[4] The ceremony was simulcast on The CW, a free over-the-air broadcaster, with Mountain and Pacific time zones airing it live and others delayed for primetime, and on various ViacomCBS networks and platforms.

[7][8] MTV collaborated with 9/11 Day for a week of activities to "promote awareness and positive action" in honor of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which fell on the eve of the ceremony.

Internationally, the VMAs increased 43% in Brazil and 25% in the U.K.[11][12][13] Lorde was initially announced as a performer for the main show on August 18, 2021, but later pulled out of the event on September 3 "due to a change in production elements".

[14] Ed Sheeran additionally performed his new single "Bad Habits",[15] but the clip was uploaded to MTV's YouTube channel instead of being shown during the live broadcast.

[26] BTS, Olivia Rodrigo and Lil Nas X won the most awards of the night with three each, followed by Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Silk Sonic and Bieber with two each.