It comes with 50+ channels, including MTV, making it a solid budget-friendly way to catch the VMAs without paying for a big bundle.

How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs on Fubo

Fubo is another excellent choice if live TV is what you're after. Just like DIRECTV STREAM, every plan includes MTV, so you can catch the 2025 VMAs without hassle. Plans start at $84.99/month, and right now you'll get $30 off your first month. That entry package already gives you access to 230+ channels, streaming on up to 10 screens at once, plus unlimited DVR space, making it especially appealing for sports fans who want more than just the basics. While its promo doesn't quite match DIRECTV STREAM's savings, the sheer number of channels packed into Fubo makes it a standout value.

How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs on Hulu + Live TV

For $82.99/month, Hulu + Live TV remains one of the best streaming services for watching live TV (with over 90 channels), and yes, that includes MTV for the 2025 VMAs. With this plan, you'll get Hulu with ads plus live TV, but the perks don't stop there. Your subscription also includes Disney+ with ads and ESPN Unlimited, giving you a huge library of TV, movies, and live sports to dive into long after the VMAs wrap up. It's a stacked bundle that makes the higher price tag worth it if you're looking for all-in-one streaming.

How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs on Philo

When MTV discontinued the MTV app a few years back, many people initially took to Philo due to the brand's affordable live streaming of the channel in addition to many others. Philo is still one of the most affordable live streaming services that offers MTV, costing just $28/month with over 70 channels.

How to Watch the 2025 MTV VMAs from anywhere with a VPN

Not in the United States? No worries — you won't have to miss a single moment of the 2025 MTV VMAs. With a VPN service like ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, or NordVPN, you can stream the entire show no matter where you are. VPNs let you virtually change your location, unlocking access to U.S. streaming platforms so you can catch every performance, award, and red carpet moment live.

• Sign up for ExpressVPN
• Sign up for Private Internet Access
• Sign up for NordVPN

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