Fast Company
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How TikTok killed MTV
MTV is discontinuing music channels in the UK, signaling a shift in how people consume music. This follows similar closures in other countries, causing speculation about the US. MTV's parent company, Paramount Global, has been restructuring significantly, including staff layoffs. MTV News previously shut down as well, reflecting these changes. The move reflects a move away from traditional TV, highlighting the rise of platforms like TikTok and YouTube for music discovery. Social media, especially TikTok, has become a primary source for music discovery for younger audiences. Reports show that TikTok is driving discovery, monetization, and chart success for artists. Popular artists now leverage social media to connect with fans. TikTok is actively developing features to enhance music discovery on its platform. Amidst these changes, there are rumors of plans to revive MTV as a music channel in the US. The success of these plans remains uncertain, given the shift away from cable TV toward online platforms.