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How to Watch YouTube Videos Blocked in Your Country 2024

You can access YouTube content all over the world when you use a VPN. In this article, I’ll share information about the best 7 VPNs for changing your YouTube country.

At a Glance

YouTube offers a world of content. However, that world can be divided. Certain content is only available in some parts of the world, so depending upon which country you’re in, you won’t be able to access content that’s only available in other parts of the world.

Some countries, like China and North Korea, block the service entirely, making it impossible for users in those countries to access any part of the service – unless you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

How Can a VPN Help Me Watch Blocked YouTube Videos?

A VPN can give you a new IP address in a country where YouTube isn’t blocked or where more videos are available to users.

For instance, if you’re in the U.K., you won’t be able to access videos that are only available to U.S. consumers. However, if you use a VPN to get an IP address in the U.S., all U.S.-specific content will be available to you.

A VPN can also encrypt your internet connection, keeping third parties such as governments, Internet Service Providers, and hackers from observing your online activities.

In this article, I’ll tell you how you can use a VPN to change the country you’re (ostensibly) accessing YouTube from, as well as let you know which VPNs are the best for the job.

How to Bypass YouTube’s Regional Blockades

Here’s a guide on how to use a VPN to access YouTube from wherever you’re currently located.

  1. Choose the best VPN provider for your needs (I suggest NordVPN).
  2. Download the provider’s app(s) onto your favorite device(s).
  3. Log into the VPN service.
  4. Select a VPN server in the country with the YouTube content you’d like to access. For example, if you’re looking to watch France-only content, connect to a VPN server in France.
  5. Enjoy your access to new YouTube content!

Note: Should you run into any issues, you may need to clear your browser cache and cookies to erase old location identifiers. If that doesn’t work, contact the VPN’s customer support, because there may be certain servers that are better for streaming than others.

Can Just Any VPN Work to Change Your Country on YouTube?

Not all VPNs are able to access YouTube’s country restrictions.

Even though YouTube doesn’t block VPNs like Netflix and Amazon Prime do, making it easier to watch YouTube videos from other countries, not every VPN will work with the video platform.

That’s because some lower-quality VPNs leak your real IP address, making YouTube realize you’re not really in the country you’re saying that you are. You might encounter messages like

“This video is not available in your country.”

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

youtube - screenshot 1

Before I get into the nuts and bolts of each VPN, here’s a short rundown of the best VPNs for changing your YouTube country.

The best VPNs to change YouTube country:

  1. NordVPN: NordVPN is my top VPN for YouTube. The provider offers a wide server network so you can watch YouTube content from all over the globe, in addition to offering fast speeds and extensive app support. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Surfshark: Best bet for users on a tight budget. Surfshark will allow you to change your YouTube country without charging you much for the opportunity. The provider’s speeds are fast, and unlimited simultaneous connections will allow you and your whole family to watch YouTube on as many devices as you like at once.
  3. ExpressVPN: Premium YouTube VPN. ExpressVPN is an admittedly high-priced VPN, but if you’re willing to pay the price, it offers excellent service. With the fastest speeds available, in addition to a wide-ranging server network and comprehensive app support, ExpressVPN doesn’t disappoint.
  4. CyberGhost: Attractive option for first-time VPN users. If you’re new to the VPN world, CyberGhost may be your best option. The provider’s easy-to-use apps make it simple to change your YouTube location with just a few clicks of the mouse.
  5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection for YouTube fans. PIA’s comprehensive online security and privacy protections keep all of your online travels undercover. The provider also delivers reliable access to YouTube and other content around a good bit of the globe.
  6. PrivateVPN: Small but mighty VPN network. This provider’s global server network is admittedly quite small when compared to the others on this list of seven. That said, PrivateVPN provides well-protected access to content in the countries where it has servers.
  7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited protected connections. Atlas VPN allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers around the globe. This makes Atlas VPN an attractive VPN option for users seeking YouTube access and protection for their numerous devices.

There are a multitude of factors to consider when deciding on which VPN is best to use for changing your YouTube country. When deciding on which VPNs to recommend, I considered the following factors:

  • Accesses YouTube
  • Large server network
  • Fast connection speeds
  • Strong encryption and no-logs privacy protection
  • Responsive customer support

These are the best VPNs for changing your YouTube country to access YouTube videos across the world.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Apr 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best provider that you can choose for accessing YouTube in various countries.

The provider offers 5,600+ servers in 60+ countries, giving you a wide range of options when it comes to watching YouTube in whichever country you like. The provider has no issues accessing all sorts of streaming services, including YouTube.

