YouTube Removes Popular Tracks Amid SESAC Licensing Dispute
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock via phonandroid
If you’ve recently tried to stream songs from artists like Adele, Nirvana, or Kendrick Lamar on YouTube or YouTube Music, you may have noticed some of your favorite tracks have gone missing. This disruption is the result of an ongoing licensing dispute between YouTube and SESAC (Society of European Stage Authors and Composers), which manages the public performance rights for a wide range of popular artists.
Why the Music Was Removed
The conflict stems from YouTube’s negotiations to renew its licensing deal with SESAC. When licensing agreements expire and no new deal is reached, platforms like YouTube are forced to pull content to avoid legal complications. SESAC is smaller than other rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI, but it still represents some of the biggest names in music, including Adele, Green Day, Britney Spears, and Kanye West. As negotiations continue, YouTube users in the U.S. are left with a message that certain videos are "unavailable due to regional restrictions."
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What is SESAC?
SESAC has been around since 1930 and currently licenses more than 1.5 million songs from over 15,000 songwriters, composers, and publishers. While not as large as ASCAP or BMI, SESAC's artists have a significant presence in the marketplace. The organization was acquired by Blackstone, a private equity firm, in 2017, which has likely influenced its negotiation strategies with major platforms like YouTube.
When Will the Music Return?
YouTube has stated that it’s working diligently to reach a fair agreement with SESAC and is optimistic that the music will be restored within a few days. However, the situation remains uncertain. In past disputes, such as Universal’s standoff with TikTok, negotiations dragged on for months. For now, fans can only hope that the issue will be resolved quickly, and their favorite tracks will return to YouTube Music soon.
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Final Thoughts
This dispute highlights the often-complicated relationship between streaming platforms and music licensing organizations. While YouTube is confident that a resolution is near, it’s a reminder of how fragile access to digital content can be when contracts are up for renewal. For music lovers, the temporary loss of big-name artists underscores the importance of these deals in ensuring continuous access to the music they enjoy.
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