Rappers Eminem and Iggy Azalea secured seven nominations each while Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande and Sia received three nods.
Azalea's 'Fancy' video, a homage to the film 'Clueless', is up for Video of the Year, a category that also features 'Drunk in Love', Williams' 'Happy', Sia's 'Chandelier' and Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball', reported Billboard magazine.
Jay Z, Katy Perry, Cyrus, Lorde, Sam Smith, Zedd, Avicii, Jason Derulo and Hayley Williams received two nominations each.
The network has opened online fan voting for a new socially voted category. Best Lyric Video will be announced at a later date on the VMA site.
The 31st edition of the MTV Video Music Awards will be held at the Forum in Inglewood, California, on August 24.
Usher, Ariana Grande and 5 Seconds of Summer are confirmed to perform so far.