Eesti Laul was introduced in 2009, replacing the former Eurolaul festival which had been used since Estonia's first Eurovision participation in 1993.

The competition makes a considerable impact on music charts in Estonia and neighbouring countries.

In 2016, the grand final was held for the first time at Estonia’s largest concert hall, Saku Suurhall, which also hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2002.

[2] According to producer Mart Normet, Eesti Laul had grown to become the third-largest national selection for Eurovision in Europe, following Sweden and Norway, with 5,000 people attending the final.

[4] In July 2023, the broadcaster announced that Rahula would step down from his position and that changes would be made to the format of the next contest.

The competition's official rules are released by ERR early in preparation for each year's Eesti Laul, to ensure any changes are noted by songwriters and performers.

The first winner of Eesti Laul was Urban Symphony with the song "Rändajad", beating the televoting favourite Laura in the first round.