To watch the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), viewers primarily accessed the live broadcast on CBS or streamed it via Paramount+. As of 2026, full show replays are available on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, while curated performance highlights and acceptance speeches are hosted on the official AMA YouTube channel.
The 2025 American Music Awards marked a significant turning point in the history of the ceremony. Transitioning from its long-standing home on ABC to a new multi-year deal with CBS, the 2025 show also shifted its traditional November schedule to a high-profile May broadcast. This move was designed to capitalize on the spring music cycle and offer a fresh perspective on the year’s biggest hits. For fans looking to revisit the magic of that night from the vantage point of 2026, understanding the distribution landscape is essential, as licensing for music-heavy broadcasts often dictates where and how content remains available.
The Move to CBS and Paramount+
In 2024, Dick Clark Productions announced a landmark agreement that moved the AMAs to CBS. This transition was part of a broader strategy to align the American Music Awards with other prestigious ceremonies like the GRAMMYs, which also air on the network. Consequently, the primary "where to watch" answer for the 2025 event centers on the CBS ecosystem.
For the live broadcast on May 25, 2025, CBS utilized its massive national reach to bring the show to millions of households. However, the modern viewing experience is split between traditional linear television and digital streaming. Paramount+, the streaming arm of Paramount Global (the parent company of CBS), served as the exclusive digital home for the event.
Paramount+ Subscription Tiers
Understanding how to watch the 2025 AMAs on Paramount+ requires a look at their specific subscription models, which remained consistent into early 2026:
- Paramount+ with SHOWTIME: This premium tier allowed users to stream the 2025 AMAs live via their local CBS affiliate feed. It also provided immediate on-demand access to the full ceremony the following day.
- Paramount+ Essential: This ad-supported tier did not include a live local CBS feed. Subscribers to the Essential plan were able to watch the 2025 AMAs on-demand starting the day after the live broadcast.
How to Watch the 2025 AMAs via Cord-Cutting Services
For those who moved away from traditional cable by 2025, Live TV Streaming Services (vMVPDs) provided the most reliable way to watch the AMAs live without a satellite or cable contract. These services carry local CBS stations in most American markets, ensuring that viewers could catch the performances as they happened.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV remains one of the most popular options for watching major award shows. It carried the 2025 AMAs live through its CBS integration. One of the primary benefits for viewers using this platform was the unlimited DVR space, allowing fans to record the nearly three-hour broadcast and skip through commercials during later viewings.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu’s live tier also included CBS in its channel lineup for the 2025 broadcast. A unique advantage for Hulu subscribers was the integration with Disney+ and ESPN+, though for the AMAs specifically, the draw was the ability to watch the live CBS feed and then access the show via the Hulu streaming library for a limited window after the event.
FuboTV
Originally known for sports, FuboTV expanded its entertainment offerings significantly by 2025. It carried the AMAs live and offered a 4K "upscaled" viewing experience in certain markets, providing one of the highest-fidelity versions of the 2025 broadcast available to home viewers.
DirecTV Stream
For viewers who wanted a traditional cable-like interface with the flexibility of streaming, DirecTV Stream provided the local CBS feed necessary to watch the 2025 AMAs. This was particularly useful for those in rural areas where digital antenna reception for CBS might have been weak.
International Viewing Options: Watching Outside the USA
The American Music Awards have a global footprint, but international rights are often fragmented. In 2025, the "where to watch" question for fans in the UK, Canada, and Australia had different answers based on local licensing agreements.
Canada
In Canada, CTV has historically been the partner for major U.S. award shows. The 2025 AMAs were broadcast live on CTV and made available for streaming on the CTV app and website for those with a cable login.
United Kingdom and Europe
In the UK, there was no direct live broadcast on a major terrestrial channel for the 2025 AMAs due to the time difference. Instead, fans typically relied on Paramount+ (UK) or waited for highlights on social media platforms. Some specialized music channels occasionally carry delayed broadcasts, but the most reliable method for UK fans in 2025 was utilizing the official AMA YouTube channel for performance clips.
Australia
Australian fans often watched the 2025 AMAs through Network 10 (which has a partnership with Paramount/CBS) or via the Australian version of Paramount+. Because the show aired on a Monday morning in Australia, the on-demand feature of Paramount+ was the most common way viewers engaged with the content.
The 2025 Red Carpet: Pre-Show Coverage
The "show before the show" is often as highly anticipated as the ceremony itself. For the 2025 AMAs, the red carpet coverage was distributed across multiple digital platforms to reach a younger audience.
- Official AMA Social Media: The 2025 Red Carpet was streamed live on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. These streams were free and did not require a cable subscription.
- Entertainment Tonight / E! News: Traditional entertainment news outlets provided their own specialized coverage, often focusing on fashion and short-form interviews with nominees.
- Paramount+ Pre-Show: CBS produced a dedicated pre-show that led directly into the live broadcast, available to all Paramount+ subscribers.
