If you’re having trouble accessing Instagram due to network restrictions or government censorship, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to use VPNs for Instagram, so you can gain access from anywhere, whether you’re at work, school, or abroad.
With over a billion monthly users, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. However, it’s not always easy to access, especially if you’re in a country or institution that blocks it. That’s where VPNs come in – by hiding your location and encrypting your traffic, they allow you to bypass restrictions and access Instagram from anywhere. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best VPNs for Instagram, so you can choose the one that’s right for you and start posting those photos and stories again.
The Best VPNs for Instagram – At a Glance
If you’re looking for a VPN to use with Instagram, you’ll want to consider a few key factors. The VPN should have a strong focus on privacy and security, as well as fast speeds and reliable connections. We’ve compared the top VPNs on the market to find the best options for Instagram users.
Our top pick for Instagram is NordVPN. It offers excellent reliability for Instagram and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, so your online activity will remain private.
Surfshark is another great option for Instagram users, with excellent streaming reliability and support for a wide range of devices. ExpressVPN is also a solid choice, with fast speeds and a focus on privacy and security.
Hotspot Shield, PrivateVPN, and Private Internet Access are also worth considering. However, they may not be as reliable for Instagram as our top picks.
Here’s a quick overview of the top VPNs for Instagram:
| VPN | Instagram Reliability | Streaming Reliability | Devices Supported | Avg Speed (Mbps) | Activity Logs | Best Deal (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 1 | Excellent | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | 100+ Mbps | None | $2.99 |
| Surfshark | 2 | Excellent | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | 100+ Mbps | None | $1.99 |
| ExpressVPN | 3 | Good | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | 100+ Mbps | No identifying data | $6.67 |
| Hotspot Shield | 4 | Good | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Chrome, Smart TVs, Routers | 100+ Mbps | Anonymized data | $2.99 |
| PrivateVPN | 5 | Good | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | 39 Mbps | None | $2.00 |
| Private Internet Access | 6 | Good | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | 73 Mbps | Best deal: Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free | $2.03 |
Overall, the best VPN for Instagram will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, any of the VPNs listed above should provide reliable and secure access to Instagram from anywhere in the world.
Our Criteria for the Best Instagram VPNs
When evaluating Instagram VPNs, we consider several factors to ensure that you have a safe, reliable, and fast connection. Our experts test each provider to ensure that they meet the following criteria:
- Ability to unblock Instagram in different countries, including China
- Strong security and privacy features
- Reliable connections and impressive speeds
- A good selection of worldwide servers
We take pride in our rigorous testing methodology, which you can read more about after our reviews. With our recommended VPNs, you can enjoy the freedom to access Instagram securely and without restrictions.
Best VPNs for Instagram
Here are some of the best VPNs for using Instagram:
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- CyberGhost
- Surfshark
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
These VPNs offer fast speeds, strong encryption, and reliable connections, making them great options for accessing Instagram securely and privately.
1. NordVPN
Pros:
- NordVPN offers exceptional speeds and a vast network of servers with more than 5,000 servers in 60 countries.
- It provides a large set of obfuscated servers that work well for bypassing VPN blocks.
- NordVPN uses military-grade encryption with 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy.
- The company follows a no-logs policy, ensuring that your browsing data remains private and secure.
- NordVPN provides apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.
- A single subscription allows up to six simultaneous connections.
Cons:
- The desktop app could be refined to provide a better user experience.
NordVPN is our top recommendation for an Instagram VPN. It provides the fastest VPN speeds and a vast network of servers, making it easy for you to find a server that meets your preferences. NordVPN offers a large set of obfuscated servers that work well for bypassing VPN blocks, such as those imposed by the Chinese government.
NordVPN secures web traffic with 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. It also provides DNS leak protection and a kill switch in all apps except Android. NordVPN keeps no logs whatsoever and accepts payment in Bitcoin, which allows for anonymous payment if used with a mixing service.
NordVPN provides live chat and email support around the clock. With NordVPN, you can use a single subscription to connect up to six devices. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, making this a risk-free deal.
2. Surfshark
Pros:
- Surfshark is a highly affordable VPN that can unblock Instagram and many other platforms with ease.
- With a network of around 3,000 servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark offers fast speeds, especially after implementing the WireGuard protocol.
- Surfshark is a true no-logs provider with strong online security features, including military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and a kill switch on all platforms.
- Surfshark offers protection against leaks, malware, and trackers, as well as MultiHop servers for two layers of encryption.
- Surfshark imposes no limit on the number of devices that can be connected at one time.
- 24/7 live-chat support is available for all users.
Cons:
- While Surfshark’s network is broad, it is smaller than that of many of its rivals.
