Youtube and SESAC reach an agreement, returning its music library to the platform

YouTube and YouTube Music users can breathe a sigh of relief as the platforms have reached a deal with SESAC, ensuring the return of a vast library of music that was temporarily unavailable. The brief disruption, caused by a licensing disagreement, left many users frustrated with missing songs and error messages. The swift resolution, however, signals a commitment from both parties to ensure uninterrupted access to music for millions of users.

SESAC, a prominent performance rights organization, represents the copyrights of numerous songwriters and publishers. Its catalog boasts a wide range of musical genres and artists, including popular names like Adele, Bob Dylan, and Neil Diamond. The licensing agreement with YouTube enables the platform to legally stream and perform music from SESAC’s vast repertoire.

The temporary removal of SESAC-represented content highlighted the complex landscape of music licensing and the challenges platforms like YouTube face in securing agreements with various rights holders. For users, it served as a reminder of how reliant we've become on streaming services for our daily dose of music.