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Best VPNs for Unblocking Social Media Platforms in 2024

Social media statistics for 2019 show that 3.5 billion users worldwide accessed social media sites (such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and numerous others), spending an average of 3 hours per day on social networks and messaging.

It’s hard to imagine living without social media access, even though just a decade or so ago, most of these services either didn’t exist or were in their infancy.

Sadly, despite the proliferation of mobile devices making it easier to access social networks, access to those services continues to be outright blocked in some countries (China and North Korea). Still other countries severely restrict the use of services like Facebook Messenger, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and others.

Even in free areas of the world, social networks are blocked by some employers and educational institutions, out of the fear of users ignoring their assigned tasks in favor of posting a photo of their lunch.

Happily, there is a way for users to evade these virtual roadblocks.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you connect to all of the popular social networks, no matter where you might be. A VPN encrypts your internet connection while making it appear as if you are located in another part of the world, allowing you to access previously blocked websites, online content and services.

In this article, I’ll take a look at the top 5 best VPNs for accessing social networks and hiding your true IP address location.

Best VPNs for Social Media

I have run all of the top VPN providers through their paces and have determined the top 5 VPNs for social media.

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary:

  1. NordVPN: This provider is the top VPN on this list thanks to its excellent internet access to popular social networks, excellent connection speeds and more. The provider delivers its considerable service for a reasonable price when you opt for an extended commitment.
  2. Surfshark: This budget provider is quickly establishing itself as a quality VPN provider. Surfshark’s fast-growing global server network provides reliable internet access to blocked content for an unlimited number of devices, at a bargain-basement price.
  3. ExpressVPN: This provider, while pretty expensive, delivers reliable unblocking abilities via its massive global server network. The provider delivers fast, well-protected connections to most popular devices, making it easy to stay in touch via your favorite social networks.
  4. CyberGhost: First-time VPN users, or users simply looking for easy-to-use VPN protection, will appreciate this provider’s simple apps. The provider’s extensive global server network provides reliable access to social networks around the globe.
  5. IPVanish: The provider’s self-owned and -operated server  provides access to blocked services around the globe, while offering an extra level of online privacy by taking third-party contractors out of the picture.

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I evaluated and ranked the top social media VPNs using the following criteria:

  • Works well to access blocked social networks
  • Provides comprehensive online security
  • Keeps no logs of users’ online activities
  • Offers fast connection speeds with no limitations
  • Offers multi-platform app support

Best VPNs for Unblocking Social Media – Summary table

I’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 unblocking social media sites.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanish
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberGhost.comIPVanish.com
Ranking for Unblocking Social Media12345
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88%86%85%70%
Total number of servers5,5953,2003,0009,0732,200+
Simultaneous Connections6Unlimited57Unlimited
Works in China
Best deal (per month)$3.39
67% off NordVPN for you. 3 months free for a friend
$2.29
79% off + 2 months free
$6.67
49% off plus 3 months Free!
$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 year plan
$2.99
SAVE 77% on the 2 yr plan

Here is my list of the top 5 VPNs for use with social media services.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN offers well above-average VPN service for below-average prices, making it the top VPN for social media.

NordVPN’s global server network of nearly 5,500 servers in close to 60 countries around the globe provide excellent access to your favorite social networks, such as Facebook and Facebook Messenger, Snapchat and Instagram.

All of the provider’s connections are protected using government-grade encryption, kill switch and DNS leak protection, as well as malware, botnet and ad blocking options. Plus, “Double VPN” protection provides double protection.

Privacy is also well-served at NordVPN thanks to its no-server-logs policy and Bitcoin subscription payment option.

The provider’s connection speeds, the second-fastest in recent testing, can easily handle all of your favorite online activities, and NordVPN never imposes data caps or bandwidth throttling on its customers.

NordVPN has the software end of things well covered thanks to its app offerings for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV platforms. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome and Firefox platforms. The provider also works with multiple makes and models of routers.

Up to 6 of your devices can connect to NordVPN servers at once.

Pros:

  • Well-protected connections
  • Fastest download speeds on this list
  • Low-priced multi-year subscriptions
  • Double VPN protection
  • Comprehensive content unblocking

Cons:

  • No streaming-optimized servers

BEST VPN FOR SOCIAL MEDIA:NordVPN is an alluring option for internet users in search of a comprehensive VPN service provider that provides top-notch services for a reasonable price. The provider delivers fast connections, good global server coverage and much more. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark scored the #2 spot on this list thanks to its excellent services, offered at a bargain-basement price.

