Songs by Adele, Bob Dylan, and Kendrick Lamar Blocked on YouTube Amid SESAC Licensing Dispute

Music lovers may find several popular songs, including those by Adele, Bob Dylan, and Kendrick Lamar, unavailable on YouTube due to a licensing dispute with SESAC. The disagreement stems from the expiration of a contract between YouTube and the performing rights organization, resulting in many videos being blocked over the weekend. Hits like Adele’s “Hello” and R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” are among those affected, with users encountering error messages indicating the content is unavailable due to SESAC’s copyright control.

YouTube has stated that it has been actively negotiating with SESAC to renew their licensing deal but was unable to reach an agreement before the current contract expired. As a result, all content represented by SESAC has been blocked in the U.S. YouTube remains hopeful about resolving the issue soon, assuring users that discussions are ongoing to restore access to these popular songs. SESAC, which oversees more than 1.5 million songs, has yet to comment publicly on the matter.

This situation has led to frustration among YouTube users, who have voiced their concerns on social media. YouTube has responded to complaints by reiterating that it is bound by copyright law and has to comply until a new deal is reached. The ongoing negotiations highlight the complexities of digital music licensing and the challenges both platforms and rights organizations face in balancing fair agreements.