NordVPN boasts some powerful connection speeds, capable of handling streaming on YouTube in HD or 4K, as well as gaming and file sharing.

NordVPN’s security protections include government-grade 256-bit AES encryption for your connection, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware, botnet, and ad blocking features, keeping you ultra-safe on the internet during your YouTube binges.

Obfuscated servers are available in a multitude of countries, meaning your VPN traffic will appear as though it’s regular internet traffic. Double VPN allows you to connect through two VPN servers instead of one, doubling up on your anonymity and encryption.

Your privacy is duly protected thanks to NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy and privacy-friendly Bitcoin payment option.

The provider also has owned-and-operated servers, which help protect your privacy by keeping outside contractors away from your personal information. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run solely from volatile RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive or SSD. This means that all data is completely wiped from the provider’s servers if they are rebooted, shut down, or unplugged.

NordVPN offers apps for Windows, iOS, macOS (with Apple Silicon support), Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions also make the scene, as does support for numerous router makes and models. Up to six devices can connect simultaneously.

NordVPN also offers a smart DNS service that it calls, simply, SmartDNS. With this service, you can watch international YouTube streams on devices like game consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top boxes. However, keep in mind that the service doesn’t encrypt your internet connection like the VPN service does.

Customer support is always available in the form of 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable knowledge base.

Pros:

  • Servers around the world
  • Strong encryption and security protections
  • No-logs policy and Bitcoin payment option
  • Extremely fast connection speeds
  • Wide app support

Cons:

  • No streaming-optimized servers

BEST VPN FOR CHANGING YOUTUBE COUNTRY:NordVPN is the best option for changing your YouTube country. The provider has a wide server network, allowing you to connect almost anywhere. Fast connection speeds and extensive app support add to the value. A risk-free 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 is the best choice for users on a budget, who want a quality VPN service at a low price.

Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. This is much more than they offered just a year ago, meaning its coverage may only continue to expand.

The provider’s speeds are more than fast enough to handle watching YouTube in HD and 4K, as well as enjoying all sorts of other online activities.

When it comes to security, Surfshark doesn’t mess around, offering government-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, malware and phishing protections, and ad and tracker blocking. A “MultiHop” feature can send your connection through two VPN servers, doubling up on your anonymity and privacy.

Surfshark also takes your privacy seriously, never saving any usage logs and letting you pay with Bitcoin, if that’s how you roll. The provider has joined a select group of VPN providers that run their servers only from RAM, ensuring that all data is wiped from a Surfshark server when it is shut down or rebooted.

As regards app support, Surfshark offers native apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Linux, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, and there’s plenty of support for different makes and models of routers.

The provider also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means that large families and small businesses will have no problem connecting as many devices as they need to the provider’s servers at one time on one account.

Customer support is only a click away when you connect via 24/7 live chat. Email support, a “Contact Us” form, and an easy-to-search knowledge base are also available.

Pros:

  • Very low pricing
  • Multitude of security protections
  • Unlimited concurrent connections
  • App support for most popular devices

Cons:

  • Not many advanced options in apps

BEST FOR BUDGET:Surfshark doesn’t charge much for its extensive service offerings, making it an excellent choice for users on a tight budget. The provider’s speeds are impressive, and unlimited simultaneous connections allow you to watch YouTube on as many devices as you need to at once. 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 is a sound VPN option if you’re willing to pay a rather expensive price.

The provider’s global server coverage encompasses 3,000+ servers in almost 95 countries, so you can watch YouTube from countries all over the world. The provider is well known for its ability to access all kinds of streaming services.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are the fastest of any provider on this list. Its speeds make it possible to watch YouTube in HD and 4K, as well as enjoy other online activities like gaming and file sharing.

Security-wise, ExpressVPN offers government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protections. The provider’s proprietary “Lightway” protocol is designed to increase your speeds in addition to security.

The provider doesn’t save any logs of your online activities and welcomes the privacy-friendly Bitcoin as payment for its services.

In addition, the provider’s custom TrustedServer technology runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any info to the hard drive. This means all information is completely wiped every time the server is restarted.

ExpressVPN offers wide-ranging app support, including apps for Windows, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi and the provider also offers support for multiple router makes and models.

Only five simultaneous connections are allowed on one set of login credentials.

ExpressVPN also offers a smart DNS option called “MediaStreamer.” With MediaStreamer, you can watch international streaming content such as what’s available from YouTube on devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top boxes. However, just keep in mind that the service doesn’t encrypt your connection like the VPN service does.

