bypass YouTube region blocks with a VPN

Most people across the globe have no issues accessing YouTube, except in the few countries where the platform is blocked, such as China and North Korea. But no matter what country you’re in, some YouTube content is geo-restricted, so you can only watch it if you’re in the right region. Luckily, there’s an easy way around both of these restrictions. In this article, we’ll show you how to bypass YouTube regional blocks with a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all of your web traffic and sends it through a secondary server in a location of your choosing. Then, your real IP address is replaced with one from that location. For example, if you’re traveling in the UK and connect to a US VPN server, it will appear to YouTube that you’re located in the US, giving you access to otherwise blocked content. The encryption aspect means that no snoopers, such as network administrators, internet service providers, or hackers, can see what you’re doing online.

In this article, we’ll explain how to choose the right VPN for the job, list some of the best providers, and explain how to use them to access YouTube from anywhere. Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs to change YouTube country and access blocked content:

  1. NordVPN: The best VPN for YouTube and other streaming sites. Superfast VPN with a large network and excellent unblocking abilities. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for YouTube.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget option for bypassing YouTube region blocks. A reliable VPN with no connection limit and servers in 100+ countries.
  3. ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable, and secure. Easily bypasses restrictions on YouTube and other sites. 24/7 live customer support.
  4. CyberGhost: An ever-expanding VPN that’s fast and very easy to use. Huge network of global servers in 100+ countries.
  5. IPVanish: Fast enough for watching YouTube without buffering and in HD. Apps are secure, and privacy is paramount.
  6. PrivateVPN: Unblocks tons of streaming sites, including YouTube, and keeps no logs. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
  7. AtlasVPN: A versatile VPN that is fast for streaming and ideal for accessing the internet privately. No device limits.

How to watch a YouTube video not available in your country

Below is a step-by-step guide to bypassing YouTube region blocks with a VPN. It’s quick and easy to do, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.

Here’s how to watch blocked YouTube videos in your country:

  1. Select a suitable VPN provider and subscribe. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download the correct VPN client or app for your device. Desktop clients are available on the VPN provider’s website, and iOS and Android apps can be downloaded from their respective app stores.
  3. Connect to a server in the appropriate country. For example, if you’re trying to unblock US content, connect to a US server to gain a US IP address.
  4. Navigate to the video you want to watch and enjoy!
  5. If you run into issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies and reloading the page. If you’re still unable to watch, check with your VPN’s customer support team, as there may be specific servers you need to use for unblocking YouTube.

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How we selected the top YouTube VPNs

When you’re choosing a YouTube VPN, you need to consider various factors, such as whether it’s suitable for streaming and the quality of the customer support. We based our selection of the best VPNs for YouTube on the following criteria:

  • Unblocks YouTube from anywhere
  • Has a large selection of global servers
  • Pegs fast speeds for streaming HD video
  • Uses strong encryption
  • Keep no logs of user-identifying data
  • Provides 24/7 customer support

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

The best VPNs for YouTube: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for YouTube.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.com
YouTube reliability123456
Streaming reliabilityExcellentExcellentExcellentGoodGoodGood
Streaming servicesYouTube
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Disney+
YouTube
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Disney+
YouTube
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Disney+
YouTube
Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
YouTube
Netflix
YouTube
Netflix
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend
$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Best VPNs to bypass YouTube region blocks

At Comparitech, we aim to provide the most accurate and helpful VPN reviews possible. In order to do that, our team personally uses each VPN, putting them through a variety of real-world performance and security tests. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences. 

Here is our list of the best VPNs to watch YouTube videos blocked in your country:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024 unblocks youtubeTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top pick for a YouTube VPN. This provider operates a very large network of more than 6,200 servers in 90+ countries and is one of the few VPNs that work in China. It outperformed all other VPNs in our speed tests. Aside from YouTube, NordVPN can help you securely access lots of geo-restricted sites, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

This true no-logs provider protects your information with military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Extras include automatic wifi protection and servers optimized for double VPN and P2P. You can use NordVPN on up to 10 devices at a time, and apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Some routers are configurable as well.

