Mon Sep 30 23:57:57 UTC 2024: ## Music Blackout Hits YouTube: Thousands of Songs Vanish Amid Copyright Dispute

**New York, NY** – A massive music blackout has hit YouTube, leaving thousands of songs and music videos by hundreds of artists unavailable to US users. The dispute stems from a failed agreement renewal between YouTube and the publishing rights organization SESAC.

Major artists affected include Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, Mariah Carey, and Green Day, among many others. Even iconic songs like Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” are no longer accessible.

“We take copyright very seriously and as a result, content represented by SESAC is no longer available on YouTube in the US,” stated a YouTube spokesperson, adding that they are “in active conversations with SESAC and are hoping to reach a new deal as soon as possible.”

While officially uploaded videos are gone, some live performances remain accessible on YouTube due to a copyright loophole. However, many users are now met with “Video unavailable” messages, leaving them frustrated and unable to access the content.

SESAC, which represents over 15,000 songwriters, composers, and music publishers, has yet to publicly comment on the situation. The impact on both artists and users is significant, as YouTube serves as a major platform for music consumption and promotion. It remains unclear when the dispute will be resolved and the missing music will return to the platform.

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