Thousands Of Music Videos Removed From YouTube
ROTHBURY, MI - JULY 05: Bob Dylan performs during the 2009 Rothbury Music Festival on July 5, 2009 in Rothbury, Michigan. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
Until recently, fans could easily watch Nirvana’s iconic “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video on YouTube. However, over the weekend, the grunge classic disappeared, along with thousands of other music videos. The sudden removal stems from a copyright dispute between YouTube and SESAC, a performing rights organization that collects royalties and protects the work of songwriters and publishers.
The conflict began when the two sides tried to negotiate a new agreement before the current one expired. Unfortunately, they couldn’t reach a deal. “We have held good faith negotiations with SESAC to renew our existing deal,” a YouTube representative told Variety. “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement. As a result, content represented by SESAC is no longer available on YouTube in the US.” YouTube stressed they take copyright issues seriously and are working to resolve the matter.
Artists Affected by the YouTube Ban
Although SESAC is smaller than other performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI, it still represents many well-known artists. In addition to Nirvana, the YouTube ban has impacted music from R.E.M., Green Day, Rush, Bob Dylan, and Adele, among others.
To make things more complicated, some material from these artists remains available while other videos have been removed. Artists who aren’t directly represented by SESAC but have worked with SESAC songwriters, such as Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj, have also seen some of their content pulled.
The Next Chapter in the SESAC vs. YouTube Dispute
YouTube remains hopeful that a deal will be reached soon. “We are in active conversations with SESAC and aim to reach a new agreement as soon as possible,” the company stated.
Disputes between music organizations and digital platforms aren’t new. Earlier this year, Universal Music Group removed its content from TikTok for several months over contract negotiations, and in 2008, Warner Music Group pulled its music from YouTube for nine months before reaching a new agreement.
