At the close of 2025, MTV discontinued many of its 24-hour music channels across international territories. In response to these closures, a developer launched 'MTV Rewind,' a free web application designed to archive and stream historical MTV music video content.
MTV Channel Discontinuation
Effective New Year's Eve 2025, MTV ceased broadcasting its dedicated 24/7 music channels in several international regions, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, France, and Brasil. This decision is attributed to cost-cutting initiatives by Paramount Skydance, following its merger in the preceding year.
Globally, the primary MTV channel continues to operate, with its programming primarily focused on reality television content. In the United States, channels MTV Classic and MTV Live remain available through cable television providers.
Launch of MTV Rewind
A developer identified as Flexasaurus Rex launched 'MTV Rewind,' a web application providing an archive of music videos and related content from MTV's history. The creator stated that the project was initiated in response to the announcement of MTV's channel closures and was developed within a 48-hour period.
MTV Rewind operates independently and is not affiliated with MTV or its parent company, Paramount Skydance, despite utilizing the 'MTV' name. The creator accepts donations to support the platform's operation.
Platform Content and Features
MTV Rewind features a library of over 33,000 music videos and commercials, sourced from YouTube and powered by IMVDb (The Internet Music Video Database). This content totals more than two months of unique programming.
The platform is organized into multiple distinct channels, designed for continuous music video streaming. These include:
- A channel dedicated to videos from MTV's original launch day in 1981.
- Channels organized by decade, ranging from the 1970s to the 2020s.
- A channel focused on rap music, including content from Yo! MTV Raps.
- A dedicated stream for MTV Unplugged performances.
- Channels featuring content from 120 Minutes and Headbangers Ball.
Users can access videos in a randomized sequence, with options for a 'shuffle all' function and a skip button for individual videos. The creator stated the service would operate without cost and without advertisements. However, the platform incorporates era-appropriate archival advertisements, such as historical 'Got Milk?' campaign spots. The application also includes a visual hit counter.