US Trends

where can i stream the ball dropping

You can stream the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop on several free official and TV-network options, including a host-free webcast and major network specials that carry it as part of their New Year’s shows.

Main ways to stream

  • The official Times Square webcast offers a free, commercial‑free live stream of the ball drop and performances, typically running from about 6 p.m. ET until after midnight each year.
  • Times Square NYC also hosts a YouTube live stream titled along the lines of “New Year’s Eve Live From Times Square,” which shows the build‑up, countdown, and ball drop and is accessible worldwide.
  • Major U.S. network specials, like “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” on ABC , include the ball drop as part of their live broadcast and are available via live TV streaming services that carry ABC (such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream).

If you want no host chatter

  • Many viewers who dislike constant commentary use the Times Square Alliance / Countdown Entertainment webcast , which focuses on stage acts, crowd shots, and the countdown rather than heavy host banter.
  • Users on forums also point out that the Times Square NYC YouTube channel often provides a relatively clean view of the ball itself with minimal narration, making it feel closer to being there in person.

If you already have streaming TV

  • If you subscribe to a live TV bundle (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, etc.), you can just tune to ABC for “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” or to other New Year’s specials that show the Times Square ball drop within their coverage.
  • Some cable and satellite packages, and associated apps, also provide access to ESPN/ABC‑family coverage of Times Square New Year’s Eve segments, which periodically feature the ball and countdown.

Quick pick if you’re in a hurry

  • For a free, easy option with a clear view of the ball:
    • Go to the official Times Square New Year’s Eve webcast page shortly before midnight ET.
* Or search YouTube for “New Year’s Eve 2026 Live From Times Square” from the official Times Square channel on New Year’s Eve.

TL;DR: The simplest answer to “where can I stream the ball dropping” is: the official Times Square webcast site and Times Square’s YouTube live stream, or any major New Year’s Eve TV special on a service that carries ABC.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.