You could watch the 2023 MTV VMAs live on traditional TV channels and via several live TV streaming services, and you can now catch replays and clips on streaming platforms and video sites.

When and where it aired live

  • The 2023 MTV VMAs took place Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at 8 p.m. ET from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
  • The live ceremony was preceded by a red-carpet/pre-show starting around 6:30 p.m. ET.

Channels that carried the 2023 VMAs

On cable or satellite in the U.S., the show aired as a wide simulcast:

  • MTV (primary home of the VMAs).
  • VH1.
  • MTV2.
  • Comedy Central.
  • CMT.
  • BET and BET Her.
  • Paramount Network.
  • Nickelodeon.

Many of these channels also ran encore airings immediately after the live broadcast.

Streaming live without cable (U.S.)

If you didn’t have cable, you could stream the 2023 VMAs through live TV streaming bundles that include MTV or its simulcast partner channels:

  • Hulu + Live TV
    • Carries MTV, VH1, BET and other networks that simulcast the show.
* Offered a discount for initial months around the time of the 2023 VMAs.
  • Sling TV
    • Carried BET and Comedy Central in its Orange or Blue base packs and MTV/MTV2/CMT in its Entertainment Extra add-on.
* Promoted itself as one of the cheaper ways to stream the 2023 VMAs live.
  • Other live TV bundles (like those that offer MTV, CMT, BET, VH1, Comedy Central, or Paramount Network) could also be used, as long as they included at least one of the simulcast channels.

Some outlets also noted that U.S. viewers could stream via MTV’s own website or app when signed in with an eligible TV provider.

Where to watch now (replays and clips)

If you missed the live show and are asking “where to watch VMAs 2023” today, you have a few options:

  • Paramount+ on demand
    • Users in one fan forum thread reported that full recent VMAs shows are typically added to Paramount+ the day after airing, and commenters confirmed that the 2023 ceremony appeared there as well.
* Availability can vary by region and subscription tier, so you’d need to check your local Paramount+ library.
  • MTV / official YouTube performances
    • MTV runs an official YouTube playlist of 2023 MTV VMAs performances, letting you stream individual songs and segments for free.
* This is ideal if you mainly care about specific performances rather than the full ceremony.
  • Highlights on MTV and entertainment sites
    • MTV’s site, plus entertainment outlets, host highlight clips, red-carpet moments, and performance recaps rather than the full show in many regions.

Quick mini‑FAQ

Is the full 2023 VMAs available free online?

  • A full free, legal stream without any subscription is uncommon; generally you need either:
    • A live TV bundle with MTV or a simulcast channel, or
    • An on‑demand subscription such as Paramount+, depending on your region.

Can I watch just the performances?

  • Yes, many key performances from the 2023 MTV VMAs are available as individual videos in an official YouTube playlist from MTV.

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