After 44 years of shaping global music and youth culture, December 31, 2025 marked the final broadcast day for MTV’s dedicated music channels, bringing a symbolic end to the era of round-the-clock music television.
Launched in 1981, MTV revolutionized the music industry by turning songs into visual experiences and transforming artists into global icons. From Michael Jackson and Madonna to Nirvana and Beyoncé, the channel played a defining role in breaking new acts, setting fashion trends, and influencing how generations connected with music.
As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, several MTV music-focused channels — including MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV and MTV Live — officially went off air in multiple regions around the world. In a poignant full-circle moment, the final video aired was “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles, the same song that launched MTV more than four decades ago.
The shutdown reflects the dramatic shift in how audiences consume music. With platforms like YouTube, TikTok and streaming services now dominating music discovery and video viewing, traditional television music channels have steadily lost relevance. MTV’s parent company has been restructuring its media portfolio, focusing on digital platforms and entertainment programming with stronger commercial returns.
Importantly, MTV as a brand has not disappeared entirely. The main MTV channel continues to operate in many markets, though it has long moved away from music videos in favor of reality shows and pop-culture programming. Still, for many fans, the end of the music-only channels feels like the true farewell to the MTV they grew up with.
Social media was flooded with nostalgic tributes as viewers mourned what many called “the end of an era.” For millions around the world, MTV was more than a TV channel — it was a cultural force that defined youth, rebellion, creativity and the soundtrack of their lives.
While the screen has gone dark, MTV’s legacy in music history remains indelible, echoing through every music video, viral clip and visual-first artist that followed in its wake.