YouTube Blocks Videos from Musicians in SESAC Dispute

Since Saturday, numerous YouTube videos featuring music from artists including Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and R.E.M. have been rendered unplayable in the United States

For instance, when attempting to play Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” (whether it is the classic album recording or a live performance), the message “This video contains content from SESAC” is displayed.

It is not accessible in your country. Occasionally, you may view a pre-roll advertisement before receiving the message.

Nevertheless, not all videos featuring these performers are blocked; it is unclear whether the playable videos are exempt from the current dispute or if they have been overlooked.

YouTube attributed the situation to unsuccessful negotiations with SESAC. This performing rights organization claims to represent over 35,000 music artists and publishers in statements to the press and on social media.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement before its expiration, despite our best efforts,” YouTube stated.

“We are extremely concerned with copyright, and as a result, the content represented by SESAC is no longer accessible on YouTube in the United States.”

We are currently engaged in active discussions with SESAC and are eager to finalize a new agreement as soon as feasible.

This situation is reminiscent of a dispute between Universal Music Group and TikTok earlier this year.

During that dispute, U.M.G. removed songs from artists such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande from the short-form video platform while negotiating royalties.

In contrast to UU.M.G. SESAC is not a record label; instead, iU.M.G.s is an organization that collects royalties for composers and publishers, similar to ASCAP and BB.M.I

In addition to the artists previously B.M.Intioned, it represents Burna Boy, George Clinton, Kenny Rogers, Kings of Leon, and numerous others.