Key dates and times for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 10, 2024. The preshow started at approximately 6:00 PM ET, with the main show running from 8:00 PM ET on CBS in the U.S. and simulcast on MTV. International start times varied by region and broadcaster. Performers were announced in the weeks leading up to the event, with the full lineup confirmed by early September. Winners for genre and craft categories were decided by industry panels and fan voting, with major categories opening for voting in late August.
Confirmed 2024 VMAs timeline (based on announced information)
| Milestone | Date / Time | Details and source type |
|---|---|---|
| Preshow start | September 10, 2024, ~6:00 PM ET | Network schedule (CBS) |
| Main show start | September 10, 2024, 8:00 PM ET | CBS and MTV simulcast |
| Performer announcements | August–September 2024 | Official press releases |
| Major voting window close | Late August 2024 | MTV and award body announcements |
| Winners announced | September 10, 2024 during the show | Live broadcast |
How to watch the VMAs live in 2024 and beyond
To watch the 2024 VMAs live in the U.S., tune into CBS or stream on Paramount+. The ceremony was also available on MTV and MTV’s streaming platforms. If you are outside the U.S., check local broadcast partners and authorized streaming services for your region; many territories carry the show via licensed broadcasters, with timing adjusted for local time zones. Online, the show was streamed on MTV’s official platforms and supported apps on connected TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices.
What to expect from the VMAs format
The VMAs typically feature a mix of prerecorded and live performances, acceptance speeches, and special appearances. Major categories are determined by a combination of industry voting and fan votes, with eligibility tied to release windows and chart runs. The ceremony highlights music video storytelling, technical achievement, and cultural impact, often aligning programming with current artist campaigns and brand partnerships. Because the VMAs align with the broader awards season, the structure may evolve each year while preserving its core format.
Why timing matters for award shows like the VMAs
A consistent awards calendar helps fans plan viewing and press plan coverage. The VMAs are positioned mid-to-late summer, taking place after genre-specific honors and before some end-of-year critics’ awards. This timing influences voting windows, marketing rollouts, and coordination with other major ceremonies. Broadcasters schedule the event to maximize live viewership while managing any same-day sports or news commitments.
How performers and categories are selected
Performers are invited and confirmed through a combination of artist availability, promotional strategy, and creative direction. Categories span genre-specific fields and technical crafts, with eligibility requirements set by the awarding body. Fan-voted categories open in late summer and close near the show date, while professional juries handle craft and genre-based honors. These design choices aim to balance audience engagement with industry recognition.
Where to find the official 2024 VMAs recap and highlights
After the ceremony, the official MTV site and video platforms host full-show replays, highlight packages, and moment-by-moment recaps. News outlets and broadcasters also publish summaries and analysis. For ongoing reference, the show remains available on streaming services that licensed the broadcast, while social clips and press reels capture signature performances and acceptance speeches.