How to watch YouTube videos blocked in your country with a VPN

Are you struggling to watch YouTube videos that aren’t available in your country? A VPN will allow you to watch restricted YouTube videos from any region with no hassle. 

YouTube is one of the most popular sites on the planet, but some videos are geographically restricted, so they can only be watched in certain countries. This is true no matter where you’re currently located. Furthermore, the platform is blocked in countries like China, Iran, and North Korea. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a simple workaround if you want to bypass YouTube restrictions safely.

VPNs work by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through an intermediary server in a location of your choice. Your real IP address will be masked in the process, replaced by a temporary IP that matches the VPN server location. In other words, connecting to a US VPN server will give the user a temporary US IP address. This can be used to access US sites and services from abroad, including YouTube. The same goes for any country where the VPN operates a server.

We'll discuss the best VPNs for watching YouTube from abroad, as well as take you through the process to get started.

How to watch YouTube videos from anywhere with a VPN

VPNs are primarily designed to prevent online tracking, whether it’s your ISP, hackers, or the government. The ability to access blocked content is often a byproduct, but some providers make a concerted effort to bypass streaming restrictions. 

Using a VPN with YouTube might seem daunting at first, but it’s a fairly simple process. We’ve included a step-by-step guide to help get you started. 

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

1. Select a VPN that works with YouTube. We’ve listed several options below. 
2. Sign up with the provider, and make a note of your login details. 
3. Download the VPN app to your device. 
4. Open the VPN app and log in. Pick a server in your home country. 
5. Wait to be connected.

You’ll now be free to open YouTube and watch videos on your device. 

We’ll take you through each of the top VPNs in detail below. We’ve also included a quick rundown detailing what you can expect from each provider.

The best VPNs for blocked YouTube videos:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for YouTube. Speedy servers in a long list of locations, and works to access YouTube and lots of streaming services. Fast speeds, unique features, and an audited no-logs policy. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for YouTube. Affordable subscriptions, no device limits, streaming access, and servers in 100+ countries. 
3. ExpressVPN: Reliable access to YouTube and lots of geo-restricted platforms. Audited apps and infrastructure and beginner-friendly apps for all devices. 
4. Proton VPN: Free server locations, impressive speeds, and an emphasis on privacy and security. Ideal for accessing any YouTube video unavailable in your region. 
5. CyberGhost: User-friendly provider with apps for all major devices. Streaming-optimized servers for platforms in a range of locations, great for bypassing regional restrictions. 
6. IPVanish: Excellent connection speeds, SOCKS5 proxy, streaming support, and strong security. Can access any video URL.  
7. PrivateVPN: Ideal for streaming or torrenting, no-logs, and accesses YouTube and YouTube TV.

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for YouTube, numerous services can get the job done. We narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best VPNs for YouTube:

• Connection speeds dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and will be especially important for watching HD and UHD videos 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for blocked YouTube videos, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPNs for watching YouTube videos 

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that made it onto the list.

NordVPN is our top recommendation for watching YouTube videos that can’t be accessed in your current region. It offers comprehensive coverage via 6,000+ servers found in 60+ countries. These include lots of locations in the United States and the UK. Streaming is a breeze, whether it’s via a popular platform like Hulu or Netflix, or a more obscure local service.  

With average speeds of 200 Mbps, it exceeds the recommended minimum for streaming 4K UHD YouTube content by a factor of 10 (20 Mbps). NordLynx is a proprietary protocol and custom fork of WireGuard that’s extremely fast without compromising privacy.

NordVPN should definitely be on your radar if you’re interested in unique features, whether it’s Meshnet or SmartPlay. The former lets you create private tunnels between trusted devices, essentially letting you set up a VPN server in your home. SmartPlay lets you access streaming services on devices that don’t support VPN apps by changing a few internet settings. 

There are optimized servers for Double VPN, P2P, and accessing the Tor network. Apps and infrastructure have been independently audited. It works with up to six devices simultaneously. You’ll find NordVPN apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android, as well as support for routers and browser extensions. 

NordVPN is a viable solution for accessing many blocked services, and YouTube is no exception. 

THE BEST VPN FOR WATCHING BLOCKED YOUTUBE VIDEOS: NordVPN can access various versions of YouTube, and the same goes for various blocked streaming platforms. Unique features include Meshnet, SmartPlay, and NordLynx. Fast speeds and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has thousands of servers in a total of 100+ countries and is our pick if you need a budget option for accessing YouTube. 

