In a stunning ratings comeback, the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards reached 5.5 million viewers following its strategic move to CBS, marking a 42% increase from the previous year and becoming the most-watched VMAs since 2019. The prestigious music awards show successfully claimed the title of #1 entertainment program of the night despite competing directly with NFL Sunday Night Football, which featured a high-profile matchup between the Ravens and Bills.
The decision to shift from cable to network television proved transformative for the iconic awards ceremony, traditionally broadcast exclusively on MTV. Industry analysts noted that CBS’s broader distribution capabilities greatly expanded the potential audience, introducing the VMAs to casual viewers who might not have access to cable programming. This strategic pivot represented the show’s most substantial format change in years.
CBS’s network reach revitalized the VMAs, connecting the iconic show with viewers beyond cable’s limited audience.
Digital metrics further reinforced the event’s success, with the VMAs generating an impressive 1 billion video views and 81.1 million social media engagements, a 6% improvement over 2024 figures. The show dominated online conversation, trending #1 in the United States for three consecutive hours and capturing top trending positions across 12 countries globally. The hashtag #VMAs trended globally for four consecutive hours, demonstrating the show’s international appeal.
Fan participation reached unprecedented levels, with 2.5 billion global votes cast in VMA categories—a remarkable 121% increase from the previous year’s voting turnout. This record-breaking engagement demonstrated continued cultural relevance for the 41-year-old awards show.
Hip-hop legend LL Cool J‘s hosting performance contributed greatly to the evening’s appeal, drawing interest across diverse demographic segments. Jaw-dropping performances from stars like Tate McRae, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Doja Cat captivated audiences and generated significant buzz online. The VMAs ranked as the third-largest live-streamed entertainment event on Paramount+ in 2025, trailing only the Grammy Awards and Golden Globes in streaming numbers.
The impressive viewership figures position the VMAs as a reinvigorated force in music award broadcasts, especially notable considering the typical dominance of NFL programming during fall Sunday primetime slots. For participating artists, the broadcast created valuable exposure that could translate into sync licensing opportunities with brands eager to capitalize on the show’s massive reach. Many performers leveraged the show’s massive audience by running pre-save campaigns on streaming platforms, resulting in significant post-show streaming increases.
For CBS, the partnership delivered their most-watched entertainment special since the Grammy Awards earlier in the year, suggesting potential for continued network collaboration.
