Have you logged onto YouTube recently to watch your favorite country music video for the hundredth time only to find it's been removed? You're not alone. And it's not just country music.

According to The Verge, a recent dispute between the video-hosting site and SESAC has resulted in the removal of thousands of music videos. Songs and music videos have been stripped from YouTube, leaving fans with a black error screen — like this one from Carrie Underwood's "Drinking Alone" music video.

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What Is SESAC?

SESAC stands for the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers. Their website describes the group as "a Performing Rights Organization recognized by the U.S. Copyright office."

The organization's primary goal is to support "creators and rights holders" by making sure they receive the royalties they deserve.  SESAC licenses the public performance of more than 1.5 million songs. They represent over 15,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. Their roster includes names such as Zac Brown, Lady A's Hillary Scott, Margo Price and more.

Related: Country Music Singers Who Got Their Start on TikTok

What Does SESAC Have to Do with YouTube?

Because YouTube and YouTube Music are used to distribute music, SESAC has designated them as an entity that needs a license to do so. According to The Verge,  the two parties are currently negotiating a new deal that will not only bring the music back, but also benefit the creatives behind it.

For now, YouTube users will have to do without some of their favorite music videos. It's unclear when these songs will come back.

Just know that if you're having a hard time finding a video from your favorite country artist such as Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley or others, it's likely due to this issue.

Fans can also search to see which artists and songs have been affected by this on SESAC's repertory page.

In other words, get used to see this screen...

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Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

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