MTV’s nostalgic vibes are back, but it takes a developer’s touch to do it.
MTV is closing its remaining 24/7 music channels in various countries, including the UK and Australia, by the end of 2025. This shift marks a significant departure from the network’s roots, which were firmly planted in music videos before they transitioned to reality shows. The announcement feels like the closing chapter of an iconic era in music television. However, for fans longing for the music video experience, a new web app called MTV Rewind pays homage to the old MTV.
Developed by an individual known as Flexasaurus Rex, MTV Rewind features 11 channels that stream music videos nonstop. Among its offerings, viewers can find a channel showcasing footage from MTV’s inaugural broadcast in 1981, as well as dedicated streams for MTV Unplugged performances and various genres. The app even includes channels themed around each decade from the ‘70s to the 2020s, with additional options like 120 Minutes and Headbangers Ball, providing a nostalgic nod to the past. Currently, MTV Rewind boasts an impressive collection of over 33,000 music videos, equating to more than two months’ worth of content, according to Loudwire.
Flexasaurus Rex expressed that the shutdown announcement hit hard, reflecting on MTV’s influential role in shaping music and youth culture. “When they stopped showing music videos and shifted to reality TV, it was a wave of sadness for me. Nothing seemed capable of filling that void, so I decided to take action and built MTV Rewind in just 48 hours,” he explained. Each channel on the platform plays videos in random order, and a shuffle-all feature is available for users wanting to mix things up. If a video doesn’t resonate, a handy skip option is just a tap away. Nostalgic ads from the past add another layer of authenticity to the experience, reminiscent of classic campaigns like Got Milk?.
The app’s extensive database draws from IMVDb, the Internet Music Video Database, and all videos are sourced from YouTube. This connection illustrates the very factors that contributed to the decline of MTV’s 24/7 music channels, as audiences have grown accustomed to instant access to a vast array of music videos online. For instance, the popularity of platforms like YouTube diminished the necessity for traditional shows like Total Request Live.
One charming aspect of MTV Rewind is its hit counter, reminiscent of the nostalgic Geocities websites from the ‘90s. The overall aesthetic is playful and inviting, offering a throwback experience that many users will appreciate. While MTV Rewind isn’t officially affiliated with MTV or its parent company, it cleverly incorporates MTV’s name, raising hopes that it can continue without legal repercussions from Paramount. It’s refreshing to see creative endeavors breathe new life into beloved aspects of internet culture.
