How to Watch Blocked YouTube Videos?
YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform that helps users watch, like, comment, upload, and share any media creation. This online streaming platform is completely free to use. However, not everyone can access it worldwide because of restrictions placed in Vietnam, China, and some other countries. You may also have come across certain videos on YouTube that say, “Content restricted in your area,” and this is also one of the limitations that you can pass by using the methods below.
Ways to Watch Blocked YouTube Videos in Your Country
After spending over 90 hours researching, I have reviewed 30+ ways to watch blocked YouTube videos, offering a comprehensive list that includes both free and paid options. My trusted and well-researched guide is an ultimate resource that provides insightful and unbiased advice. This must-see article may help you bypass YouTube region locks effectively. Read the full article to discover exclusive and credible methods.
1) VPNs
Using a VPN (virtual private network) has allowed me to mask my IP address in the safest and strongest way possible. I could hide my IP and bypass YouTube’s region lock effortlessly. In fact, VPNs are great for their security features, which help me stay more anonymous while surfing the Internet. It is important to note that VPNs allow me to access areas of the Internet that are otherwise blocked due to geo-restrictions.
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2) Proxy
When I use a proxy, it treats me as if I am using a different IP address. In fact, a proxy acts as an intermediary between my requests and the server’s responses. According to my experience, the primary purpose of using a proxy is to maintain privacy and encapsulation between multiple interactive systems. However, I noticed that it slows down my connection and doesn’t encrypt my activity, which I aim to avoid.
3) Smart DNS
I could use a smart DNS to access various online entertainment channels. It is important to know that it requires me to change my Internet address, either manually or with a third-party program. This solution allows the DNS service to believe I have access to the countries or regions with the content I want to view.
4) Download YouTube Videos
I found this method to be one of the easiest options for watching YouTube videos that are blocked in my country. In fact, there are many websites that allow me to save YouTube video clips so that I can enjoy them offline. It is important to plan ahead, as I need to decide the best way to store these videos on my device.
5) Use Tor to Unblock YouTube Videos
I used Tor as a browser, and it allowed me to keep my online activity completely anonymous. Although it slows down my internet, my IP address remains untraceable. In fact, the only issue I have found with Tor is that I cannot select the country from which I will be connected.
6) Use Google Translate
Google Translate has been helpful to me as the final solution for watching blocked YouTube videos. All I need to do is search for the videos I am interested in using a different language. If I do not know other languages, I can simply rely on Google Translate to translate my search query into German, Portuguese, French, or any other language I prefer.
The search engine here will show you the results for the foreign language. You have to choose to view the site in your language by clicking on “Translate this page”. This way, your computer will load links only from Google Translate, bypassing the country restrictions of YouTube imposed by your employer or school.
How to unblock YouTube using a VPN
I suggest using ExpressVPN to bypass YouTube’s region lock, and here’s why:
ExpressVPN has ultra-fast servers in 94 countries. It’s a breeze to switch between them, thanks to ExpressVPN’s easy-to-use app. You’ll have every YouTube video with just a click or tap way, regardless of where you’re located or what device you’re using. And that’s not all.
Their servers are fast, secure, and reliable, and you can usually get connected in just seconds, all thanks to ExpressVPN’s next-gen Lightway VPN protocol. You can also use ExpressVPN on Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, router, Linux, and more.
ExpressVPN’s strict privacy policy means they keep zero activity or connection logs, thus keeping your activity private. Only you will know what you’re watching on YouTube.
ExpressVPN is offering a discount exclusive to Guru99 readers. Get 3 extra months free when signing up for a 12-month plan. And in case you’re unhappy with the experience, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
30-Day Free Trial
Once you’ve signed up for ExpressVPN, all you have to do to start bypassing YouTube’s region lock is:
Step 1) Sign in to your newly-created ExpressVPN account.
Step 2) Click the Download button to get the ExpressVPN app for your operating system.
Step 3) Install and launch the ExpressVPN app.
Step 4) You will see that you are connected to the country that you selected. (I have picked USA)
Step 5) Then, you can log in to YouTube, and you will be able to unblock videos that are only available in the US and are blocked in your country.
30-Day Free Trial
Why are some YouTube videos banned or unavailable in your country?
The following are the reasons for banned or unavailability of YouTube videos in your country:
- Government laws or restrictions on the rights of broadcasting: Some government laws or restrictions limit the citizens’ access to certain YouTube videos.
- Usage laws: Licensing, copyright, trademark, and other usage laws may prohibit the video content from being shown outside a particular region.
- Restrictions placed by content uploader: The video uploader has not made the content accessible in your region.
- Technical issues: Many times, you might not be able to play videos because of technical issues.
How do you unblock YouTube at school or work?
You can use the following techniques to unblock YouTube fast at school or work:
- VPNs apps
- Proxy
- Smart DNS
- Using Google Translate
- Download YouTube Videos
- Using Tor
How safe are free YouTube unblockers?
Free YouTube unblockers are one of the easiest ways of accessing blocked video content. However, they are not secure. The use of YouTube unblockers might not be a sensible option for accessing content in the country or region where the government has prohibited such streaming sites.
Can every VPN change your country on YouTube?
YouTube does not actively block your VPN traffic like Amazon Prime and Netflix. Some of the Virtual Private Networks may give away your location by leaking your real IP. In some cases, if the VPN is not reliable, you may find one of the following errors:
- The uploader has not made this video available in your country.
- This video is not available in your country.
Can I use a free VPN to bypass the YouTube region lock?
Yes, you can use a free VPN to bypass YouTube region lock. It is good for infrequent and casual use. Free VPNs have a monthly data limit that will cut your VPN connection when it is over. It can also inject advertisements and may sell your data. Therefore, it is best that you choose paid versions of VPN to bypass YouTube’s country restrictions.
Is unblocking YouTube legal?
Unblocking YouTube is not illegal because it bypasses a firewall setup by your workplace or school. However, it depends on the country you are living in. Accessing region-restricted videos that are blocked due to national censorship may be illegal in some regions. So, it is a good idea to use a VPN to keep your online activity and identity private.
How do you download a video from a YouTube channel when the download options are blocked?
Here are the steps that I use to download a video from a YouTube channel when the download options are blocked:
- Step 1) Launch any good VPN software like ExpressVPN, PureVPN, Surfshark, PrivateVPN, Hotspot Shield, and VyprVPN.
- Step 2) Open blocked YouTube video in your web browser. If you can watch that video, your IP is successfully changed.
- Step 3) Copy the video URL.
- Step 4) Install and launch any good video downloader software like iTubeGo, 4K Video Downloader, SnapDownloader, etc.
- Step 5) Open the software and paste the video URL.
- Step 6) Select the format and quality of the video.
- Step 7) Click Download and enjoy the video.
Conclusion:
I found ExpressVPN to be a standout for bypassing YouTube’s region locks. With ultra-fast servers in 94 countries, I could easily switch locations and access any video. The app is easy to install and set up, and also it works seamlessly across all my devices. Their strict no-logs policy keeps my activity private, adding an extra layer of security. Its 30-day money-back guarantee is a nice touch for those looking to try it out.