MTV launches 700+ music video marathon in countdown to this year's Video Music Awards

MTV is rewinding the clock to its roots ahead of the 2025 Video Music Awards. For one week only, the network will devote round-the-clock programming to music videos across its sister channels to build anticipation and momentum for the ceremony set for September 7 at UBS Arena in Long Island.

From September 1 through September 7, music fans can tune into MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic, and Pluto TV’s MTV Biggest Pop for a nonstop stream of more than 700 videos. These range from beloved throwbacks to rarely aired clips, some of which haven’t been part of the rotation in over ten years.

Viewers can expect themed blocks, such as Best of the 1980s, Best Celebrity Cameos, Craziest Videos of All Time, and Most VMA Victories.

MTV has also confirmed the nine artists receiving the most airtime during the marathon: Mariah Carey, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Eminem, Britney Spears, and Beyoncé.

READ ALSO: From Addison Rae to BTS’ j-hope: Fans call out VMAs 2025 for the biggest snubs

Alongside the round-the-clock broadcast, the network will sprinkle in short “interstitials” spotlighting music video fandom. Names like Olivia Rodrigo, Paris Hilton, Chappell Roan, Teddy Swims, and Jon Bon Jovi are set to appear, offering commentary and celebratory nods to the temporary format.

Lady Gaga leads the 2025 MTV VMAs nominations

The renewed focus on videos coincides with a competitive year for the VMAs. Lady Gaga leads the nominations with 12, followed closely by Bruno Mars — with whom she collaborated in "Die With A Smile" — with 11. Kendrick Lamar earned 10 nominations for this year's ceremony.

For the top prize, Video of the Year, contenders are Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars ("Die With A Smile"), Ariana Grande ("Brighter Days Ahead"), Billie Eilish ("Birds of a Feather"), Rosé & Bruno Mars ("APT"), Sabrina Carpenter ("Manchild"), Kendrick Lamar ("Not Like Us"), and The Weeknd with Playboi Carti ("Timeless").

Meanwhile, the Artist of the Year nominees are Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and The Weeknd.

The Song of the Year nominees include "Ordinary" (Alex Warren), "Anxiety" (Doechii), "Sapphire" (Ed Sheeran), "I Love You, I’m Sorry" (Gracie Abrams),"Birds of a Feather" (Billie Eilish), "Die With a Smile" (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars), "APT." (Rosé & Bruno Mars), "Sports Car" (Tate McRae), "What Was That" (Lorde), and "Timeless" (The Weeknd & Playboi Carti).

This year also marks the arrival of two new categories: Best Pop Artist and Best Country.

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READ ALSO: “Outperformed every single one”: Fans excited as Lady Gaga announced as a VMA 2025 performer

Last year’s ceremony was dominated by Taylor Swift, who claimed seven trophies, including a record-breaking third consecutive win for Video of the Year. With new categories and heavyweight contenders on deck, 2025 could be just as headline-grabbing.

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