YouTube, which is a video sharing platform, is ranked second among popular websites in the world by Alexa in 2017. Due to its growing popularity, censorship of it use has occurred. So before you seek to unblock YouTube, it is best to understand why it was first blocked.
In this article, you will be taught how to get YouTube unblocked anywhere you are.
Reasons for Blocking YouTube
YouTube blocking by countries or organization occurs for many reasons. These include:
- To limit the exposure of the people to videos that may incite political or social unrest.
- To prevent criticism of a government, government officials or religious leaders.
- To prevent access to videos that are judged to be inappropriate for youths.
- Schools, businesses, government institutions, and other private bodies often restrict access to social websites like YouTube, due to data transmission rate restrictions and the website’s inevitable possibility for distraction.
In some countries, access to YouTube is impossible, either for a long-term ban or for a particular period. Some countries even restrict access to the download and use of a YouTube Unblocker.
Using a Proxy to Unblock YouTube
Using a proxy can help you unblock YouTube videos or get access to the entire YouTube site itself – all you have to do is understand how it works. A proxy allows you to direct your web traffic through a server that is not restricted or monitored. Proxies are web-based so you cannot use it in applications installed on your computer or mobile.
In other words, you can use a proxy to view YouTube videos in a browser tab but not in a YouTube app on your computer. Proxies are very well known when it comes to internet security and everyone from school administrators to entire government bodies tends to shut them down as soon as they are discovered.
Steps for Using a Proxy
To successfully learn how to unblock YouTube, you need to follow the steps below religiously.
Step 1: Download a web browser which was recently updated and then double-click on the web browser icon to open.
Step 2: In the address bar, usually located at the top of the browser, type in any of the following proxy websites; www.proxfree.com, www.hide.me/en/proxy, www.proxysite.com. If you don’t have access to any of these sites, try typing “online proxy free” on Google and check out relevant results until you find an accessible proxy site that can replace the ones listed above. Any of these proxy websites will take you to a page consisting commonly of a search bar.
Step 3: Find and click the search bar. The search bar should have “Enter a URL” or “Web address” (or similar) written in it or next to it. Type in any of the websites you will like to visit – in this case, type in youtube.com. Doing so will prompt the proxy to start loading YouTube. This might take longer than expected, so you will need to be patient, but who cares if you get what you want.
After following the last step, you should be able to watch YouTube videos and also use any features on YouTube. It is important to note that YouTube cannot be viewed in another tab.
Using a VPN to Unblock YouTube
The full meaning of VPN is Virtual Private Network. They extend a private network across a public network and enables users to receive and send information across public networks making it seem like their devices are linked to the private network. Unlike proxies, VPNs work from a system level to move all of your Internet traffic over to a secure server, which allows you to bypass firewalls and other web restrictions. Paid VPNs also have complex encryption and features that will protect your identity in case the VPN fails. Free VPNs are not recommended for use in China. Using a VPN can help you learn how to unblock YouTube at school, work or any location.
Steps for Using a VPN to Unblock YouTube
Step 1: In order to enjoy the full benefit of using a VPN, it is advisable you choose a paid VPN platform. A detailed overview of the type of VPN to use is discussed later in this article, but you can whatever VPN platform you happen to prefer. However, you need to make sure your chosen platform is not headquartered in China because due to China’s policy regarding VPN usage, any China-based VPN platforms are likely to be shut down. After choosing a platform, try to read through the terms of use and also read online forums on reviews about the platform. This will give you an idea of what to expect.
Step 2: In order to run a VPN from your selected platform on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, you are required to sign up on most VPN platforms. This makes certain that you will have a special login when you actually link to the VPN.
Step 3: Purchase a monthly membership, the reason being that most free VPNs have been blocked in some countries. Purchasing a monthly or annual membership will ensure that your VPN will work anywhere.
Step 4: After purchasing your VPN, you may have the option of downloading a program that allows you to change the VPN’s settings and monitor its use; these programs sometimes help VPN function properly.
Introduction to VPN Technical Setup
Step 1: Download and install the VPN associated program by following your selected VPN’s instructions. Unfortunately, some VPN software cannot be downloaded while you are in China. If possible, complete this step outside of China. Both the Google Play Store and some apps in the App Store are blocked in China, so you won’t be able to download VPN apps on mobile.
Step 2: Click open your VPN Settings page. The methods for doing this vary depending on your operating system and whether you are using a computer or mobile device. On Windows, click on Start, left-click on Settings, select Network & Internet, click the VPN tab, and click “Add a VPN” connection at the top of the page.
VPN Final Technical Setup
Step 1: If you are using a Mac, click and open the Apple menu, select System Preferences, then Network, click the plus sign in the lower-left corner, then select “Interface” drop-down box, and click VPN. On iPhone, go to settings, then tap General, select VPN, and tap “Add VPN Configuration.” If you’re on Android, open Settings, select more under the “Wireless & networks” area, then select VPN, and tap the plus sign or ADD VPN. Enter your VPN’s details. This section will vary depending on the kind of VPN you’re using, the type of authentication your VPN requires, and more. If you have any inquiries about which information to use, check your selected VPN’s “Help” page.