Let’s start with streaming. The provider works with popular platforms like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime, as well as YouTube TV. You’ll find a free Smart DNS service included with your subscription, which works well if you’d prefer to watch content via a games console or a Smart TV. 

Surfshark allows for unlimited device connections, so it’s perfect if you’d like to share an account with others. It has app support for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and it’s also compatible with some router models. You'll be able to access YouTube via search engines thanks to browser versions of the VPN. 

Given the low asking price, average connection speeds (190 Mbps) are respectable, and it will allow the user to stream 4K YouTube videos without lag. Features include a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, split tunneling, MultiHop, and obfuscation. In fact, its feature list puts many premium alternatives to shame.

Some obscure server locations are far slower than average, but that’s understandable given other VPNs don’t even bother with those regions.

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR WATCHING YOUTUBE VIDEOS: Surfshark is perfect if you’re hoping for a cheap VPN for YouTube. Streaming support in various countries, unlimited simultaneous devices, and offers the industry standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is one of the best-known providers on the market, and with good reason. It has high-speed (175 Mbps) servers in 105+ countries, and it has a great track record when accessing geo-restricted streaming services from abroad. As such, it works well if you just want to watch YouTube videos, but it’s also capable of much more. 

The proprietary Lightway protocol is a unique addition, backed by strong encryption, leak protection, and a sturdy kill switch. It offers split tunneling and obfuscation, as well as Smart DNS support (MediaStreamer). 

The provider has been independently audited on multiple occasions, focusing on everything from its policies to its infrastructure and apps. The audits offer the user peace of mind, and help to verify its no-logs policy. 

ExpressVPN apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It has custom router firmware, which comes equipped with a kill switch. It might be a bit pricier than the top two options, but it’s an especially polished provider. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY YOUTUBE VPN: ExpressVPN can access almost any blocked site or service you can think of, including YouTube. Beginner-friendly apps for all devices, Lightway protocol, and 24/7 customer support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN can access any blocked YouTube video without breaking a sweat. It’s an advanced solution that is packed with notable features, such as custom DNS servers and support for port forwarding. 

You’ll find 3,000+ servers to choose from in 71+ countries. These include over 100 Secure Core servers, which route user traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland or Iceland before reaching your preferred destination.  

It even has free VPN servers found in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States. These will work to access YouTube, but there are some limitations to consider. Speeds are far slower than you’ll find with premium locations (320 Mbps), and there are no Secure Core servers, Tor over VPN, or streaming support. 

Proton VPN’s Plus plan allows the user to connect with up to 10 simultaneous devices. You’ll find apps for all popular platforms. The only real downside is that it’s more expensive than the average provider.

ADVANCED YOUTUBE VPN: Proton VPN is worth considering if you’re looking for an advanced provider for more than watching blocked YouTube videos. Audited no-logs policy, various advanced features, free server locations available, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

CyberGhost is perfect for watching blocked YouTube videos from abroad via speedy (300 Mbps) servers found in 115+ locations. In fact, it has one of the largest networks on the market, with 10,000+ servers in a total of 100+ countries. 

If you’re hoping for streaming access, CyberGhost has optimized servers that work well with numerous platforms in a wide selection of regions. These streaming servers are labeled within the app, so it’s easy for beginners to get started. Rather than listing individual services, it’s quicker to say that it works with streaming platforms in 22+ countries. 

CyberGhost has clearly put a lot of effort into the entertainment side of things, but it hasn’t forgotten about security. Its kill switch and leak protection come built-in. Additional features include Smart DNS and split tunneling. You can block malicious websites, tracking scripts, and adverts with Content Blocker.

It did cause a few captchas to pop up while using Google, and the always-on kill switch can be annoying if you just want to stream content. Even so, it’s another provider that does the job well. 

STEAMING-OPTIMIZED YOUTUBE VPN: CyberGhost will be able to handle anything from streaming to torrenting, and works well with blocked YouTube videos. Over 10,000+ servers, affordable deals, fast connections, and user-friendly apps for all devices. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

IPVanish is another decent alternative capable of bypassing blocks in a variety of regions. It has 2,200+ servers spread across 75+ locations, with the majority found in the United States. 

It can access platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. Average speeds work out to over 250 Mbps. That’s an impressive result and should ensure no slowdown even if you’re connected to faraway servers while on holiday. 

IPVanish comes with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. More advanced features include a SOCKS5 proxy, split tunneling, and obfuscation. 

You can connect as many devices as you’d like on a single account. IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You’ll find further support for Linux and routers.