Overall, Surfshark is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-cost VPN that can unblock Instagram and other platforms with ease. It offers strong encryption and privacy features, including a true no-logs policy. With its fast speeds and unlimited device connections, Surfshark is a great choice for families or those with multiple devices. While its network is not as large as some of its rivals, Surfshark’s excellent features and affordability make it a top choice for budget-conscious users.
3. ExpressVPN
Pros:
- ExpressVPN is optimized for fast connections, ensuring that you have the best possible experience while browsing the web.
- With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, you can easily access any content you want, no matter where you are in the world.
- ExpressVPN uses high-grade encryption to keep your data safe and secure. This provider leverages 256-bit AES with perfect forward secrecy by default.
- The easy-to-use apps for major operating systems make it easy for you to connect to the VPN and start browsing securely.
- With ExpressVPN, you can connect up to five devices simultaneously, making it perfect for families or small businesses.
Cons:
- While ExpressVPN is reasonably priced, some rivals are slightly cheaper. However, the quality of service more than makes up for the slightly higher cost.
- While the apps are easy to use, they may not have all the advanced features that power-users are looking for.
ExpressVPN is a great unblocker, enabling you to access restricted and censored services with ease. The service has a vast network of servers optimized for speedy connections, ensuring that you always have a fast and reliable connection. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service risk-free.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a reliable and fast VPN service that is perfect for anyone looking to browse the web securely and access any content they want. With high-grade encryption, fast connections, and excellent customer support, ExpressVPN is a top choice for anyone looking for a VPN service.
4. AtlasVPN
Pros:
- AtlasVPN is suitable for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
- It offers first-class speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
- AtlasVPN prioritizes your privacy and has a strict no-logs policy.
Cons:
- You cannot install AtlasVPN on routers.
- AtlasVPN tracks data about your connected devices.
AtlasVPN is a versatile VPN service that is compatible with various devices, including PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and FireTV. With over 750 servers in more than 40 countries, AtlasVPN guarantees fast and reliable connections. It uses AES encryption and has a built-in kill switch for added security. Additionally, it offers split tunneling and multi-hop servers for advanced features.
One of the standout features of AtlasVPN is its excellent unblocking ability, making it perfect for bypassing geo-restrictions on Instagram. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to ease your mind.
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s Instagram-friendly, AtlasVPN is a solid pick. It offers unlimited device connections, making it versatile for both desktop and mobile users. However, it cannot be installed on routers, and it tracks data about your connected devices. Overall, AtlasVPN is a reliable VPN service that prioritizes your privacy and offers advanced features for added security and flexibility.
5. PrivateVPN
Pros:
- PrivateVPN offers a stealth VPN mode that obfuscates your traffic, making it undetectable. This is a great feature for those who want to access blocked platforms and services.
- The provider allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously, which is a generous number.
- PrivateVPN is a true no-logs provider, meaning that it doesn’t keep any records of your online activity.
Cons:
- PrivateVPN only has around 150 servers in 60 countries, which is a relatively small network compared to some of its competitors.
- While PrivateVPN provides free remote help and installation, its customer support could be improved.
PrivateVPN is a small but reliable VPN provider that is suitable for Instagram users. The VPN works well in China and other restrictive countries, and its “Stealth VPN” mode ensures that your traffic is undetectable. PrivateVPN offers good speeds for browsing, streaming, and torrenting. The provider uses military-grade encryption and employs perfect forward secrecy by default. Apps have built-in leak protection, and the Windows client includes a kill switch. PrivateVPN also offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, and desktop clients for Windows and macOS.
Overall, PrivateVPN is a good choice for those who want a reliable VPN with a small network and a true no-logs policy.
6. Private Internet Access
Pros:
- Private Internet Access allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for families or small businesses.
- With over 10,000 servers in more than 80 countries, you can easily find a server that suits your needs.
- Private Internet Access allows you to customize your encryption level, which is ideal for users who want more control over their online security.
Cons:
- While Private Internet Access is generally good at unblocking websites, some users have reported inconsistent results.
- Private Internet Access is based in the United States, which means it is part of the Five Eyes Alliance. This may be a concern for users who prioritize privacy.
Private Internet Access is a popular VPN service that offers fast and reliable servers in over 80 locations. With apps available for PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and FireTV, Private Internet Access is a versatile choice for users who want to protect their online privacy.
One of the key advantages of Private Internet Access is its ability to unblock websites, including Instagram, from any of its servers. Private Internet Access uses military-grade encryption to keep your online activities safe from prying eyes, and its unlimited bandwidth and use of the WireGuard protocol ensure that you can stream videos on Instagram without any issues.
Private Internet Access takes your privacy seriously and doesn’t monitor your activity. It also offers additional features like ad blocking, malware blocking, a network kill switch, and DNS leak protection to bolster your privacy and security.