Step 2: As soon as you are done entering your VPN’s information, save your configuration.
Step 3: Connect to the VPN. This step will definitely vary depending on different platforms, but the concept is the same. On Windows and Mac, select the VPN on the “VPN” page, click Connect below it, and fill in any requested details. On iOS, tap the white switch on the right side of the VPN’s name, then fill in any requested information if prompted while on Android, select your VPN’s name on the VPN page then tap “CONNECT” and fill in the appropriate details. Make sure the VPN is running before you attempt to open YouTube.
Example of Reliable VPN Services
There are different VPN platforms to choose from, however, just as it was stated earlier, paid versions offer more flexibility and wider coverage. They are also more secure than free versions.
These are some of the more reliable paid VPN platforms:
- NordVPN: This platform offers a 30-day money-back guarantee claim in case you do not like their service. Using this platform for a month costs $11.95, while a year costs $83.88 ($6.99/month). Read a review: https://vpnpro.com/vpn-reviews/nordvpn-review/
- PrivateVPN: This platform also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a monthly subscription costs $10.95, while a year costs $72.00 ($5.95/month).
- CyberGhost: A monthly subscription costs $11.99 while a year subscription is $59.88 ($4.99/month) with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- TunnelBear: This platform has a free version but it is limited to just 500mb/month and a monthly subscription costs $9.99 while a year subscription costs $59.99 ($5/month), though they do not offer any money-back guarantee of any sort.
- Private Internet Access: They offer a 7-day money-back guarantee and a monthly subscription costs $6.95 while a year costs $39.95 ($3.33/month) 6. ExpressVPN: This offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a monthly subscription goes for $12.95 while a year is $99.95 ($8.32/month).
- StrongVPN: This costs $10 monthly and $69.99 yearly. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for their new customers.
As you can see, there are plenty of great VPNs around.
Countries Where Access to YouTube is Currently Blocked
Some countries ban the odd video on YouTube, but there are others that have blocked the use of YouTube altogether. One of these countries is obviously China. Access to YouTube was first blocked in 2007 but it was thought that it was only going to be temporary. However, it was then completely blocked on March 24, 2009.
In 2012, Iran authorized the complete block of YouTube after the trailer to the film Innocence of Muslims was released. However, some television shows, startups, celebrities, and moderate politicians in Iran have active YouTube accounts.
North Korea generally has a strict law on the overall usage of the internet and its accessibility.
Other Ways to Unblock YouTube
VPNs are not always suitable for everyone as they might be too expensive for some while others might have a hard time installing the necessary software. There are two other simple ways one can use to unblock YouTube. However, if your access is limited by a country law, do not use these methods.
Instead, use the one explained at the beginning of this article. The first method is using HTTPS. This trick is very simple and easy. All you have to do is to replace the “HTTP” with “HTTPS”. For example, instead of http://www.youtube.com, use https://www.youtube.com. By doing this you may be able to bypass the block, with additional security.
The second trick is to change the Domain Name System (DNS) address of your Server. A lot of blocks run your traffic request through their server, so, by going around that, you’re going around the block. Changing a DNS address varies on different operating systems, but works in almost the same way.
To change, go to “network settings”, then find a “network connection properties” Under “IPv4,” you should see a tab called “DNS server”, change the server to “8.8.4.4” or “8.8.8.8” and restart the computer. This can also be done on some browsers instead of in your computer. Just search for the name of your browser and “change DNS settings” on Google.
How Secure Are You When Using VPN and Proxy
As much as you will love to get access to YouTube anywhere in the world and enjoy their service, you should also be conscious of your personal details. If you want to bypass a block using the methods explained here, you also stand a risk of being hacked and having your personal data stolen.
Do not be scared, this is not always the case, but this is just a heads up to be vigilant. In order to be guaranteed of a secured data, use only VPN or proxy services from well-known providers. Avoid going for cheap services as this might be a doorway for hackers into your computer without you knowing.
Ultimately, VPNs and Proxy platforms are designed to keep you secure, as they act as a bridge between your computer and the site you are attempting to visit especially when you use “HTTPS” with any site you visit. The extra “s” means secure and all communication between your computer and the website is encrypted.
Another good thing, which is very important, is that these platforms offer anonymity. When accessing a website, your Internet Protocol (IP) address can easily be seen. Through your IP address, your physical location can be tracked. Using VPNs and Proxy help to cloak your IP address making it hard to trace a connection back to you.
Free and Paid VPN
You might be wondering why some VPN platforms are paid while some are free. Before you decide to go for the free version, it is important to note that the free versions have unstable connections and slow speeds, may send your information to advertisers or may insert javascript into your computer for advertising purposes.
They may use simple insecure protocols for connections and most do not have customer support, while the paid version has premium customer service, and numerous number of servers in multiple locations for efficient connection. They all have more bandwidth, high-level encryption, and a stable and fast connection.
In conclusion, below are the pros and cons of unblocking YouTube with the methods stated in this platform.
Pros
- Unblocking YouTube with a VPN or proxy platform offers anonymity as you access the site
- VPN also helps to increase security.
Cons
- Using VPN is illegal in some countries and is punishable by law.
- Some VPN and proxy platforms are expensive.
