6 Best VPN for Social Media in 2023

Social media has grown from infancy to mainstream status in the last two decades. Today, more than 4 billion users access social networking sites worldwide, but you may still need a social media VPN to access these platforms in some areas.

This is because platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are heavily censored or outright blocked in some countries. Even in regions free of Internet censorship, companies and educational institutions restrict access to social networks to prevent users from ignoring their assigned tasks.

Luckily, a social media VPN can help you bypass those roadblocks, whether they are enacted by your government, your ISP, or the platform itself. A VPN masks your real IP address and makes you appear as if you’re browsing from a different location.

In this article, we will take you through everything you need to know about social media VPNs. We will take a look at the best VPNs for social media (based on our hands-on tests), what features to look for when choosing one, and finish off with a series of FAQs.

Quick Guide - 6 Best VPN for Social Media

Most VPNs claim to provide access to social media, but not all of them work as advertised. After extensive research and testing, we found that these 6 services work best for social media.

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Social Media VPN
2. NordVPN - Strong Security & Access to Social Media
3. CyberGhost VPN - Extra-Wide Server Reach for Accessing Social Media
4. Surfshark - Unblock Social Media on Unlimited Devices at Once
5. Private Internet Access - Ultra-Tough Social Media VPN
6. IPVanish - Budget-Friendly VPN for Social Media

How to Unblock Social Media Sites Using VPN

Depending on whether you’re using the VPN app or the browser extension, the setup is slightly different. However, it usually takes less than 2 minutes to set them up and use either version.

1. Sign up for a VPN for social media (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app from the official VPN website.
3. Connect to a server location where social media isn’t censored.
4. Sign in to your social media account. That's it!

Best Social Media VPN

The best VPN for social media must bypass social media censorship and provide uninterrupted access to all social networking sites. It should also have a strict no-logs policy, solid encryption with high-end VPN protocols, and must provide plenty of servers. Additionally, it should offer reliable customer support and good value for your money.

Based on our research and testing, these are the top 6 VPNs to unblock social media.

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Social Media VPN

ExpressVPN is the best social media VPN because it offers uninterrupted access to practically any social media platform. With over 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, you can access social media from almost anywhere. It is based in the British Virgin Islands, which falls outside the influence of the 14-Eyes Alliance. Therefore, you can rest assured that your data won’t be subjected to government surveillance.

With ExpressVPN, you get consistently fast speeds on both local and remote servers. It comes with the Smart Location feature, which automatically connects you to the most optimal server for uninterrupted social media access.

ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is the same standard used by the NSA to protect sensitive information. It offers a no-logs service that has recently been audited and verified independently by KPMG and Cure53. 

The zero-logs service is made possible by Trusted Server technology that uses RAM. Since RAM is volatile memory, it can retain data only when it’s connected to a power source. All the data is erased as the server is rebooted or turned off.

You also benefit from an automatic kill switch that cuts your Internet traffic in case your VPN connection drops. ExpressVPN also prevents data leaks, thanks to its built-in leak protection feature. We ran several tests and couldn’t find any IP or DNS leaks.

You can browse social media anonymously on up to 5 devices at once using this VPN. Its 24/7 support is accessible via live chat, should you need it. And if you aren’t satisfied with the service, you can ask for a refund using ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN - Strong Security & Access to Social Media

NordVPN is another reliable VPN for unblocking social media. It is based in Panama, which is a privacy-friendly country with strict data protection laws. NordVPN offers 5,500+ servers in 59 countries and all of them can help you access social media from anywhere around the world.

It offers top-notch security with AES 256-bit encryption and a proven zero-logs policy. Similar to ExpressVPN, NordVPN uses RAM-only servers that ensure no data is logged permanently as you’re connected to social media. The company also owns its server network, which makes third-party breaches nearly impossible.

Another useful feature of NordVPN is its use of obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re connected to a VPN. So, even if a government, network admin, or social networking platform decides to block VPNs, you can use obfuscated servers to evade these restrictions.

To further strengthen VPN security, NordVPN offers a Double VPN feature that routes your Internet traffic through two servers before reaching its destination. This means your data is first encrypted on your device and then re-encrypted on a remote VPN server. The encrypted data then passes through a second VPN server, where it’s decrypted. Thus, you reach your favorite social network privately and securely.

NordVPN offers additional security features, including a kill switch, full leak protection, as well as malware and ad blocker. It supports up to 6 simultaneous connections. You also get 24/7 live chat support for instant help with connection issues or general queries. And if you think the service isn’t right for you, you can ask for a full refund within 30 days.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Extra-Wide Server Reach for Accessing Social Media

CyberGhost VPN has a vast server network with 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries. However, it doesn’t offer obfuscated servers to make your Internet activity indistinguishable from normal browsing. This means you won’t be able to use the service in countries with a high level of censorship like China.

