Taylor Swift is about to break Beyoncé’s MTV VMA record. Set to become the most-awarded artist in history

Taylor Swift is already tied with Beyoncé for the most MTV Video Music Awards won by an artist. But that tie is set to end at the 2026 VMAs, where Swift is due to receive a brand-new honour that will give her a record-breaking 31st VMA. The singer will be recognised with the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honours at the ceremony in Los Angeles on September 27. The award puts Swift on the verge of becoming the most-awarded artist in VMA history, adding another major milestone to her already long list of achievements. Read on to find more details.

Taylor Swift And Beyoncé Are Currently Tied At 30 VMAs

Swift currently has 30 VMA wins, the same number as Beyoncé. According to the Associated Press, the two stars are tied for the title of most-awarded musician in the history of the ceremony. That record dates back through some of the biggest moments of Swift's career. Her VMA collection includes awards connected to songs and videos such as Bad Blood, You Need to Calm Down and All Too Well: The Short Film. Her 2026 nominations have also added to the attention around her VMA record. Swift has received nine nominations this year, including Video of the Year, Artist of the Year and Best Pop for The Fate of Ophelia. Madonna leads this year's nominations with 11.

A New Award Will Take Swift To 31

Taylor Swift's historic 31st VMA will come through an award that did not previously exist. CBS and MTV announced that she will be the first recipient of the Artist Director Honours, created to recognise musicians whose work behind the camera has expanded music-video storytelling. The official announcement describes it as honouring a "sustained and influential body of work" from artists who have developed a distinct directorial voice.


The Associated Press reported that the new honour is intended for artists "whose work behind the camera has expanded the possibilities of music video and advanced the art of visual storytelling." For Swift, the award also reflects a part of her career that has grown increasingly prominent beyond performing and songwriting.

How Taylor Swift Built A Career Behind The Camera

Swift has directed several of her own music videos and projects, gradually taking greater control over the visual side of her music. Her directing credits include The Man, cardigan, willow, Anti-Hero, Bejeweled, Fortnight, Lavender Haze and All Too Well: The Short Film. She is a seven-time VMA Best Director nominee and has won the category four times.

Reuters noted that the new honour recognises musicians whose work behind the camera has contributed to both music-video production and visual storytelling. The news agency also highlighted Swift's record as a 14-time Grammy winner and four-time Grammy Album of the Year winner. Her latest visual era is continuing at the 2026 VMAs. Swift is expected to premiere the music video for "Patient Zero", one of the new songs from The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, during the ceremony.

The Record Could Grow Even Further

Taylor Swift's historic night is not limited to the honorary award. She enters the ceremony with nine competitive nominations, meaning she could add more trophies to her collection beyond the guaranteed 31st award. She is competing for major prizes including Video of the Year and Artist of the Year. The Fate of Ophelia is also nominated for Best Pop. The 2026 VMAs will be hosted by Snoop Dogg and take place at Los Angeles' Peacock Theatre. The ceremony will air live on CBS and MTV, with streaming available through Paramount+ in the US.

Another Record In Swift's Long List Of Milestones

Swift's expected move past Beyoncé is another notable chapter in her relationship with the VMAs. What began as recognition for her music videos has increasingly reflected her wider involvement in the creative process.

By receiving the first Artist Director Honours, Swift is not simply adding another trophy to her collection. She is being recognised for the work she has done behind the camera as well. If the award ceremony goes as announced, Swift will leave the 2026 VMAs with 31 VMA wins and the record for most VMA awards by an artist, while her nine competitive nominations leave open the possibility of an even bigger haul before the night is over.