The provider’s fast-growing global server network (3,200+ servers located in 64+ countries) does a top-notch job of unblocking social media in most of the world.

Surfshark online protection is made up of industry-standard encryption, kill switch and DNS leak protection, and a “CleanWeb” option, which offers ad and tracker blocking. A “MultiHop” server location option routes your connection through two VPN servers to double up on protection.

The provider never saves any logs on their servers, and a cryptocurrency subscription payment option means your privacy is protected on all fronts.

Surfshark connections are not only well protected, they are also fast. Whatever your favorite online activity is, Surfshark’s no-data-cap and unthrottled connections can keep up.

Surfshark offers native app support for most popular devices thanks to offerings for the iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome and Firefox extensions protect your browsing sessions, and the service offers extensive router compatibility.

Surfshark’s unlimited concurrent connections policy means no matter how many devices you own, they can all be protected at once.

Pros:

  • Opens access to social media from nearly anywhere
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Comprehensive online security and user privacy
  • Bargain extended subscription pricing

Cons:

  • Apps don’t include many advanced options

PERFECT FOR BUDGET-MINDED SOCIALITES:Social media users on a tight budget would do well to investigate Surfshark. The provider doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous connections, and provides fast, well-protected download speeds. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN reliably busts through the virtual roadblocks keeping you away from your favorite social networks.

The provider does a top-notch job of unblocking all types of online content, including social networks.

The provider’s global server network (which boasts 3,000+ servers based in 94+ countries around the globe) blows through any governmental or administrative barricades to deliver access to social networks, music & video streaming services, gaming servers and more.

ExpressVPN offers optimal online protection thanks to its use of military-grade encryption, DNS leak and kill switch protections, and more. The provider offers the industry-standard OpenVPN protocol and is currently beta-testing their new proprietary “Lightway” protocol.

Your privacy is well served thanks to the provider’s strict no-server-logs policy and its cryptocurrency subscription payment option.

The provider also protects your privacy with its proprietary “Trusted Server” technology, which runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any data to the server’s hard drive. This means all data is wiped completely whenever a server is restarted.

ExpressVPN servers deliver fast connection speeds, the fastest I saw in my most recent download speeds testing. That means you’ll never wait long to view a video or upload one. No bandwidth limitations or data caps to worry about when using ExpressVPN.

No matter which device you use to connect to your favorite social networks, there’s a good chance ExpressVPN has it covered. It offers native apps for the Windows, Android, Android TV, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV and Chromebook platforms.

Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge and Firefox platforms. ExpressVPN is also compatible with multiple routers, even offering apps for use with some brands.

ExpressVPN allows 5 simultaneous connections on a single account.

Pros:

  • Excellent access to social networks
  • Comprehensive global server locations
  • Excellent native app support
  • Top-notch online security and privacy

Cons:

  • Priced higher than many of its competitors
  • Streaming-optimized servers aren’t labeled

RELIABLE SOCIAL MEDIA ACCESS:ExpressVPN provides reliable, if somewhat expensive, access to users’ favorite social networks. The provider’s wide-ranging global server network works in conjunction with its excellent app selection to provide well-protected, fast access to blocked online social networks. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

If you’re new to the VPN scene or are simply looking for a no-fuss, easy-to-use VPN provider, CyberGhost might be the provider for you.

With 6,700+ servers stationed in nearly 90 countries, this provider has one of the best global server networks on this list. That adds up to plenty of social media unblocking power.

CyberGhost uses military-level encryption, as well as kill switch and DNS leak protection to protect your connections. Malicious website and ad blocking is available, as is the option to force websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their pages.

The provider keeps no logs of any kind and also accepts cryptocurrency in return for its services.

All of your social activities will be smooth as silk thanks to CyberGhost’s fast connections. Whether you’re chatting, sharing files or uploading video, the provider’s no-data-cap connections can handle it with no issues.

You should be able to take advantage of CyberGhost’s native app support, as it offers apps for the Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Multiple router makes and models are also supported.

7 concurrent connections are allowed on a single set of login credentials.