Customer support is available 24/7 thanks to around-the-clock live chat. Email support, a trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable support library are also available.

Pros:

  • Servers available all around the world
  • Excellent content-unblocking abilities
  • Fastest VPN speeds available
  • Smart DNS service included

Cons:

  • More expensive than other providers
  • Doesn’t label its streaming servers

COMPREHENSIVE VPN:ExpressVPN offers a high level of service in every arena, if for a high price. The provider offers incredibly fast speeds, extensive global server coverage, and strong content-unblocking ability, making accessing YouTube a fun proposition. 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

Newbies to using VPNs will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps, which offer one-click protection and connection.

The provider’s global server network is massive, including 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries. You’ll have no problem accessing YouTube in whichever country suits your fancy.

CyberGhost’s connection speeds are reliably fast, so you can definitely watch YouTube videos in HD. Gaming and file sharing are also fast and easy with this provider.

Security protections include bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, DNS leak protection, and malicious website and ad blocking. There’s also the ability to force websites to present HTTPS (in other words, secure) versions of their web pages when available.

CyberGhost follows a strict no-logs policy and accepts Bitcoin as a private payment option.

CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for the following platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available, as is support for numerous router makes and models.

While not unlimited, seven simultaneous connections on one account should be enough to satisfy your YouTube binges.

CyberGhost understands the utility of proper customer support, so 24/7 live support is available, in addition to a trouble ticket submission system and a searchable knowledge base.

Pros:

  • Extremely wide server coverage
  • Easy-to-use apps
  • Strong encryption and privacy protections

Cons:

  • Doesn’t access all streaming services
  • No native router apps

BEST FOR BEGINNERS:If you want to access YouTube content in other countries but are not familiar with using VPNs, CyberGhost is the best option for you. The provider makes it easy to connect wherever you like. The provider’s server coverage is also impressive, as are its privacy and security protections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.privateinternetaccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides well-protected, reliable access to geo-fenced content around most of the globe.

The PIA global server network boasts 3,300+ servers located in nearly 85 countries.

PIA keeps its customers’ online travels private, thanks to its use of military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and kill switch protection. The provider can also block ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

The provider saves no user logs recording your online antics while you’re connected to its servers, meaning your online travels are all incognito. The provider also accepts Bitcoin to protect your payment privacy. (Use a disposable email address to subscribe and you’ll score additional payment privacy.)

PIA provides native app support for most popular devices, including Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider’s compatibility with select router makes and models allows you to protect all of your devices via a single access point, counting for only one connection against the provider’s 10 concurrent devices limit.

This provider’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list. That said, the provider’s connections are still up to handling your favorite online pastimes, including streaming, gaming, and sharing files. The provider never imposes daily or monthly data caps or throttles your bandwidth.

PIA’s customer support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Reliable access to content around the globe
  • Good global server coverage
  • Comprehensive privacy and security protections

Cons:

  • No streaming-optimized servers
  • Doesn’t work reliably from inside China

EXCELLENT VPN PROTECTION:Private Internet Access provides reliable access to geo-controlled content. PIA also provides comprehensive online security and privacy protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN admittedly has the smallest global server network on this list, with 200+ servers spread thinly among 60+ countries. That said, PrivateVPN’s network provides reliable access to content in the countries where it has servers.

This provider’s connection speeds are the slowest on this list of seven. However, its download speeds should be able to handle video and music streaming, file sharing, and other popular online activities.

If you subscribe to PrivateVPN, your connection is protected with banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protections. Use the provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature to keep your VPN usage undercover by making it appear to be normal browser activity.

The provider follows a strict no-server logs policy, ensuring that no records of your online activities are ever saved while connected to its servers. A Bitcoin payment option helps to keep your subscription information private.

“Limited” is an excellent way to describe PrivateVPN’s app support, as it offers apps for only Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. No browser extensions are available. Users can manually set up Linux devices and select routers to work with the provider.

The provider allows up to 10 simultaneous connections to its servers.

A live chat option, a support request form, and an FAQ support section are all available in your time of need.

Pros:

  • “Stealthy” VPN connections
  • Reliable access to geo-controlled content
  • Comprehensive online security and privacy

Cons:

  • Small server network
  • Limited app support

MIGHTY-MITE PROVIDER:PrivateVPN’s global server network is quite small when compared to the other VPNs on this list. However, the provider is still able to deliver reliable access to content in the countries that it serves. A “Stealth VPN” protective feature hides your VPN usage. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

AtlasVPN

Apps Available:

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

Website:  https://atlasvpn.com/

Money-back guarantee: 30 days

Atlas VPN provides reliable, well-protected access to geo-fenced content in other countries, thanks to its 750+ servers, located in nearly 50 countries around the globe.