While Private Internet Access is based in the United States, it has a transparent privacy policy and has refused to provide logs of user data when requested by authorities. With support available 24/7 and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Private Internet Access is a solid choice for users who want a reliable and customizable VPN service.
How to Access Instagram with a VPN
If you’re having trouble accessing Instagram due to geo-restrictions, using a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access the app from anywhere in the world. Here’s how to access Instagram with a VPN:
- Choose a VPN provider that suits your needs and budget. We recommend NordVPN for its reliability and security.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Log in to the app and connect to a server in a location where Instagram is accessible.
- Once the connection is established, open Instagram and use it normally.
- If you’re still experiencing issues, try clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the app.
If you encounter any problems, contact your VPN provider’s customer support for assistance. With a VPN, you can enjoy unrestricted access to Instagram and other geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.
Finding the Best VPNs for Instagram: Our Methodology
When it comes to finding the best VPNs for Instagram, there are several factors to consider. In this section, we’ll outline our methodology and the criteria we used to identify the top VPNs for use with Instagram.
Servers Worldwide
One important factor to consider is the number of servers a VPN offers worldwide. This is particularly important if you want to unblock Instagram and find a fast server close to your physical location. All of the VPNs we’ve covered in this post offer large server networks, with some having thousands of servers across dozens of countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and Japan.
Speed
Server speed is crucial when it comes to streaming content on Instagram. VPNs that offer fast connections and unlimited bandwidth (such as those listed in this post) allow you to watch without issues such as lag and buffering. Our speed tests helped us find the fastest VPNs for use with Instagram.
Unblocking
Instagram is blocked in China and many schools and workplaces. Therefore, we tested each VPN against various region-locked websites and services, including Instagram, to determine the most reliable VPNs for bypassing restrictions.
Security
To browse Instagram securely, you need a VPN that offers high-end encryption (256-bit AES), protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. NordVPN and Surfshark offer Double VPN servers for an extra layer of security.
Privacy
Without a VPN, your ISP (and possibly your government) can see your online activity. To keep your Instagram and other browsing activity private, you need a VPN that encrypts your data and operates a no-logs policy. We’ve looked at over 140 VPN logging policies to find the best VPNs for privacy.
Ease of Use
We’ve tried out the VPN apps ourselves to find those that are particularly user-friendly. All of the VPNs make it easy to get started, and most offer 24/7 live chat and email support. Additionally, many of the VPNs offer browser extensions for even quicker access to servers.
Value for Money
We believe that the best VPNs for Instagram offer excellent value for money. Aside from frequently running special deals, you can save even more on the subscription price with the VPN discount coupons provided in this post. Remember, all of the VPNs listed come with a risk-free money-back guarantee.
In conclusion, our methodology for finding the best VPNs for Instagram involved testing each VPN against the above criteria. We only recommend VPNs that passed our tests and offer a reliable and secure service for use with Instagram.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Instagram?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN with Instagram. VPNs are legitimate privacy tools that allow you to access the internet securely and anonymously. While there are some countries that restrict the use of VPNs, in most places there is no need to worry about getting into trouble for using a VPN with Instagram. Using a VPN can help protect your online privacy and security while using Instagram.
How to Access Instagram Music from Anywhere
If you’re in a country where Instagram Music isn’t supported, you can still access it by using a VPN. Simply connect to a VPN server in a supported country, clear your cookies, and log in again. This will trick Instagram into thinking you’re in a supported country and allow you to use the feature. Keep in mind that using a VPN may slow down your internet speed, so choose a high-quality VPN service for the best experience.
Will Instagram know you’re using a VPN?
As Instagram is owned by Facebook, it’s safe to assume that the service has access to a lot of information about its users. However, it appears that Instagram doesn’t actively block VPNs, as users have reported being able to unblock Instagram Music from abroad without any major issues. So, if you’re having trouble accessing Instagram with a VPN active, it’s worth checking if you have an ad-blocker enabled, as this has been known to cause problems with some sites. Overall, it seems that Instagram won’t know you’re using a VPN and won’t actively block it.
Should You Use a Free VPN to Unblock Instagram?
Free VPN services are widely advertised on the internet and can be tempting, especially if you’re looking to unblock Instagram. However, we strongly advise against using them. These services often fail to bypass blocks, and even if they do, you’ll end up with poor performance.
Free VPNs usually operate a limited number of servers that are shared among many users. As a result, you may have to wait in a queue to connect, and then deal with slow and unreliable connections.
Moreover, no service is truly free, and with free VPNs, it’s highly likely that you become the product. These services often keep logs of user activity and sell user profiles to third parties.
In terms of security, free VPNs are not reliable. Even if you’re lucky enough to have an encrypted connection, it’s likely to be weak, leaving you vulnerable to hackers and other snoopers.