Where to Watch 2025 AMA Replays in 2026
If you are looking for the 2025 AMAs now that we are in 2026, your options are slightly more limited due to music licensing. Music performance rights for award shows are notoriously complex and often expire after 12 to 24 months.
- Official YouTube Highlights: The American Music Awards YouTube Channel is the most permanent archive. While the full three-hour broadcast might not be there, every major performance (e.g., the 2025 Artist of the Year set) is usually uploaded as an individual video.
- Paramount+ On-Demand: As of early 2026, the 2025 ceremony may still be available in the "Awards and Specials" section of Paramount+. However, check your local listings, as these are sometimes removed once the cycle for the 2026 awards begins.
- Social Media Clips: Short-form highlights remain ubiquitous on TikTok and Instagram. Searching for "#AMAs2025" provides a chronological look at the night's most viral moments.
Technical Requirements for a Seamless Viewing Experience
To watch the 2025 AMAs without buffering or low-resolution issues, certain technical standards had to be met. This is particularly relevant for those trying to stream archived high-definition performances in 2026.
Internet Speed
For a stable 1080p (Full HD) stream, a minimum of 5-10 Mbps is required. If you are watching a 4K replay on a platform like FuboTV or a high-bitrate YouTube clip, 25 Mbps is the recommended floor.
Compatible Devices
The 2025 AMAs were accessible on almost all modern hardware, including:
- Smart TVs: LG (webOS), Samsung (Tizen), and Vizio.
- Streaming Sticks: Roku Premiere/Ultra, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, and Apple TV 4K.
- Mobile: iOS and Android via the Paramount+ or CBS apps.
- Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Comparison of 2025 AMA Streaming Platforms
The following table compares the various ways viewers accessed the 2025 American Music Awards:
| Platform | Live Access | On-Demand (2026 Status) | Free Trial Availability | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ (Showtime) | Yes | Yes (Full Show) | Often 7 Days | Full experience & highest quality. |
| YouTube TV | Yes | No (Only if Recorded) | Varies (often 14 days) | Cord-cutters who want DVR. |
| Official YouTube | No | Yes (Highlights Only) | Always Free | Watching specific performances. |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | Limited Window | No | Existing Disney Bundle users. |
| FuboTV | Yes | No | 7 Days | Sports fans & 4K enthusiasts. |
Troubleshooting Common Viewing Issues
Even with the best connection, watching a high-traffic event like the AMAs can lead to technical hurdles. Here are the common issues faced during the 2025 broadcast and how they are resolved:
Regional Blackouts
Some users on Paramount+ or YouTube TV may have encountered blackouts if their local CBS affiliate did not reach a carriage agreement. In 2025, this was rare but happened in specific smaller markets. The solution was typically to use a digital antenna to pick up the over-the-air signal.
App Crashes
During high-profile performances (such as the 2025 opening act), streaming apps can occasionally crash due to server load. Experts recommend clearing the app cache or ensuring the streaming device's firmware is updated to the latest 2026 version to prevent playback errors.
"Not Available in Your Region"
For international fans attempting to watch the U.S. feed, geo-blocking is a common obstacle. While many use VPNs to access the CBS website, it is important to note that this often violates the terms of service of the provider. The most stable "legal" route remains the local international broadcaster or the official YouTube highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the 2025 AMAs for free?
During the live event in May 2025, the only way to watch for free was using an Over-the-Air (OTA) antenna to pick up a local CBS station. In 2026, you can watch the majority of the show's highlights for free on YouTube, but the full, uninterrupted broadcast generally requires a paid subscription to Paramount+.
Why did the AMAs move from ABC to CBS in 2025?
The move was primarily a business decision by Dick Clark Productions to consolidate their major award properties under one network roof and to refresh the brand with a new spring air date. CBS offered a multi-platform strategy that heavily integrated Paramount+, which was a key requirement for the modern streaming-first audience.
Who hosted the 2025 American Music Awards?
The 2025 ceremony featured a rotating cast of presenters and a central host (often a major musical artist or comedian) to celebrate the show's new era on CBS. For specific details on the 2025 host, viewers can refer to the "About" section on the official AMA website or the 2025 Wikipedia entry.
Is the 2025 AMA Red Carpet still available to watch?
Yes, most of the 2025 Red Carpet live streams remain archived on the AMAs' official TikTok and YouTube accounts. These are excellent resources for seeing the fashion and "arrival" interviews that took place before the main event.
Can I watch the 2025 AMAs on Netflix or Disney+?
No. As of 2026, the American Music Awards are not available on Netflix or Disney+. The broadcast rights are held by CBS and Paramount Global, meaning Paramount+ is the only dedicated streaming service where you can find the show.
Next Steps for Fans
If you missed the live 2025 broadcast, your best course of action in 2026 is to head to the American Music Awards official YouTube channel. This provides the most curated and high-quality version of the performances. For those who want the full "as-it-aired" experience, including the emotional acceptance speeches and comedic transitions, a subscription to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME remains the primary destination for archived awards content.
