After 44 years of redefining the way the world listens to and sees music, MTV, the station that turned video into an art form and created global superstars, will end its broadcast in its classic form on December 31, 2025. For millions of people, MTV Music was not just a television channel, but a modern cultural landmark, where music and imagination met. Now, only the MTV HD channel will remain active, but only reality shows will be broadcast here.
When the TV station was launched
Launched on August 1, 1981, in the United States, MTV came up with a revolutionary idea: music should no longer only be heard, but also seen. The first video to air was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles.
In a short time, the TV station changed the rules of the industry: videos became an art form, and the image became as important as the sound.
Thriller, a cultural phenomenon
The peak was reached with the release of the video Thrillerby Michael Jackson, first aired on MTV in 1983. Before Michael, the station featured mostly white artists. In 1983, however, the King of Pop released three successful videos: Billie Jean, Beat It and Thriller.
With a duration of almost 14 minutes, story, choreography and cultural effects, Thriller it became a cultural phenomenon and changed the way videos were viewed. The huge success cemented MTV’s position as the essential platform for launching and promoting pop superstars.
The success of “Thriller”, however, led MTV to give more space to African-Americans.
The iconic videos, in heavy rotation on MTV
MTV was basically a factory for broadcasting the videos that defined pop culture. Even if not all of them were released on the TV channel, they were broadcast in heavy rotation.
- Cyndi Lauper – “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983)
- Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)
- TLC – “Waterfalls” (1995)
- Britney Spears – “…Baby One More Time” (1998)
- Ricky Martin – “Livin’ la Vida Loca” (1999)
- Backstreet Boys – “I Want It That Way” (1999)
- NSYNC – “Bye Bye Bye” (2000)
- Eminem – “The Real Slim Shady” (2000)
- Pink, Christina Aguilera, Mýa & Lil’ Kim – “Lady Marmalade” (2001)
- Christina Aguilera – “Dirrty” (2002)
- Beyoncé – “Single Ladies” (2008)
- Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance” (2009)
The VJ concept, launched by MTV
One of the most innovative concepts introduced by MTV was the Video Jockey, or VJ – presenters who not only introduced the videos, but brought personality, style and story to the musical grid. VJs were introduced with the launch of the station in 1981 and became intermediaries between the artists and the audience: they guided viewers through the charts, commented on the videos and offered exclusive information.
Total Request Live, the station’s most popular show
Released in 1998, the show Total Request Live it was based on daily charts of popularly requested videos, and viewers could vote online or by phone for their favorites. This approach has made TRL a veritable barometer of success in the music industry.
A few months after the show came out, another concept was introduced: artists would come to perform live in the studio and interact with the audience. In the heyday of pop stars, every appearance became an event. Fans were waiting for their favorites including in front of the MTV studio. Among the most popular live appearances were:
- Eminem
- Destiny’s Child/Beyonce
- Green Day, Linkin Park, Blink-182
The MTV Awards, a major landmark in the industry
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were launched in 1984 as a more spectacular alternative to traditional music awards ceremonies. Among the winners of the first edition was Cindy Lauper, with the video Girls Just Have Fun.
Over the years, the VMAs have become known for memorable moments, live performances and controversies that have marked pop culture. Artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Britney Spears, Eminem and Beyoncé have created unforgettable shows with spectacular choreography, original appearances and collaborations to match. One of the most famous and controversial moments in the history of the awards remains the kiss between Madonna and Britney Spears, from the 2003 gala.
Even though MTV Music is shutting down the show, the awards will continue to be presented every year.
Why MTV Music shut down
The decision reflects the major changes in music consumption today. Platforms such as You Tube, Spotify or Apple Music have become public favorites.
In addition, MTV refocused its strategy since the second decade of the 2000s, when it began to emphasize talk shows and reality shows. Although MTV Music shut down on December 31, MTV’s flagship station will remain active, but will only air reality, lifestyle and music documentaries.
