Some YouTube music videos became unavailable to viewers in the United States in late September 2024 because YouTube and performing-rights organization SESAC had not renewed their agreement. YouTube announced a deal on September 30 and said the affected content would return shortly. The cited reports do not verify the present-day availability of every recording.
What happened in the YouTube–SESAC dispute?
On September 28, 2024, U.S. viewers began encountering notices that some videos were unavailable because they contained SESAC content. Contemporary reports named works associated with Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, R.E.M. and Kendrick Lamar, among others—but not every video featuring those artists was blocked. The notice said the video was unavailable in the viewer’s country. TechCrunch reported on the disruption.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pure 80's | $11.85 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Smooth Jazz Hits | $10.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![I Want My 80's Box! [3 CD Box Set]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415100AR36L._SL160_.jpg)
|
I Want My 80's Box! [3 CD Box Set] | $14.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
100 Singalong Songs For Kids | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Now That's What I Call 60s Pop / Various | $22.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
YouTube said negotiations to renew its agreement with SESAC had not produced a deal before the previous agreement expired, so SESAC-represented content was no longer available on YouTube in the United States while discussions continued. YouTube’s music rights help guidance explains that agreements with copyright owners can require YouTube to remove content or restrict it by territory.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why might one video be blocked while another remains available?
A song has distinct rights in its sound recording and its underlying composition. Labels typically hold or manage master-recording rights, while performing-rights organizations often control public-performance rights in compositions. A single YouTube use may involve several rights holders; SESAC’s role as a performing-rights organization does not make it the record label.
#1 Best Overall
- Shrink-wrapped
Availability can therefore vary according to the viewer’s location, the rights involved and the specific video or version. The 2024 reports noted that some videos by named artists remained playable even as other SESAC-associated videos were blocked. An artist’s name alone does not establish that all of their recordings were affected.
YouTube explained its position during the dispute: “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement before its expiration.” The statement was quoted in TechCrunch’s September 28 report.
Rank #2
- Shrink-wrapped
When did YouTube say the dispute was resolved?
On September 30, 2024, YouTube said it had reached a deal with SESAC and that content would return shortly. Its support account told U.S. users to expect restoration over the next day or two. YouTube’s spokesperson said, “We’re pleased that SESAC reconsidered our offer. We’ve reached a deal and content will come back up shortly. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time.” TheWrap reported the announcement.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The agreement’s terms were not disclosed in that reporting. The announcement and expected restoration do not establish that every affected video is available to U.S. viewers now, or that the agreement remains in force in 2026.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How large is SESAC’s music catalog?
Contemporary reports gave two different measures of SESAC’s represented material. TechCrunch attributed more than 35,000 songwriters and publishers to SESAC; 9to5Google reported a repertory of more than 1.5 million songs. These figures count different things, come from separate reports and should not be combined or treated as a current audited tally.
9to5Google’s September 2024 report covered the repertory figure and deal announcement. A user-post title captured the practical question viewers had: “Why cant I listen to this? What is sesac?” The post is an example of that question, not evidence of how commonly it was asked.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NOW That’s What I Call 60s Pop (4CD)
Rank #4
- 084418053520
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
