Which 1991 category later returned in 2016 as Breakthrough Long Form Video?

The 1991 category that returned in 2016 as Breakthrough Long Form Video was Best Long Form Video.

MTV introduced Best Long Form Video at the 1991 Video Music Awards, recognizing extended music-video projects rather than conventional short-form clips. Madonna won the inaugural award for The Immaculate Collection, competing against long-form releases by Aerosmith, Peter Gabriel, and R.E.M.

The category disappeared for many years, then returned in 2016 under the name Breakthrough Long Form Video. Beyoncé won that revival-year award for Lemonade, a visual album whose connected films accompanied the album’s songs. The category reverted to its original Best Long Form Video name in 2022.

A common mix-up is confusing this award with Breakthrough Video, which was a separate VMA category honoring emerging artists. “Long form” refers to the extended, film-like presentation—not simply a successful or experimental music video.