mtv

MTV, short for Music Television, is an American television channel and brand devoted to music and youth-oriented programming. It launched on August 1, 1981, as part of a joint venture between Warner-Amex Satellite Entertainment Company and Warner Communications, with the aim of airing music videos around the clock. The original lineup emphasized music videos introduced by on-air hosts known as video jockeys (VJs).

MTV popularized the music video format and transformed the way audiences discovered new artists. It helped propel artists into stardom through video rotation, chart coverage, and events such as televised award shows. The channel's early identity centered on music videos and related programs, shaping youth culture and marketing for the music industry.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, MTV expanded into original programming and live specials, including shows like Yo! MTV Raps and MTV Unplugged, as well as a range of music and reality formats. The network also introduced worldwide editions and spawned a family of channels and digital properties, contributing to the globalization of popular music.

In the 2000s and beyond, MTV shifted toward reality, documentaries, and lifestyle programming while continuing to air music videos on a reduced basis in some regions. It expanded its brand through online platforms, social media, and streaming services, aligning with changing media consumption habits. The MTV brand remains part of Paramount Global, with regional variants and sister networks around the world.