In 2025, MTV is still your music and reality TV powerhouse for incredible cable entertainment, and we've compiled the perfect guide for catching it online without cable for our cord-cutters.
MTV–short for Music Television–is one of the most iconic television channels in U.S. history. It first aired in 1981 and revolutionized the music industry by dedicating its entire programming schedule to the 24/7 broadcasting of music videos. Three years later, in 1984, the network held its first-ever Video Music Awards (VMAs) to honor outstanding music videos; the VMAs still air annually today.
In the past decade or so, the network has otherwise moved away from music videos, and is instead now the home of many beloved reality shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and Catfish.
Check out how to catch MTV across popular streaming services.
You watch MTV on several live TV streaming services.
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Hate commercials? Hulu has your back. Gain access to MTV and over 95 other live and on-demand channels, with the option to remove commercials on the on-demand content for a low monthly fee. Hulu + Live TV also includes subscriptions to both Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, which makes it one of the best bargains in streaming today. Hulu + Live TV also has Unlimited Cloud DVR, so you can watch your favorite episodes and movies whenever you want. And have you seen some of those Hulu Originals lately? They are can’t-miss-TV.
DIRECTV offers a quality live TV experience without the need for cable. Each DIRECTV package includes a wide selection of sports and entertainment channels, including MTV. DIRECTV customers are also a rare group; they get access to an exceptional 5-day free trial package.
MTV isn’t one of Sling TV’s standard channels; it is only available if you add on the Entertainment Extra package for an additional $6 per month. But it may be worthwhile, as the Entertainment Extra package also includes Paramount Network, truTV, CMT and more, depending on which plan you have: Sling Orange or Sling Blue. Or you can get the best of both worlds and gain access to all of Sling TV’s channels with a Sling Orange + Blue plan, plus the Entertainment Extra for access to MTV.
Fubo streams more live TV channels than any other streaming service on the market today, which is perfect for any TV lover who just can’t get enough sports, news and entertainment. And with an Elite subscription, you can watch live TV in 4K. All English Fubo plans include MTV as well as unlimited Cloud DVR, a new feature for Fubo. Split decision on what to watch? Don’t worry. With Fubo, you can watch on up to 10 screens at once in your household, meaning you can still tune into MTV even if your significant other is not in the mood.
YouTube TV may have a simple business model, offering only one channel list but nothing about the service is elementary. With the Base plan, you get access to over 100 live channels (including MTV), unlimited DVR space, special features like Key Plays View for sports games, and the ability to create six household profiles. And if that’s not enough, YouTube TV also lets you customize your plan with their standalone network add-ons, letting you pick and choose what you pay for.
In 2025, MTV offers a select lineup of free programming available for users who visit MTV’s website. However, Pluto TV will give you more comprehensive access to free MTV broadcasting — you'll see ads on this platform, but won't spend a dime.
MTV can still be streamed for free on Pluto TV, and you can use free trials with Fubo (5-day free trial), DIRECTV (5-day free trial), Hulu + Live TV (3-day free trial), YouTube TV (21-day free trial), and Paramount Plus (7-day free trial) to catch Music Television in 2025.
Unfortunately, the MTV app was discontinued on January 31st, 2024, and was never replaced with anything else — hence why our guide exists so you can still use streaming platforms to catch MTV online.