The 2025 presidential inauguration will stream everywhere you look. Major networks—NBC, ABC, Fox—start coverage as early as 4 a.m. ET on their websites and YouTube channels. Free options include Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku Channel. Subscription services haven't been left out; Hulu, Disney Plus, and Max will carry network feeds. For the purists, C-SPAN offers commentary-free coverage, while the Inaugural Committee provides an official livestream. The ceremony kicks off at noon ET—plenty of viewing choices await.

streaming 2025 inauguration instructions

Wondering how to catch every moment of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration without missing a beat? The historic ceremony is set for noon ET inside the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, with Donald Trump's swearing-in followed by his inaugural address.

Mark your calendar for democracy's big day: Trump's return to power at high noon, right inside the Capitol Rotunda.

And yes, Carrie Underwood and Lee Greenwood will perform. Because nothing says "peaceful transfer of power" like country music.

Streaming options are plentiful this year. Major networks start their coverage early—NBC and ABC kick things off at 7 a.m. ET on their websites and YouTube channels.

Fox News begins even earlier at 4 a.m. ET on their digital platforms. Early birds get the constitutional worm, apparently. Like Microsoft's Bing AI features, these platforms will integrate advanced streaming capabilities for enhanced viewing.

Free services have you covered too. Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku Channel all offer streams from major networks without costing you a dime.

Samsung TV Plus and Sling Freestream provide similar options. No excuses for missing anything. Zero. Zilch.

If you're already paying for streaming services, might as well use them. Hulu and Disney Plus will carry ABC's coverage.

Max features CNN's take on the events. Peacock streams NBC News Now, while YouTube TV offers multiple networks simultaneously. Choices, choices.

For the no-frills approach, go straight to the source. The Inaugural Committee will have an official livestream online.

Similar to how rewards-based crowdfunding helps startups connect with their audience, C-SPAN offers thorough coverage without the punditry. PBS News even provides American Sign Language translation.

NPR starts broadcasting at 11 a.m. ET—just in time for the main event.

Attending in person? Gates open at 6 a.m. ET. Free tickets are required for the ceremony—contact your local representative if you haven't already.

The general public can watch from the National Mall, where giant screens will show the proceedings. Due to frigid weather conditions, some events have been relocated indoors, so check the schedule.

The inauguration will feature Vice President-elect JD Vance being sworn in alongside Trump as part of the day's ceremonies.

Security will be tight. There's a prohibited items list. ID checks everywhere. The usual drill for these things.

But hey, that's democracy for you—equal parts pageantry, security theater, and constitutional obligation, all streaming in high definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony Begin?

The inauguration ceremony kicks off at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Not super early, not super late. Just right for political pageantry on a cold day.

The actual swearing-in—you know, the important part—happens at noon sharp.

That's when Trump and Vance take their oaths. Everything else is just warm-up acts.

Security opens at 6 a.m. for the extra-cautious types.

Musical performances start around 9:30 a.m. to keep the crowd entertained.

Will the Inauguration Be Available to Stream Internationally?

Yes, international viewers can catch the inauguration. Major American networks like ABC, Fox, and NBC will stream it on their websites and YouTube channels – accessible worldwide.

C-SPAN's coverage should work internationally too. Some streams might be geo-blocked, though. VPNs can help with that.

International news outlets like BBC and Al Jazeera will likely cover it as well. Just remember your time zones – it'll be 12 p.m. ET, which could mean weird hours elsewhere.

Do I Need a Subscription to Watch the Inauguration?

No subscription needed. Multiple free options exist. ABC News, Fox News, NBC News, PBS, and C-SPAN will all stream it on their websites or YouTube channels.

No login required. Free streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Roku Channel will carry it too.

Sure, subscription services like Peacock, Hulu, and Paramount+ will have coverage.

But why pay? The free streams work just fine. Same content, zero dollars. Pretty straightforward.

Can I Watch the Inauguration After It Airs Live?

Yes, viewers can watch the inauguration after it airs. ABC News coverage will be available on Hulu the following day.

Many networks also post their coverage on YouTube for later viewing. Other options include news apps, on-demand services, and archived news sites.

Subscription services like Hulu, Disney Plus, Peacock, Max, and YouTube TV offer delayed viewing capabilities. C-SPAN and PBS might archive their coverage too.

No live viewing necessary. Democracy works on replay.

Will There Be Closed Captioning or Translation Services Available?

Yes, closed captioning will be widely available across major networks.

ABC, NBC, CNN, and Fox all provide captions for their live inauguration coverage. PBS goes the extra mile with American Sign Language interpretation.

Translation services? Limited. Most networks stick to English, though some offer Spanish on separate channels.

Streaming platforms like YouTube, Peacock, and Hulu support closed captions too. Real-time transcription exists on some platforms.

Not perfect, but decent accessibility overall for the big day.