While viewers in the United States can still watch (for now) MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, Club MTV, and MTV Live, for other countries, these channels have gone dark.

Music videos have always been a vital part of the industry, but they became a significant way to promote a song or project once MTV launched.

Many artists’ labels have invested millions into turning videos into mini-movies. These usually three- to four-minute-long productions brought to life what listeners envisioned while listening to songs.

Some of my favorite videos include Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” 2Pac’s “California Love,” Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” and Taylor Swift’s “Delicate.” While it’s a sad day for MTV music channel lovers, videos will remain relevant in some ways, so I don’t think artists will stop releasing them entirely.

The MTV Video Music Awards will still exist. It’s the music channels that are going away, not the main MTV channel

When I heard that MTV was getting rid of its music channels, I thought that was the end of everything MTV-related. That is not the case. I’ve searched high and low, and I couldn’t find anywhere that the MTV Video Music Awards were also going away. The main MTV channel, which shows reality TV mostly, will also still be available to watch.

This year’s award show featured awards for Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Tyla, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, and more.

The Grammys’ Best Music Video category will still influence artists to at least release one stellar video

Many artists dream of hearing their name announced on the Grammys stage as the winner of one of the prestigious awards. While each category is highly competitive, because the best of the best are nominated, its Best Music Video category is an accessible opportunity for artists to aim for Grammy recognition.

That doesn’t mean the video can be sloppy or uninteresting, though. It has to be creative and visually pleasing to gain traction among fans, so you know Grammy voters have a bunch of areas a video must check off even to be considered.

Still, visuals remain an essential part of artistry and project promotion.