Artists such as the Arctic Monkeys and Adele could soon face the prospect of their videos being removed from YouTube.

YouTube is in the process of what has been described as a “mass cull” of artists who are on independent labels who have failed to sign up to new terms and conditions.

YouTube is going through a number of changes including the introduction of a new tiered system and a subscription service through which users will be able to watch videos without adverts.

As part of the changes, YouTube which is owned by Google will be blocking videos that don’t comply with their new terms “in a matter of days” according to Robert Kyncl, YouTube's head of content and business operations.

Kyncl has stated that 90% of record labels have agreed to the new terms with the remaining 10% soon to be blocked.

He said: "While we wish that we had 100 per cent success rate, we understand that is not likely an achievable goal and therefore it is our responsibility to our users and the industry to launch the enhanced music experience."

Amongst the labels who have not complied are XL Recordings who represent Adele and Domino who represent The Arctic Monkeys.