If you’re traveling for work or on vacation, you might find it difficult to access your favorite content like you would at home. This is the case with geo-restrictions on big streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. But it’s also the case for YouTube TV, and even watching regular YouTube videos in some places.
Can you get around it? Yes. In this short guide, we’ll explain how and why you might need to.
Why Is YouTube Blocked in Some Places?
You may have restricted access to YouTube or some of its content for one of a few reasons. Geo-restrictions block some channels or videos in specific countries because of licensing rights. This can be a national or regional approach, or something set by the content creators themselves.
Some countries, like China and North Korea, block YouTube entirely. It’s a form of internet censorship restricting access to certain types of content. In the case of YouTube TV, this service is only available in the United States, so you can’t access it from overseas. Unless you know how.
How to Watch YouTube Anywhere With a VPN
Whether you’re trying to use your YouTube TV subscription overseas or watch geo-restricted YouTube videos, a VPN can help. It stands for ‘virtual private network’, and is the key if you were wondering how to unblock YouTube.
You may have heard about using a VPN to protect you and your data online, but it’s also useful for bypassing geo-restrictions. How does a VPN work? It’s quite simple. Connecting your device to a VPN redirects your internet traffic through remote, encrypted servers. This changes your virtual location (specifically your IP address), meaning your device can appear like it’s back in the US, even if you aren’t. You can also choose VPN servers in other countries, depending on what you’re trying to watch. While connected, you should be able to watch all your favorite YouTube content, wherever you are.
Alternative Solutions if You Can’t Use a VPN
There are other ways to unblock YouTube while traveling, although they’re much less secure and convenient. You could try a proxy server, which does a similar job to a VPN but in a more basic package. These often lack encryption and could leave you exposed online.
Another option is a DNS proxy. It’s a type of proxy service that intercepts and modifies your Domain Name System (DNS). But this option has many of the same flaws, too.
Take Your Favorite Shows and Channels With You
You don’t have to miss out on your favourite YouTube content just because you’re in another country. Try using a VPN to get around restrictions and unblock your YouTube access. It might just be the sense of home away from home you need.