However, a standout feature of this VPN is the special NoSpy servers that you can choose as an optional add-on for end-to-end data protection. That's how you can browse social media sites like Facebook and Instagram without worrying about third parties tracking your activities. These servers are managed by the CyberGhost VPN team, so there’s no risk of your data falling into the wrong hands.

CyberGhost VPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption and operates under a strict no-logs policy. The company recently underwent an audit conducted by the leading global audit and consulting firm, Deloitte.

With CyberGhost, you also get full leak protection and a handy kill switch that disconnects you from the Internet if your VPN connection drops. While the service offers all the features required to unblock social media, it isn’t as reliable as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Some of the servers may need troubleshooting, which doesn’t make it an ideal option for VPN beginners.

That being said, CyberGhost VPN offers a 14-day money-back guarantee on its monthly plan and a generous 45 days refund guarantee on long-term plans. It is the longest refund policy on our list of the best social media VPNs, giving you enough time to try all its features.

4. Surfshark - Unblock Social Media on Unlimited Devices at Once

If you’re looking to unblock social media on an unlimited number of devices at once, Surfshark should be your top choice. It currently offers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. You can connect to any of these to access social media and bypass pesky restrictions.

Like most social media VPNs on the list, Surfshark uses 256-bit encryption to protect your online activities from prying eyes. It also features a kill switch and leak protection to safeguard your digital footprint. With a zero-logs policy – independently audited by the cybersecurity firm Cure53 – you can scroll social media without worrying about your data being logged.

Additionally, Surfshark offers special modes for privacy-conscious users. The Camouflage Mode masks your VPN connection and makes it appear like normal browsing activity. Similarly, the MultiHop mode (Surfshark’s double VPN feature) lets you connect via two servers and add an extra layer of security as you scroll through social media.

Surfshark also allows you to unblock social media sites in restrictive regions without issues using the NoBorders feature. The NoBorders mode turns on automatically once Surfshark detects restrictions on your network. You can also turn it on manually in the “Advanced” tab under “Settings.”

Since there’s no connection limit, you can access social media on as many devices as you’d like without breaking the bank. Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support and backs up its plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. Private Internet Access - Ultra-Tough Social Media VPN

Private Internet Access offers 30,000+ servers in 80+ countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks worldwide. Having so many servers means they're never overcrowded, which can otherwise slow down your connection speeds.

Although PIA is from a member country of the Five-Eyes Alliance, it operates under a strict no-logs policy. This policy has been independently audited and verified, so you can be sure that your social media activities won’t fall into the hands of hackers and Web trackers.

With the OpenVPN protocol, the default encryption level is set to AES 128-bit. However, we recommend you move it up to 256-bit. That means PIA is the only VPN on this list that allows you to fine-tune your encryption level.

Similar to other VPNs on the list, PIA also uses RAM-only servers. Unlike HDD-based servers that permanently store data unless manually wiped, RAM-only servers automatically erase all data every time they are rebooted. 

With PIA, you also get a useful kill switch and MultiHop feature that give you an extra layer of security. You can try PIA out totally risk-free using its 30-day refund policy. If you face an issue, you’d be glad to know that PIA offers responsive customer service via live chat and email.

6. IPVanish - Budget-Friendly VPN for Social Media

IPVanish is a capable VPN that works with social media for unblocking, while also supporting unlimited simultaneous device connections. This is great for those who access social media on multiple devices and want a single VPN license to protect their Internet activity.

IPVanish operates over 2,000 servers spread across 75+ locations around the world. You get consistent speeds on all servers regardless of the number of devices you connect at once.

Similar to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers, IPVanish offers a scramble feature that makes it difficult for anyone to recognize that you’re scrolling social media using a VPN. While this feature can only be used with the OpenVPN protocol, it becomes handy when you’re signing in to a platform that actively blocks VPNs. The feature, however, significantly slows down your speeds.

IPVanish uses AES 256-bit encryption and provides multiple protocols including WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2. It also comes with built-in DNS leak protection, enabled by default to protect your Internet traffic and location details.

