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People these days don’t just want their MTV—they want an MTV live stream. The music video channel turned reality TV giant has certainly tried to keep up with the times, a few stumbles aside. Whether you’re itching for a new season of Scream or, no judgment, Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, here’s everything you need to know to watch MTV online.
Best Shows on MTV
- Total Request Live
- Catfish: The TV Show
- The Hills: New Beginnings
- The Challenge
- Ridiculousness
What is MTV?
Launched in 1981, MTV was once the epitome of cool. It was the best (and for many years, only) place to watch the latest music videos from some of the hottest bands of the ’80s and ’90s. The very first video to be played on the station was the appropriately titled “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. In the ensuing years, the channel hosted musicians like Blondie, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, David Bowie, and many, many more.
Between 1995 and 2008, MTV saw a sharp decline in music videos being aired on the channel. MTV has shifted more and more into reality TV programming like Viva la Bam, My Super Sweet 16, Jersey Shore, and Punk’d. Even more recently, MTV has added some scripted drama series to its lineup, including Teen Wolf and Scream.
- Launched: December 1977
- Slogan: “I want my MTV”
- Genre: Music/Popular Culture/Reality
- Formally called: Sight on Sound (1977-1981), Music Television (1981-2010)
- Parent Company: ViacomCBS
MTV Live – where to stream
MTV is available on several of the major live TV streaming services, but it is not on Hulu Live TV. When trying to decide which one is best for you, you’ll want to weigh the cost, the other channels you’ll receive, and the compatible devices for streaming.
MTV on Philo
Philo is a budget-minded streaming service, and depending on what channels you want, it might be right for you. The 59 Philo channels lean decidedly toward entertainment; the Philo channel list includes AMC, Discovery, IFC, Lifetime, and the Paramount Network, all for $20 a month. If you’re a fan of MTV you’re in luck: You can find it on Philo. Philo also comes with free cloud DVR, but shows recorded are deleted after 30 days, so binge responsibly.
| Monthly | $25 |
MTV on Sling TV
If you’re looking for a streamlined, cost-effective streaming package, check out Sling TV. It offers two basic cable packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each of which costs $30 per month. There’s also the third option of getting Sling Orange + Blue for just $45 per month. You’ll get more Sling TV channels by choosing Sling Blue, with its 40 channels including sports favorites like FS1 and NBCSN and cable mainstays like Food Network and Discovery Channel. But Sling Orange brings must-haves Disney Channel and ESPN as part of its package. To gain access to MTV, you’ll either need Sling Blue, Sling Orange or Sling Orange + Blue along with the Comedy Extra channel suite. Sling also has a number of add-ons, including robust international packages organized by languages all over the globe.
| Orange | $35 |
| Blue | $35 |
| Orange + Blue | $50 |
MTV on FuboTV
FuboTV started as a streaming service geared toward sports fans, but it’s evolved into a broadly-appealing option with entertainment and news options alongside its robust sports choices. Depending on the package, you can access as many as 181 FuboTV channels. If you’re looking to be entertained, Bravo, IFC, MTV, and VH1 are options even at Fubo’s most basic tier. The Fubo channel list still includes plenty of sports, including the Fubo Sports Network, which has original programming mixing sports and humor. The FuboTV cost starts at $54.99 a month, and with Disney Media favorites like ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel coming on board in 2020, some who were on the fence about Fubo are giving it another look.
To watch MTV, you’ll want to dock in at the FuboTV Standard level.
MTV and AT&T TV Now
If you’re already looking to AT&T for your wireless needs, you might consider AT&T TV Now to cover streaming for you. AT&T TV Now channels start with Plus and Max, which even include HBO. Then, AT&T plans expand from there, approaching cable selection and pricing with AT&T TV Now’s biggest packages. AT&T streaming also comes with Cloud DVR, letting you record up to 20 hours of TV per month. If you’re looking for MTV, get in at the AT&T TV Now Plus tier to stream it.
MTV on Vidgo
Vidgo offers a package for under $40 a month that pulls together more than 60 English-language channels into its National English Package. Vidgo channels include ABC, Fox, the ESPN family of channels (including ESPN Deportes), and it’s one of the few streaming services that carries BeIN Sports. But it’s like Fubo in that, even though it started out for streaming sports, it carries a lot more now. You might be surprised to know that Vidgo’s an option to stream MTV—and then you chat about it online via Vidgo’s Social TV platform.
| English Premium Package | $66.33/ 3 months |
| English Plus Package | $53/ 3 months |
| Spanish Mas Package | $25/ 3 months |
Other ways to watch an MTV live stream online
The MTV website
You can watch an MTV live stream on the official site, but you’ll need to log in using a cable provider account or DirecTV Now or Philo. For some reason, Sling TV just doesn’t cut it. Certain shows will let you watch the first episode for free, and there are plenty of episodes available in full, but again, you’ll need to sign in to unlock them. If there’s a specific event you want to see, the MTV Movie & TV Awards, for example, it’s worth noting that you can get a free one-time 24-hour pass to an MTV live stream by signing into the site using Facebook or by registering an account.
The MTV app
Cost: Free
Devices: Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android and iOS devices
The MTV app may be free to download, but to access any of its best features—watching full seasons of certain series or the latest episode of a new show—you’ll have to sign in with a cable provider or Philo or DirecTV.
Best Shows on MTV
- Total Request Live
- Catfish: The TV Show
- The Hills: New Beginnings
- The Challenge
- Ridiculousness
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Editor’s note: This article is regularly updated for relevance.