Overall, we recommend paying a small fee to use a reputable VPN service that offers better performance, security, and privacy. It’s worth the investment to ensure your online safety and enjoy a seamless Instagram experience.
Why Instagram is Blocked?
If you are unable to access Instagram at your workplace or school, it is likely due to productivity concerns. Network administrators often block Instagram and other social media platforms to prevent employees and students from wasting their time. Another reason for blocking Instagram is to prevent network congestion.
However, in some countries, such as China, Instagram is blocked by the government for censorship purposes. The Chinese government blocks popular media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to control the information and communication channels available to its citizens. Additionally, these restrictions create opportunities for domestic competitors to dominate the market.
Instagram has been intermittently blocked in China since 2014, and it is currently entirely blocked in the country. Other countries that have banned Instagram include Iran and North Korea.
Can You Use a Proxy to Change Your Instagram Location?
Using a proxy is an option to change your Instagram location, just like a VPN. By spoofing your location, Instagram will think that you are located in a different country. This method is commonly used by people to access Instagram from countries where it is blocked or to bypass a ban. However, it is important to note that using a proxy does not offer the same level of security as a VPN, which encrypts your internet traffic. Keep this in mind when deciding which method to use for changing your Instagram location.
Can Instagram Track You If You Use a VPN?
Using a VPN can help you stay anonymous on Instagram by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. However, if you’re using Instagram on your mobile device, your GPS location may still be visible to Instagram. To prevent this, you can use a GPS spoofing app to fake your location. This will ensure that Instagram cannot track your actual location and you can use the platform with a higher degree of privacy.
How to Post on Instagram Using a VPN
Posting on Instagram using a VPN is just as easy as posting without one. The only difference is that you’ll have an added layer of security and privacy protection. With a VPN, you can access Instagram from any country, even if it’s blocked. Here’s how to post on Instagram using a VPN:
- Connect to a VPN server located in a country where Instagram is not blocked.
- Open the Instagram app and log in to your account.
- Create your post by selecting a photo or video, adding filters, and writing a caption.
- Click on the “Share” button to post your content.
That’s it! Your post will be shared on Instagram with improved security and privacy protection.
Do the Top VPNs for Instagram Work with Threads?
Since Threads is closely linked to Instagram, it comes as no surprise that you can use the best VPNs for Instagram with Threads. All you need to do is connect to a VPN server in a country where Threads is available, such as the US, to unblock it.
Fortunately, Threads has already launched in 100 countries, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a server that works for you. However, it’s worth noting that Threads is not yet available in the European Union due to the region’s stricter privacy laws.
With a reliable VPN service, you can easily bypass these restrictions and access Threads from anywhere in the world. So if you’re looking to use Threads without any limitations, consider using a top-rated VPN that offers fast speeds and robust security features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top VPN services for accessing Instagram Music?
If you are looking for a VPN service to access Instagram Music, you should consider some of the top VPN services available in the market. Some of the popular VPNs for accessing Instagram Music are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost. These VPN services provide fast and reliable connections, which are essential for streaming music on Instagram.
How can you ensure your VPN is compatible with Instagram features like reels?
To ensure that your VPN is compatible with Instagram features like reels, you should choose a VPN service that has a large server network. This will allow you to connect to servers in different regions and access Instagram features like reels. Additionally, you should look for VPNs that offer fast and stable connections to prevent buffering or lagging when using Instagram.
Are there reliable VPN options for using Instagram on iOS devices?
Yes, there are reliable VPN options for using Instagram on iOS devices. Many VPN services offer dedicated apps for iOS devices, which are easy to install and use. Some of the top VPNs for iOS devices are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. These VPNs offer fast and secure connections, which are essential for using Instagram on iOS devices.
Can using a VPN help increase followers on Instagram?
Using a VPN may not necessarily increase your followers on Instagram. However, it can help you access Instagram from different regions, which can be useful if you want to target audiences in different countries. Additionally, using a VPN can help you protect your online privacy and security, which is important when using social media platforms like Instagram.
What are the potential consequences of using a VPN with Instagram in restricted regions?
Using a VPN with Instagram in restricted regions may violate Instagram’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended or banned. Additionally, some countries have strict laws regarding the use of VPNs, and using a VPN in these regions could lead to legal consequences. Therefore, it is important to use a VPN with caution and only in regions where it is legal to do so.
How do you resolve issues when Instagram does not work with your VPN?
If you are experiencing issues when using Instagram with your VPN, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, you should check if your VPN is compatible with Instagram and ensure that you are connected to a server that supports Instagram. You can also try changing your VPN server or switching to a different VPN service. Additionally, you can try clearing your browser cache or reinstalling the Instagram app to see if that resolves the issue.