The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) typically last about three hours. The main show usually starts at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ends around 11 p.m. Eastern Time. There is often a pre-show that begins earlier, and sometimes the broadcast might run slightly over the expected three-hour duration due to performances or announcements. Additionally, MTV often schedules an encore presentation immediately after the live event, which helps if the show runs long. This three-hour length is fairly consistent based on recent years' ceremonies.