Fan Voting:
- Voting for most categories is open to the public and conducted online through the MTV website and social media platforms.
- Fans can cast votes for their favorite music videos in various categories, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, and more.
- The duration and specific guidelines for fan voting vary each year.
Industry Voting:
- A significant portion of the voting process is carried out by members of the music industry, including artists, producers, directors, music journalists, and industry professionals.
- Music industry professionals are invited by MTV to participate in the voting process, and they provide input based on their expertise and experience.
- The exact composition of the industry voting panel is confidential, but it includes people across various aspects of the industry.
Expert Panel:
- In some cases, MTV also convenes a panel of industry experts to provide additional insight and perspective during the selection process.
- These experts may include influential music critics, tastemakers, and figures who can contribute their unique knowledge and expertise.
- The expert panel's input might be especially crucial in categories that are subjective or merit-based.
The final outcome and winners are determined based on the combination of these factors:
- Fan voting plays a significant role, and artists with a strong and engaged fanbase often have an advantage.
- Industry votes are weighted heavily, ensuring a professional assessment of the artistic and creative merits of the music videos.
- Expert panel contributions provide further guidance and perspective, especially in close or subjective categories.
The MTV Video Music Awards are ultimately presented to the artists and their teams in recognition of their outstanding contributions and popularity within the music industry.