The 2025 VMAs Proved It: Big Broadcast Still Moves the Needle

On September 7th, the MTV Video Music Awards pulled in their largest TV audience in six years. More than 5.5 million viewers tuned in across CBS, MTV, and Paramount+ — a 42% jump from last year. For a night that’s supposed to be “just another award show,” that’s a serious wake-up call.

Why It Matters for You:

We get asked all the time if getting a video on MTV, CMT, BET, or any major outlet still really matters. The 2025 VMAs just answered that for you: yes, it does.

Here’s the breakdown:

Big numbers still exist. Millions of people in one place, at one time, discovering music. That’s impact.

Platform reach is expanding. The VMAs didn’t just live on MTV — they hit broadcast + streaming + social. That’s three pipelines of exposure running at once.

What We’ve Seen at HIP:

For 25 years, we’ve been the ones getting independent artists into MTV programming. When events like the VMAs surge, it creates ripple effects across the whole ecosystem. More eyes on the brand means more appetite for fresh videos. That’s when our clients get slotted — and when momentum hits, it can change everything for a band.

We’ve watched it happen campaign after campaign: a well-placed video on MTV or its sister outlets can spark streaming jumps, radio adds, and touring opportunities.

What Bands Should Do Now:

Bring your A-game on visuals. MTV and broadcast outlets are about spectacle — your video has to pop.

Think multi-platform. One clip should be able to live on MTV, YouTube, socials, and in your fans’ feeds.

Work with people who know the system. Doors don’t just open; they’re pushed. Hard.

The Bottom Line:

The VMAs just proved broadcast reach is back in a big way. If you’re serious about breaking through, you can’t ignore it. That’s why we exist.

At HIP Video Promo, our job is simple: we fight to get your video in front of programmers, curators, and ultimately millions of new fans. The opportunities are real — but only if you’re ready.

Get in touch with us today.