NordVPN speed test data

No valueNordVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)354 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)262 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)284 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend

Pros:

  • Blazing fast speeds
  • Works with YouTube and other platforms
  • Strong security features
  • Keeps no logs at all
  • Provides prompt and knowledgeable customer support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Desktop app can take some getting used to

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST VPN FOR YOUTUBE:NordVPN is our first pick. It easily unblocks YouTube, enables secure access to a ton of sites, and comes with lots of security extras. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included making this a risk-free option.

Read our full review of NordVPN here, or check out the video review instead.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark unblocks youtubeTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is budget-friendly yet one of the best VPNs we’ve come across in terms of streaming ability. It works with YouTube as well as multiple Netflix catalogs, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Surfshark operates a network of over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries and even works in China. Speeds are great, making streaming a breeze.

This VPN packs the standard security features of its top competitors, along with extras, including automatic Wi-Fi protection and split tunneling. No logs are maintained. A big perk of a Surfshark subscription is the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. There are apps for Android, iOS, Linux, MacOS, and Windows, and you can configure the VPN to some routers.

Surfshark speed test data

No valueSurfshark
WebsiteSurfshark.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)521 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)702 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)561 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.29
Save 82% + Get 2 Months FREE

Pros:

  • More than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries
  • Adept at streaming
  • Unlimited connections
  • Works in China
  • Top-notch customer support available 24/7

Cons:

  • Occasional slow server

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark can provide access to YouTube and lots of other platforms. It’s fast and reliable and keeps no logs. This VPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN unblocks youtubeTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN has great speeds and a network of more than 3,000 servers spanning 100+ countries. This VPN imposes no data caps or bandwidth limits, meaning you can stream as much as you like. It works reliably in China, so you can even watch YouTube while visiting the country. Plus, ExpressVPN will enable you to secure access to tough-to-crack sites like Netflix US and UK, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

ExpressVPN packs all the security features you need, including strong encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch (dubbed a “network lock”). It doesn’t keep logs of any information that could be used to identify you. This provider is one of the best VPNs for torrenting and accepts Bitcoin payments.

Apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. ExpressVPN is compatible with select routers and even has its own custom router firmware. Up to eight devices can be connected at one time.

ExpressVPN speed test data

No valueExpressVPN
WebsiteExpressVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)319 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)303 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)278 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free

Pros:

  • Excellent streaming capabilities
  • Fast speeds for streaming HD video
  • Large number of server locations
  • Strong security and privacy features
  • 24/7 customer support

Cons:

  • Priced a little higher than some rivals
  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

FAST AND SECURE:ExpressVPN is a solid choice for bypassing YouTube region blocks. It’s fast, secure, and reliable and comes with excellent customer support. ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost unblocks youtubeTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost’s server network is ever-growing, and there are now more than 10,000 in 100+ countries. Speeds are plenty fast enough for streaming, and there are no limits on data or bandwidth. Within CyberGhost’s app, select servers are labeled with the streaming services they are optimized for, including YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

CyberGhost is another no-logs provider that has your back when it comes to security. 256-bit encryption is coupled with perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch and leak protection are built-in. Desktop clients are available for Windows and MacOS, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. CyberGhost is configurable with Linux and some routers. Plans come with a seven-device limit and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost speed test data

No valueCyberGhost
WebsiteCyberghost.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)449 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)269 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)167 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan

Pros:

  • Easy-to-use apps designed for beginners
  • Works with most streaming platforms
  • Very fast speeds
  • Huge server network
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Lacks some advanced settings options
  • Doesn’t work in China

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:CyberGhost apps are easy to get started with and give you access to a huge network of fast and reliable servers. This provider offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish unblocks youtubeTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish has a loyal following of users utilizing its network of over 2,000 servers. This provider works with multiple sites, including YouTube, as well as Netflix, and several others. IPVanish is particularly popular with torrenters and Kodi users. It has fast speeds and provides an Android APK that you can download directly to your device.

Security features include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. IPVanish maintains no traffic or connection logs. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections under one plan. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, and you can configure the VPN with Linux and certain routers.

