In a major hit to music lovers, YouTube has removed thousands of iconic music videos from its platform after failing to strike a deal with SESAC, a major performance rights organization. This impasse has affected artists like Nirvana, Adele, Bob Dylan, Kendrick Lamar, and many more, leaving fans in dismay as classics like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Hello” vanish from the platform.
YouTube confirmed the issue, stating that they had engaged in “good faith negotiations” with SESAC but were unable to reach an agreement. As a result, videos covered by SESAC are now blocked in the U.S. A YouTube spokesperson expressed hope for a resolution, emphasizing the company’s strict stance on copyright law. SESAC, which represents over 1.5 million songs, has yet to comment publicly on the dispute.
@claybitkid we hear you. our music license agreement with SESAC has expired without an agreement on renewal conditions despite our best efforts. for this reason, we have blocked content on YouTube in the US known to be associated with SESAC – as in line with copyright law
— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) September 28, 2024
This has left some Nirvana fans particularly frustrated, as the official videos for the band’s biggest hits, including “Come As You Are” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” are now unplayable. Even Adele’s pre-30 catalog has been taken down, including “Chasing Pavements” and “Set Fire to the Rain.”
While unofficial uploads and live performances remain on the platform as copyright loopholes, fans are eagerly awaiting a resolution between YouTube and SESAC, hoping their favorite tracks will be back online soon. In the meantime, YouTube users have taken to social media to voice their frustrations—because, as it turns out, YouTube without these hits just doesn’t smell like teen spirit.
Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding copyright saga!