YouTube Removes Popular Songs Amid SESAC Licensing Dispute

SESAC and Its Impact on YouTube Music: What You Need to Know

On Saturday, fans of popular music were startled to discover that some of the most cherished tracks, including Adele's "Rolling in the Deep", Kendrick Lamar's hits, and songs from Britney Spears and Green Day, were suddenly unavailable on YouTube and YouTube Music. Users attempting to play these videos were met with the following message:

Video unavailable
This video contains content from SESAC. It is not available in your country.

What is SESAC?

The Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC) was established in 1930 and currently represents over 15,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers. With a diverse catalog of more than 1.5 million songs, SESAC licenses the public performance of this music. While it may be smaller than its counterparts, BMI and ASCAP, SESAC's portfolio includes numerous high-profile artists and has been a vital player in the music licensing landscape.

Why is the Music Missing?

The absence of SESAC's music on YouTube is reportedly due to the expiration of a licensing agreement between SESAC and YouTube. According to YouTube spokesperson Mariana de Felice, the negotiations for renewing the existing deal did not result in a new agreement before the prior contract expired. This has resulted in music represented by SESAC being removed from the platform:

Negotiation Status: YouTube is in active discussions with SESAC, expressing hopes to reach a new deal soon.
Licensing Details: Though a number of SESAC's songs are impacted, not all songs from artists appear removed. For instance, despite the listing for Kanye West’s “Power” being blocked, the music video version is still available.

Differences in Availability

The inconsistency in song availability has puzzled many users. A searchable database on the SESAC website lists their repertoire, including a considerable PDF document for those interested in detailed listings. However, some songs are reported as blocked, while others remain accessible and playable on YouTube.

Community Reactions

The sudden removal of such a wide array of music has sparked numerous discussions among fans and industry insiders alike. Some see it as a negotiating strategy by YouTube, particularly since industry sources indicate that the contract may not truly expire for another week.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

For now, many of SESAC’s tracks remain inaccessible, leaving fans hoping for a swift resolution to the negotiations. Users are encouraged to stay tuned for updates from both SESAC and YouTube regarding the status of the music they love.

Staying informed on changes to music availability on streaming platforms is crucial, especially given the complexities of licensing agreements in the digital age. By understanding organizations like SESAC and their role in music rights management, fans can better navigate the evolving landscape of music consumption.