As it’s based in the United States, it might not be the best option if you’re aiming to evade any Five Eyes countries. Ideally, it’s best to avoid any providers headquartered in the home of the NSA. 

SPEEDY YOUTUBE VPN: IPVanish is a powerful provider with an emphasis on servers within the US. Streaming access, no connection limits, and apps for all major devices. Speedy servers for YouTube videos and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

PrivateVPN rounds out the list, giving access to YouTube from a long list of worldwide locations. You’ll find 200+ servers to pick from in 63+ countries. Average speeds reach roughly 50 Mbps on its US servers. 

It’s not the fastest VPN by any means, but it can still be used to watch UHD YouTube videos. It further works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many more popular platforms including  YouTube TV. 

PrivateVPN comes with strong encryption, leak protection, obfuscation (Stealth VPN), and bare-metal servers. It’s great for torrenting, and it offers a watertight no-logging policy. 

You can connect up to 10 devices at one time. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You’ll also find support for Linux and various router models.  

SECURE YOUTUBE VPN: PrivateVPN is great for watching blocked YouTube videos from abroad, is compatible with various streaming platforms, supports P2P, and comes with a solid no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for watching YouTube videos 

We’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology to test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Our strict criteria means that only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for watching YouTube videos:

• Safe access to YouTube from anywhere: As the title suggests, the number one requirement for all the VPNs in our list is to bypass location restrictions on YouTube videos, and to access YouTube from countries where it is blocked. Ideally, this will include the YouTube app as well as the website itself. 
• Servers: Servers will always be important if you’re aiming to access geo-restricted platforms like YouTube from abroad. We’ve also factored in the size of the server network, allowing the user to connect to various locations. 
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Of course, this is especially important if you’re planning to stream high and ultra-high-definition videos.
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

Watching YouTube videos with a VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to bypass YouTube region blocks?

Free VPNs are always going to be a tempting prospect, but there are various issues to consider. A random free VPN might work to access YouTube, but the consequences are slow speeds and poor performance. Most free providers cap speeds and/or bandwidth, so they’re not long-term solutions.

Free VPNs have been known to sell user data to third parties. They are stuffed with ads and potentially even malware. Some free providers lack basic encryption, so your data will be leaking while the VPN is in use. We’d strongly recommend opting for a reliable VPN provider that isn’t a security risk.

How does YouTube know I'm using a VPN?

YouTube can use your IP address to identify where you’re currently located. The platform keeps track of the IP addresses used by VPNs and can block them if it thinks they’re being used to bypass location restrictions. 

If YouTube has detected that a VPN is in use, your temporary IP address is likely to be the issue. Try switching to a different server, and delete all cookies and the cache from your device. If you’re still having issues, get in contact with the VPN’s support team for more help. 

Why is YouTube content blocked in some regions?

Sport is a prime example of YouTube content that is only available within certain regions. For example, Sky has exclusive rights to show Premier League highlights, but its YouTube videos are only available for users within the UK. In the US, NBC is the rights holder for Premier League highlights. If you try to access NBC Premier League highlights from outside of the US, you’ll be met with a content block. 

In other words, lots of content is subject to licensing agreements, which means it can only be shown in specific regions.

What if a VPN doesn't work?

There’s always a small chance that a VPN won’t work, or that it’ll default to the local version of YouTube. If so, make sure to delete all cookies and the cache from your device. It’s also a good idea to switch to a different VPN server, so you’ll be assigned a new IP address in the process. 

Can I access other streaming services with a VPN?

Yes, you’ll be able to access various streaming services with a VPN. Most websites use your IP address to determine your current region, so you’ll be able to spoof your location by connecting to a relevant VPN server. 

Will a VPN help me access YouTube abroad?

A VPN is one of the best methods if you’re aiming to access YouTube, or any region-locked online service, from abroad. To unblock a video, connect to a VPN server in the relevant location.

Is using a VPN to watch YouTube videos from abroad legal?

Yes, it’s legal to watch YouTube videos from abroad, although there is a chance that it will go against YouTube’s terms of service. It’s worth mentioning that VPNs are banned or blocked in some countries, such as Russia and China. Make sure to take the time to learn the local rules before downloading a VPN to your device.

Disclaimer: We are not lawyers and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice.

Will a VPN for YouTube cause lag or buffering?

There’s always a chance that a VPN will cause some lag due to the encryption process and additional routing. However, the premium VPNs listed above can stream UHD content without the prospect of endless buffering.