MTV 500

The MTV 500, primarily associated with the late 1990s, refers to a countdown of music videos aired on MTV (Music Television) around Memorial Day weekend in the United States. It was an extension of MTV's regular countdown formats, such as the MTV Top 20 Countdown, but featured a significantly larger number of videos.

The selection process for the videos included in the MTV 500 was typically a combination of record sales, radio airplay, viewer requests, and MTV's own programming preferences. The countdown spanned several days, often starting on the Friday before Memorial Day and concluding on Memorial Day itself. The videos were played sequentially, counting down from #500 to #1.

The MTV 500 provided a comprehensive snapshot of popular music videos at the time and was a significant event for music fans. It offered exposure for both established artists and emerging acts, influencing music trends and sales. While the specific format and frequency of the MTV 500 changed over time, the general concept of a massive music video countdown remained a staple of MTV's programming schedule for a number of years. After its initial run, similar formats were implemented under slightly different names, continuing the tradition of long-form music video countdowns.