Atlas VPN’s blazingly-fast connections supply plenty of bandwidth, making it a great choice for gaming, streaming, or other popular online pastimes. Never a data cap or bandwidth limitation to worry about here.

The provider’s use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and more keep your online activities undercover. Meanwhile, its “Safebrowse” feature blocks online perils and pesky ads.

All Atlas VPN servers are run totally free of user logs, so no records of your online travels are anywhere to be found. The provider also accepts cryptocurrency as payment.

Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV are all on the list of the provider’s app offerings. Browser extensions and router support are not yet available, but are in development.

Atlas VPN puts no limits on how many devices you can simultaneously connect to its servers.

As far as customer support goes, live agent chat is limited to paying customers, while all users have access to email support, a contact form, and a support library.

Pros:

  • Speedy connections
  • Protection against online dangers and ads
  • No limits on concurrent connections

Cons:

  • Live chat limited to paying customers
  • Lacks browser or router support (they’re under development)

UNLIMITED PROTECTED CONNECTIONS:All of Atlas VPN’s fast connections are well-protected by industry-standard protections and just a little bit more. A “Safebrowse” feature blocks online perils and advertisements. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for YouTube

When looking for a VPN to open up access to previously unavailable YouTube content, a fast connection is just as important as a large server network. There are several factors that need to be carefully considered before subscribing to a VPN service provider.

Below, I’ve listed the factors that I considered when compiling this list of VPNs for accessing and viewing YouTube videos:

  • Connection speed: A faster internet connection makes all of your online activities more enjoyable. This is especially true when the activity is watching YouTube videos. The VPNs I include on my lists provide more than enough bandwidth for watching YouTube videos
  • Server network: A large global server network provides better access to content around the globe. Plus, look at how many servers the VPN has located in an individual country, as multiple servers help to prevent a single server from being overloaded with too many users at once.
  • Value: Always compare a VPN provider’s asking price to the features it offers. All VPNs that I included on my list offer excellent value for the money.
  • Ease of use: A VPN should offer easy-to-use apps for popular devices. Each VPN service provider on my list offers intuitive apps for most popular device platforms.
  • Security and privacy: Any VPN worth considering should at least offer banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is also a must, as it ensures that no logs of your online activities are ever kept.
  • Streaming: Reliable streaming access is an important feature for any VPN. Each VPN I included on my list offers reliable access to streaming sites such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and others.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Conclusion

By using a VPN, you can change your YouTube country, enabling you to watch videos from all over the world. The best choice you can make is to choose NordVPN as your VPN service provider.

NordVPN offers a wide server network, allowing you to connect to many different countries to watch a variety of streams. Its speeds are formidable, allowing you to watch in HD or 4K. Strong encryption and a comprehensive privacy policy protect your connection, and customer support is always there when you need them.

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

Watch Blocked YouTube Videos FAQs

Is Unblocking YouTube Legal?

Whether or not it’s legal to access YouTube depends upon which country you’re located in. You’ll need to check out your local laws to see whether or not there are any repercussions to accessing YouTube from where you are.

How Safe Are Free YouTube Unblockers?

Proxy sites are a common way to access YouTube videos from another country. They change your IP address, making it appear as though you’re located in a country where YouTube is available, so that you can access YouTube.

However, that’s all free proxies do.

Free proxies don’t encrypt your internet connection, so all of your information is unencrypted. Since your information is passing through the proxy, this means that your login info, passwords, payment info, and location are vulnerable. Stick with using a reputable VPN.

Which Countries Have Banned YouTube?

China, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Sudan have all blocked YouTube outright. Other countries have blocked YouTube partially or fully in the past, like Morocco, Thailand, the UAE, and even European countries where internet freedom is prized, such as Finland, Germany, and Denmark.

How Do You Download a Video From a YouTube Channel When the Download Options Are Blocked?

To download a video from a YouTube channel when the download options are blocked, you’ll need to use a VPN service provider to access the video. Then you can use a video converter – all you have to do is paste the YouTube link, and it will download the video for you.

Two things: First, make sure that the video converter you use is legitimate. Second, check the local laws in your country. Some countries, such as France, will shut down your internet for downloading copyrighted materials illegally.

How Do You Know If a YouTuber Blocked You?

When a YouTuber blocks you, you’ll know if you’re unable to interact with the videos, such as by commenting, liking, etc. A surefire way to know is if you try to message them and you’re unable to send the message.


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

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