Pros:

  • Excellent access to most social networks
  • Easy-to-use apps
  • Comprehensive online security and privacy protections

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work from inside some restrictive countries
  • No native router apps

EXCELLENT OPTION FOR NEW VPN USERS:If you’re a newcomer to VPN usage or are simply looking for an easy-to-use VPN, take a closer look at CyberGhost. The provider offers one-click access to many parts of the world and offers well-protected, fast VPN connections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish not only offers comprehensive access to social networks around the world, it also offers an extra layer of privacy.

The provider has over 1,500+ self-owned and -operated servers located in 55+ countries, providing access to social networks in most areas of the world.

Government-grade encryption, a kill switch featuring auto-reconnect, and a “scramble” feature that makes your VPN traffic appear to be normal internet traffic all combine to protect your online activities from prying eyes.

While the provider doesn’t save any type of server logs, it lacks a cryptocurrency payment method. However, it makes up for that by owning and operating all of its servers, which means it helps protect your privacy by keeping third parties away from your personal information.

While IPVanish connection speeds are nowhere near the fastest on this list, they do provide more than enough bandwidth for you to be “social.” There are never any bandwidth or data cap limitations on your usage.

Native apps are available for the Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, ChromeOS and Amazon Fire device platforms. Linux and Windows Phone platforms can be protected via manual setup. No browser extensions are available. Router support is available.

The service allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connection sessions.

Pros:

  • Proprietary global server network
  • Fast and secure connections
  • Unlimited concurrent connections

Cons:

  • Lacks browser extensions
  • Short-term subscription options are expensive

AN EXTRA LAYER OF PRIVACY:IPVanish owns and operates its entire global server network, keeping third-party contractors away from the provider’s customers’ sensitive information. The provider also offers well-protected connections for an unlimited number of devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of IPVanish.

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How to Use a VPN for Social Media

If you’re searching for a way to keep the lines to your favorite social networks open, no matter where you are, do the following:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN provider.
  2. Download and install the VPN provider’s app(s) for your device(s).
  3. Log into the VPN app.
  4. Select and connect to a VPN server, ideally near your favorite social network’s location.
  5. Enjoy your online social activities.

Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Use With Social Media?

While you may be able to access your favorite social media accounts by using a free VPN, you’ll soon find out that a freebie service has an unattractive set of “features” that will soon have you looking for a paid VPN.

To begin with, you may find that when you connect to a free VPN provider, you’ll be forced to cool your heels until you’re allowed to connect to a VPN server.

Once you’re given the thumbs up to connect, you’ll likely find that you have a limited number of servers to choose from, or even worse, you’re connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

Free VPNs are known for throttling their users’ connection speeds and imposing daily or monthly data caps on their users’ online activity. This means streaming Facebook videos or playing games will be affected. Is any of this sounding good yet?

You’ll also be sacrificing your privacy if you use a free VPN. Many freebie providers keep the lights on by collecting private information about their users’ online travels and then selling that info to advertisers and other interested parties. The free VPN may even go so far as to inject unwanted ads and tracking cookies into your browsing sessions.

VPNs for Social Media FAQ

Can Facebook Track Me If I Use a VPN?

A quality VPN can minimize online tracking. 

However, Facebook can still track you if you’re logged into Facebook, visit a website that uses Facebook tracking cookies or use an app Facebook has permissions to. Facebook can also track you if you click one of the Facebook-provided “Like” buttons that numerous websites use.

Can a VPN Hide My Identity on Social Media?

A VPN certainly hides your real IP address and real location by providing your device a fresh IP address located in another part of the world. 

However, if you are registered with a social media platform and have supplied personal information to that platform, and are logged into that platform, it still knows who you are.

What Location Will Social Media Use If I Use a VPN to Upload My Photos?

I must answer that question with a definitive “It depends.” 

If the social media platform is using your IP address to set your location, then it will use the VPN-provided location. However, many mobile apps will use your device’s built-in GPS radio to determine your location. Luckily, many social media apps (and photo apps) will allow you to turn off location detection for photos.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a reliable way to stay connected to your favorite social networks, no matter where you may located, I strongly recommend subscribing to a quality VPN provider, like my #1 choice, NordVPN.

The provider has a massive global server network that offers comprehensive protection as well as access to geo-blocked website content and services. The provider offers native app support for most popular devices, and its connection speeds are some of the best in the industry.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.

Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN