Yiyo Sarante and Luz García dispute over YouTube royalties stems from technical rights handling

Dominican singer Yiyo Sarante and television presenter Luz García became embroiled in a public dispute over YouTube royalties for a performance recorded on the program Noche de Luz. Lawyer Francisco Caamaño explained that YouTube generates three independent royalty streams – video, audio, and composition – each paid to the respective right‑holder. In this case the song’s composer receives composition royalties, Sarante receives audio royalties as the recording owner, and Ion Creators, the company representing García’s audiovisual production, claims the video‑related royalties.

Caamaño said the conflict arose from a technical error in how the content was digitally distributed by Sarante’s team, which failed to separate the distinct assets that generate income. The issue was not about withholding earnings. Both parties have been in communication for over three months, with García confirming that private apologies were offered and that the misunderstanding is being resolved.

The dispute highlights the complexity of digital rights management on platforms such as YouTube and underscores the need for clear separation of royalty streams in online content distribution.