IPVanish speed test data

No valueIPVanish
WebsiteIPVanish.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)277 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)237 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)352 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan

Pros:

  • Fast speeds for streaming
  • Bypasses YouTube region blocks
  • No-logs provider
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work with as many platforms as rivals
  • Based in the US, a 5 Eyes member

Our score:

4 out of 5

FAST AND SECURE:IPVanish allows unlimited connections and will let you stream as much YouTube as you like. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

See our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN unblocks youtubeTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is another provider with excellent versatility and fast speeds to boot. This small VPN consistently performs well in streaming tests, securely accessing YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and more. Although it only has around 200 servers, these are strategically placed in 60+ countries, so you get a good choice of locations. PrivateVPN also works in China.

This privacy-focused provider keeps no records of user data, so your online activity can’t be exposed. Security features include strong encryption, a kill switch (Windows only), and protection against leaks. PrivateVPN offers apps for most major operating systems: Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It’s compatible with Linux and select routers via manual configuration.

PrivateVPN speed test data

No valuePrivateVPN
WebsitePrivateVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)94 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)57 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)62 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Pros:

  • Fast, reliable connections
  • Keeps no logs
  • Provides strong security

Cons:

  • Small network of servers
  • Live chat isn’t available 24/7

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

BYPASS RESTRICTIONS:PrivateVPN is a small yet robust VPN with many of the most important features you get with a larger provider. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Delve into our full review of PrivateVPN.

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7 AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN unblocks youtubeTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

AtlasVPN is a fast and secure VPN that has only been around for a few short years. However, it has quickly gained a large customer base thanks to its low costs, unlimited connection allowance, and ability to access many popular streams.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Those apps have strong encryption, the WireGuard protocol for faster speeds, and come with malware filtering, ad blocking, and tracker blocking. They are also easy to use, which makes this VPN a good option for beginners.

Servers are available in over 40 countries, and those servers work to access popular streaming services like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and many more. It is also suitable for torrenting thanks to its fast speeds, and of course, it works to access any region-locked YouTube videos.

The biggest caveat is that the kill switch leaks your IP address for a second when the VPN reconnects. This may rule it out for those with the highest security and privacy needs. However, for most home users, it represents great value for money.

Atlas speed test data

No valueAtlasVPN
WebsiteAtlasVPN.com
Average Connection Speed - North America (USA)407 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK)325 Mbps
Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong)220 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$1.64
SAVE 86% on a 2 year plan + 6 months free

Pros:

  • Great speeds for watching HD video
  • Works with YouTube and other platforms
  • Strong security

Cons:

  • Kill-switch leaks IP on reconnection
  • Based in the US

Our score:

4 out of 5

FAST AND RELIABLE:AtlasVPN is ideal for home users who want a reliable option. Apps for all devices and lets you share your account with friends and family. Works with YouTube and other streaming services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full AtlasVPN review to find out more.

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YouTube VPN testing methodology

With hundreds of consumer-facing VPNs available on the market, it can be extremely hard to tell which service is worth your time (and money). Many unscrupulous VPNs lie about the level of protection they provide or make false claims about their speeds and features. This can make the experience of getting a VPN confusing and frustrating.

At Comparitech, we use a carefully devised VPN testing methodology to review dozens of market-leading VPNs. This allows us to directly compare the world’s leading providers to find the very best for a specific purpose. Below, we have included some of the important features we looked for when testing VPNs for YouTube:

  • Fast speeds for streaming: We run speed tests on all the VPNs we recommend, ensuring that they provide the performance you need to stream in HD on YouTube and other popular streaming platforms. We also check that the VPN provides fast VPN protocols suitable for data-intensive tasks such as torrenting and video conferencing.
  • Global server network: We have recommended VPN services that have a wide choice of servers in the US, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere in the world to ensure you can always get the best speed and unblock as many international services as possible. All of our recommendations have servers in over 50 countries.
  • Apps for all platforms: For a VPN to be useful, you must be able to install it on all your devices. Our recommended VPNs for YouTube will let you stream on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Plus, our recommendations let you install and use the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously. Some even allow unlimited connections to let you share your account with friends and family.
  • Advanced features: Not all VPNs provide a wide choice of features. To give you the best experience possible, we look for VPNs that provide lots of useful features at the best possible price point. We look for obfuscation, split tunneling, port forwarding, multi-hop connections, P2P optimized servers, ad blocking, malware protection, Smart DNS, and other advanced VPN features.
  • Strong security: For a VPN to protect your digital footprint and prevent online tracking and surveillance, it must have robust security features. We test for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to check that the VPN is providing the privacy levels it claims. We also look under the hood for robust VPN protocols such as OpenVPN with well-implemented AES encryption and a kill switch.
  • Reliable customer care: All of our recommendations go the extra mile to help their users. They have guides and FAQs on their website to help with using and setting up the VPN. They also have live chat and email support to let you ask questions whenever you need to.

