Millions of viewers tune in each season to watch celebrities master ballroom dance, and understanding how to vote on Dancing with the Stars turns casual watching into active participation. Your votes can change the competition, save a favorite star, or help a underdog rise through the ranks.
Below is a quick reference that explains the main voting paths, typical deadlines, and what the numbers mean for your chances to influence each result.
| Voting Method | When It Closes | Cost per Vote | Votes Counted per Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | 45 minutes after show ends | $0.99 for 10 votes | Weighted equally across nights |
| Website Online | 45 minutes after show ends | $0.99 for 10 votes | Weighted equally across nights |
| SMS Text | 30 minutes after show ends | $1.99 per message bundle | Higher weight in some weeks |
| Phone Call | 30 minutes after show ends | $1.99 per call bundle | Higher weight in some weeks |
How to Vote on Dancing with the Stars by App
The official app offers the fastest and most reliable way to submit your votes, especially when multiple couples are competing in the same episode.
Setup and Access
Download the ABC app or the network’s official companion app, log in with your television account or create a free profile, and link your account to enable live voting during the broadcast.
Live Voting Steps
During the show, open the app, navigate to the live voting section for Dancing with the Stars, select the performer and the specific dance, then confirm your choice before the timer runs out.
How to Vote on Dancing with the Stars Online
Voting on the website mirrors the app experience, providing an alternative if you prefer a larger screen or want to manage multiple accounts.
Account and Registration
Visit the official network website, sign in or register for a profile, and ensure your location is eligible for live voting before the episode airs.
Submitting Votes on Desktop
Once the dance finishes, click the on-screen prompt, choose the artist and routine, and submit before the countdown reaches zero to guarantee your vote is recorded.
SMS and Phone Voting Details
Text and phone options remain popular for audiences who do not want to download an app or use a computer during the broadcast.
Text Message Steps
Text a specific code to the network number shown during the program, follow the reply prompt to select the act, and send before the deadline to have your vote accepted.
Phone Call Procedure
Dial the provided number, follow the automated menu for Dancing with the Stars, enter your access code if required, and confirm your selections before the line closes.
Understanding the Voting Window
Each method operates on a strict timeline, and missing the cutoff means your vote will not count toward that week’s results.
The show broadcast determines the starting time, while network rules lock voting channels within minutes after the final performance, so prompt action is essential.
Network announcements and on-screen graphics usually display the exact closing moments for each channel, helping you avoid last-minute errors.
Maximize Your Impact on Dancing with the Stars
- Use the official app or website for fastest submission within the 45 minute window.
- Vote early to avoid last minute traffic and possible timeout errors.
- Understand the specific rules for each voting channel in your region.
- Track performance order so you know which routines are still in play.
- Encourage friends to vote legally to amplify your preferred dancers.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I vote more than once for the same dancer using different methods?
Most networks enforce a limit per household or account per episode, so casting multiple votes for the same performer through different channels may not increase impact and could violate rules.
Do celebrity judges’ scores affect how my online votes are counted?
Your votes combine with professional scores on a weighted scale, meaning higher-ranked dances often receive more total points, but audience votes remain decisive in most elimination weeks.
What happens if I submit my vote after the on-screen deadline?
Late submissions are typically discarded, and the network will not count them toward the weekly tally, which can shift which couples stay in the competition.
Is there a way to confirm my vote was received for Dancing with the Stars?
Check the app or website for a confirmation message, review your voting history in your profile, and look for on-screen graphics that indicate successful submission during the show.