Why You're Hearing This: This Video Contains Content From SESAC (and What It Means For You)

viatrucks.com Team Editor

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Feb 09, 2025

91 visitor like this post

Share

Why You're Hearing This: This Video Contains Content From SESAC (and What It Means for You)

Have you ever been watching a video on YouTube or another platform, only to be greeted with a message saying, "This video contains content from SESAC"? This message, while initially confusing, simply means the video uses music or other content licensed by the SESAC Performing Rights Organization (PRO). Let's delve into what SESAC is, why you see this message, and what it means for you as a viewer.

Understanding SESAC: A Performing Rights Organization

SESAC, short for the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (now simply known as SESAC), is a Performing Rights Organization (PRO). PROs are crucial in the music industry. They act as intermediaries between copyright holders (songwriters, composers, and music publishers) and those who want to use their copyrighted material. Think of them as the gatekeepers of musical licensing.

Unlike other major PROs like ASCAP and BMI, SESAC operates under a different licensing model. While the others often use a blanket license system for users, SESAC typically works on a more direct, per-usage basis. This means that creators often negotiate directly with SESAC to obtain licenses for their work.

What SESAC Licenses:

SESAC licenses a wide range of musical works, including:

• Musical compositions: The underlying melodies, harmonies, and lyrics of a song.
• Sound recordings: While primarily associated with compositions, SESAC also sometimes licenses sound recordings in specific agreements.

This means that if you see the "This video contains content from SESAC" message, the video likely includes music that's under SESAC's copyright protection. This isn't necessarily a bad thing! It simply indicates that the copyright holders have been properly compensated for the use of their intellectual property.

Why You See the SESAC Message

Content creators (YouTubers, podcasters, etc.) are legally obligated to obtain the necessary licenses to use copyrighted music in their videos. When they use music licensed by SESAC, the platform (YouTube, Spotify, etc.) usually displays a message indicating this. This message serves several purposes:

• Transparency: It informs viewers that the music in the video is legally licensed.
• Copyright Protection: It helps protect the rights of the songwriters and composers whose work is featured.
• Revenue Distribution: The message helps ensure that SESAC can accurately track usage and distribute royalties to the correct copyright holders.

What it Means for You as a Viewer

Seeing the "This video contains content from SESAC" message should primarily offer reassurance. It means the video creator is respecting copyright laws, and the musicians involved are getting paid for their work. It doesn't affect your viewing experience; you can still watch the video as you normally would. There's no need for concern or action on your part.

Distinguishing SESAC from Other PROs

While the message itself might seem similar across different PROs (ASCAP, BMI, etc.), the licensing agreements and royalty distribution processes differ between them. Understanding that each organization represents different catalogs of music is vital for content creators.

Conclusion: A Sign of Responsible Content Creation

In conclusion, the "This video contains content from SESAC" message is simply a sign that the video creator is upholding copyright laws and supporting artists. It's a testament to the importance of responsible content creation and the role of PROs like SESAC in the music industry. For viewers, it's nothing to worry about—simply enjoy the content!