Using a free VPN to bypass YouTube region blocks

A free VPN isn’t a good idea for most use cases, and definitely not for this one. These services aren’t suitable for streaming as they regularly suffer from slow, laggy connections that may drop at any time. This means you’ll have an extremely poor streaming experience if you even get to stream anything at all.

Another issue is the low data and bandwidth limits imposed by free VPN services. You’ll only be able to watch a snippet of content before you reach your cap, and then you’ll have to wait until the next day or even next month before you can stream more.

Free VPNs come with other problems, too, including their shady business tactics. While many create a revenue stream by serving you a ton of ads, others will collect your information, including browsing data, for sale to advertisers. Security is a concern, too, as most free VPNs don’t use nearly the same level of encryption as their paid counterparts do.

We recommend skipping these altogether and opting for a reliable VPN provider that delivers on all fronts. However, if you’re dead set on only using a free VPN for YouTube here are some tips on doing so safely.

How to bypass YouTube blocks with a VPN for free:

  • Opt for a quality VPN that offers a free trial. These range from 1 – 7 days, so can work to access something specific or cover you for a weekend away.
  • Make the most of the money-back guarantees of the providers we’ve listed here. They all have them, and they last up to 45 days, so they should be enough to cover you for a vacation or short work trip. You will have to pay upfront, but if you’re not 100% happy with the service, you can claim a full refund. Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming a full refund from NordVPN to see how simple it is.

Using a VPN with YouTube: FAQs

Why is YouTube content blocked by region?

There are two main reasons the YouTube content you’re trying to access may be region locked: licensing agreements or uploader preference.

If the content is subject to a licensing agreement (with its copyright holders), that agreement will often only apply to specific regions. Then it’s up to YouTube or the owner of the content to ensure that the content is not available in other regions. In other cases, the uploader may simply decide to only broadcast their content in certain regions.

Negotiations between YouTube and rights holders are fluid and deals are liable to change. For example, fans of Danish music were recently disappointed after YouTube removed 500,000 titles from its library in Denmark. The reason behind this? Talks between YouTube and music publishers and songwriters in the country fell through, and the two parties failed to reach a deal. YouTube subsequently followed through on its promise to remove over half a million videos, including content from stars like Lukas Graham and Volbeat.

What if I still can't access the content I want?

Have you tried a VPN from the list above but still can’t access the videos you want? It’s possible that YouTube has removed the video entirely. There are a huge number of reasons YouTube might remove content, usually because it violates one of the platform’s many rules and regulations. These include restrictions around hate speech, misinformation, dangerous content, harassment, and more.

Since YouTube doesn’t always pick up on offending content right away, videos could be up for weeks or even months before being removed. This explains why you might have viewed the content before or have been provided a YouTube link that doesn’t work.

Which streaming devices can I watch YouTube videos on with a VPN?

The VPNs for YouTube recommended in this guide provide apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Some also have apps for Firestick devices and VPN-compatible routers. This means that you can set up the VPN to work with any of the devices you own. Setting up a VPN connection on a router means it protects every single device on your network with the VPN. This is perfect if you own devices that won’t let you install VPN directly.

If you want to stream YouTube with your VPN on a smart TV, you may be able to install the VPN directly, depending on what kind of smart TV it is. Alternatively, if you own a smart TV, set-top box, or console that will not allow you to install the VPN directly, you can opt to share your VPN connection via a virtual Wi-Fi hotspot. We have guides for setting up Windows and Mac computers as a VPN hotspot.

I'm traveling. Will a VPN help me unblock YouTube abroad?

Yes. Depending on where you travel, it is possible that some or all of YouTube may be restricted. In China, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Turkmenistan, for example, the entirety of YouTube is banned. 

In Germany, certain music videos are unavailable because of an ongoing dispute between YouTube and a German performance rights organization. Other countries, such as Brazil and Turkey, have implemented YouTube restrictions at one time or another. 

In addition to these national restrictions, it is possible that certain videos may be blacked out abroad due to licensing restrictions. As a result, you may need to connect to a server in the UK, US (or elsewhere) to regain access to specific videos. 

All of our VPN recommendations have servers in countries where YouTube is available to allow you to get around any restrictions you may experience abroad.

Is using a VPN to watch YouTube videos legal?

Using a VPN to access YouTube is legal in most places. That said, a few countries block YouTube for political, religious, and moral reasons (China, North Korea, Iran, Sudan, and Turkmenistan). As a result, it is worth checking those countries’ laws before unblocking any YouTube videos. 

Please note that nothing in this article makes up legal advice, and you should always do your own research before bypassing government restrictions. That said, foreigners visiting a foreign country who want to watch YouTube should generally be safe to do so as long as they use a secure VPN that provides strong privacy levels. 

Are VPNs fast enough to stream YouTube videos?

Yes. All the VPNs recommended in this guide were handpicked because they have super-fast servers that work to stream on YouTube and other popular streaming platforms. 

However, it is important to note that the vast majority of VPNs have sluggish server networks that are not suitable for streaming. Therefore, it is important to subscribe to a fast VPN if you want to stream without interruptions. 

All the VPNs recommended for YouTube in this guide have a money-back guarantee. This means you can test the VPN to stream YouTube abroad completely risk free.

Why does YouTube censor videos?

There are a few reasons why YouTube decides to censor videos on its platform.

One reason is to comply with local laws and regulations. In some countries, certain topics are sensitive or taboo, and YouTube doesn’t want to risk running afoul of the authorities by hosting controversial content. Using a VPN can help overcome this restriction.

Another reason for censoring videos is to protect younger viewers from inappropriate material. YouTube is used by people of all ages, and it wants to ensure its content is suitable for everyone. Sometimes that means censoring videos that might be too graphic or explicit for younger users.

Can I access premium YouTube videos for free with a VPN?

You can use a VPN to access free YouTube content blocked in some regions. However, if you wish to watch paid content, a VPN won’t let you do this for free.

Can using a VPN impact my YouTube recommendations or browsing history?

Yes, using a VPN can impact your YouTube recommendations and browsing history. When you use a VPN, you are connecting to the internet through a different IP address, typically located in another country. This can lead to several changes in your YouTube experience:

  1. Location-based recommendations: Since YouTube uses your location to tailor recommendations, connecting to a VPN server in a different country can result in recommendations based on the content popular in that region. This might make your suggestions less relevant to your personal interests.
  2. Language preferences: If the VPN server you connect to is located in a country with a different primary language, YouTube might start displaying content in that language or adjust its interface to match the local language.
  3. Browsing history: YouTube tracks your browsing history to provide personalized recommendations. When using a VPN, your browsing history may include videos that are blocked in your actual location, which could impact future recommendations even when you are not using the VPN.

To minimize the impact of a VPN on your recommendations and browsing history, you can try the following:

  1. Sign out of your YouTube account while using a VPN to prevent your browsing history from being recorded in your account.
  2. Use a different browser or browser profile for accessing YouTube with a VPN to keep your regular browsing history separate.
  3. Clear your browsing history and cookies after using a VPN to watch blocked YouTube videos. This will help prevent any impact on future recommendations.

Are there geo-restrictions on YouTube shorts too?

YouTube shorts are available worldwide, and unlike regular YouTube videos, there’s no way to restrict them in certain countries at the time of writing. This means you might find a short from a creator whose videos you can’t actually watch! You do always have the option of spoofing your location with a VPN, though, and as a bonus, these services encrypt your traffic, beating most internet-blocking systems and preventing anyone from seeing what you get up to online.

Can every VPN change your country on YouTube?

YouTube doesn’t actively block VPN traffic like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video do. That said, not every VPN will work with the platform. For example, some give away your location by leaking your real IP address, resulting in one of the following errors:

This video is not available in your country.

The uploader has not made this video available in your country. Sorry about that.

YouTube error.

So, to avoid wasting time on trial and error, we recommend choosing one of the tried and tested VPNs on this list.

See also:

How to use a VPN on YouTube

How to unblock YouTube at school or work

How to watch YouTube TV outside the US