Up till lately, it was straightforward to go onto YouTube and watch Nirvana’s basic music video for “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” However, immediately over the weekend the long-lasting grunge clip was eliminated, one of 1000’s of music movies which were pulled from the streaming large.

The difficulty stems from a dispute between YouTube and SESAC, a performing rights group which collects royalties and protects copyrights on behalf of songwriters and publishers. The sides had been working to barter a brand new settlement earlier than their present one expired, however these discussions finally have been fruitless.

“We have held good faith negotiations with SESAC to renew our existing deal,” a consultant for YouTube defined to Variety. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we were unable to reach an equitable agreement before its expiration. We take copyright very seriously and as a result, content represented by SESAC is no longer available on YouTube in the US.”

Which Artists Are Affected by the YouTube Block?

Though SESAC is smaller than other well-known performing rights organizations, such as ASCAP and BMI, it still represents thousands of artists, many of whom are very popular. In addition to Nirvana, the YouTube block has affected material from R.E.M., Green Day, Rush, Bob Dylan and pop star Adele (among others).

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Various legal wrinkles mean that some – but not all – material from these and other affected artists can no longer be found on YouTube. Variety also reported that artists who are not directly represented by SESAC, but have worked with SESAC songwriters, also had some of their material removed (including Beyonce and Nikki Minaj).

What’s Next in the SESAC Versus YouTube Dispute?

YouTube’s representatives insisted the company was in “active conversations with SESAC” and hoped to “reach a new deal as soon as possible.”

There is a few precedent for disputes between music organizations and digital platforms. Earlier this 12 months, Universal Music Group pulled all of its artists’ materials off TikTok after unsuccessful negotiations on a brand new contract with the social media firm. The battle lasted for months, earlier than lastly being resolved in May. Similarly, Warner Music Group fought YouTube over royalty funds in 2008. WMG pulled its music movies from the platform for 9 months because the battle wore on. They ultimately reached a brand new settlement in 2009.