Besides, you get a kill switch and an independently audited no-logs policy. If you ever need assistance, you can reach out to their support team via live chat, email, and phone. They also provide a knowledge database with tutorials and FAQs. Lastly, you can try all IPVanish features risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Selection Criteria - Here's What We Looked For in the Best VPN for Social Media

There are many VPNs out there that claim to provide access to social media, but what a VPN advertises can be far from what it's actually like in practice. We looked for the following criteria to find the best VPN that works with social media for unblocking:

• Fast speeds: The best social media VPN must offer consistent fast speeds (here's more info on the fastest VPN services) to ensure a seamless social media experience.
• Unlimited bandwidth: There should be no data or bandwidth caps that limit your social media access. So, you'll want access to your VPN 247.
• Extensive server network: You need a VPN with a vast server network, making it easy for users to access social media from any location around the world.
• Reliably unblock social media platforms: While the number of servers matters to a degree, it’s equally important that you can reliably access blocked social media with a VPN from different server locations.
• Zero-logs policy: VPNs should operate under a strict zero-logs policy, so users can access social media without worrying about their data leaking.
• Strong encryption: No one should see your social media sessions, searches, and connections once you’re connected to the VPN.

If you need additional help in choosing a VPN, check our VPN buyer's guide - where we talk about additional VPN features that you might find useful.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Social Media?

You need a VPN for social media because it’s the only tool that can reliably unblock social media sites if they’re blocked in your country. It enables you to change your IP address to a location where social media isn’t censored or blocked.

A social media VPN also shields your data from social media trackers and hackers. Since most premium VPNs offer a no-logs service, they prevent your social media activity from being logged and stop cybercriminals from accessing your personal data.

Thanks to strong encryption, a VPN ensures no one reads your data without the corresponding decryption key. It scrambles your data and makes it useless for hackers even if they intercept it.

Why Is Social Media Getting Banned in Some Countries?

It’s common for governments to ban social media during protests, in order to limit or stop the perpetuation and spread of public outrage. This approach, however unethical, is currently being used in Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea.

Some countries mess with social media during elections under the excuse of preventing the spread of misinformation (as happened in Turkey recently). We've also seen social media getting banned in Pakistan, as a method of preventing riots. Also, some cultural, religious, and national beliefs can encourage states to censor social media content.

What Are the Best Social Media Platforms Available in 2023?

The popularity of a social media platform is gauged by the number of monthly active users (MAUs) and engagement. Based on these metrics, these are the best social media platforms available in 2023:

1. Facebook - 2.9 billion MAUs
2. YouTube - 2.2 billion MAUs
3. WhatsApp - 2 billion MAUs
4. Instagram - 2 billion MAUs
5. TikTok - 1 billion MAUs
6. Snapchat - 538 million MAUs
7. Pinterest - 444 million MAUs
8. Twitter - 436 million MAUs
9. Reddit - 430 million MAUs
10. LinkedIn - 250 million MAUs

We have guides on a range of social media VPNs, so you can pick a VPN based on the social media platform(s) you primarily use. These are the best Facebook VPNs, YouTube VPNs, WhatsApp VPNs, Instagram VPNs, and TikTok VPNs.

Social Media Not Working with VPN - Here's How to Fix It

If your VPN stops working with social media, there are several fixes you can try. That said, you'll want to follow these steps:

• Restart the VPN app: If your social media VPN stops working, the first thing you can do is disconnect and restart the app.
• Switch to a new server: Social media platforms may flag certain IP addresses and restrict them from accessing the platform. Switching to a new server will resolve the issue by providing you with a new IP address.
• Switch to a new protocol: Most VPNs offer multiple connection protocols. If one VPN protocol doesn’t work, make sure you switch to a different protocol.
• Clear your cache and browser cookies: Social media sites can also block users’ access based on the information they receive from tracking cookies. Clearing your cache and browser cookies will often solve this problem.

Wondering what else to try when your VPN doesn't work? Use the provided link to get to our dedicated guide on resolving VPN technical issues.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Social Media?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for social media, but we strongly advise against it. Free VPNs offer atrociously slow Internet speeds and lack the necessary security features to protect your social media activity.

Worst of all, free VPNs may sell your data to third parties and expose you to identity theft and cyberbullying. To avoid these issues, we recommend picking any of our recommended VPNs, as they all feature a set of reliable privacy-defending technologies.

However, if you aren’t ready to purchase a premium-priced VPN yet, we recommend you pick a tried and tested service from our guide, the best free VPN services.

Final Thoughts

If you want to access social media sites in a country where they're censored or banned, you’ll need to get an IP from a whitelisted country. The best way to do so is by using a VPN. Still, not every VPN is worth your time, so be careful when choosing the best social media VPN.

Based on our research, we recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN to unblock social media. It offers excellent speeds and reliable connections on all supported devices. You also get solid encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a reliable service that can unblock all social media apps.

If you’d like to explore more options, check our central guide to the best VPN services. It includes additional VPNs that not only work with social media - but can also cater to your browsing, gaming, and streaming needs.

That would be all on the best social media VPN services. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thank you for reading!