6 Best VPNs for Social Media in 2024

Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are heavily censored or outright blocked in some countries. In regions free of censorship, companies and educational institutions restrict access to social networks to prevent users from ignoring their assigned tasks. Even social media apps impose geo-blocks for certain features until they're ready to be rolled out globally.

Luckily, a VPN can help you bypass those roadblocks, whether they are enacted by your government, your ISP, or the platform itself. It can also help you secure your privacy by offering end-to-end encryption where it doesn't exist while also assisting with regaining digital anonymity.

In this article, we will examine the best VPN for social media, explain why you need a VPN, explain why social media is banned in some countries, discuss what features to look for when choosing one, help you resolve technical issues, and finish with a series of FAQs.

How to Unblock Social Media Sites with a VPN

You need to connect to a VPN server in a country or region with access to your desired social media app. These are the steps you need to take:

1. Sign up for a VPN suitable for social media (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on any devices you own.
3. Open the VPN app and log in to access your account.
4. Connect to a server location where social media isn’t censored.
5. Sign in to your social media account. That's it!

The Best VPNs for Social Media in 2024

To find the best provider available, you need to stick to most of the criteria we used to pinpoint the best VPNs overall. That said, the most important thing is to find a VPN that can unblock social media sites and apps, giving you unrestricted access to that type of online content. In other words, go for a VPN with a sizable server network, as that'll give you more content-unblocking options.

Next, you'll want obfuscated servers, which is how you'll hide your VPN data from your Internet provider and social media admins. A kill switch will help protect your data if you disconnect from a VPN server for any reason. Those features go hand-in-hand with strong protocols, robust encryption, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy (an audited one, preferably). A feature that blocks ads and trackers would also be very useful in this case, and a leak-free environment is a must.

Also, the best option should offer native applications for all your devices (computers, phones, and more). It should also bring a sufficient number of simultaneous connections. Let's not forget that you'll want fast performance, a fair price and plenty of value, a generous money-back guarantee, as well as 24/7 live chat customer support.

So far, our team performed extensive tests on 53 VPN providers. Based on our findings, these are the 6 best VPNs for social media:

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best Social Media VPN in 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN to unblock any social media site or app. This VPN gives you full access to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter (X), YouTube, Pinterest, Snapchat, TruthSocial, and plenty more from any country worldwide. It has 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, covering all the most popular VPN locations.

If you need an extra layer of protection and content-unblocking, know that NordVPN offers obfuscated servers in various locations. Of course, there's also a kill switch, making sure your data doesn't leak if your VPN connection drops. Needless to say, NordVPN is a no-logs provider with numerous independent audits under its belt.

With this VPN, you get protocols like OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard), and IKEv2/IPsec paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. We'll also note that split tunneling is on board, as well as a feature called 'Threat Protection,' which eliminates ads and online trackers. On top of that, you get 10 simultaneous connections, as well as a 100% leak-free environment, as our tests have proven.

NordVPN works on practically any device. No matter if you want to make social media unblocked on your computer or mobile device, this VPN offers you a native app. It's also among the fastest VPNs overall, which can bring ultra-fast speeds even if you connect to overly remote servers. While testing this VPN, we managed to get 468 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection, which is a fantastic result.

You can start using NordVPN for only $3.09/month by picking its 2-year plan. If you think the service isn’t right for you, you can ask for a full refund within 30 days. Lastly, you get 24/7 live chat support for instant help with connection issues or general queries.

To check what else to expect out of this capable VPN, here's our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark - User-Friendly VPN for Social Media to Unblock Any Platform

Surfshark is a hugely powerful VPN provider with strong content-unblocking features. It allows you to access Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), Pinterest, and TikTok, as well as other online communities like Reddit, Snapchat, and more. It features a massive server network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

This VPN also offers 'Camouflage Mode,' which is the VPN's term for obfuscation. So, if you're in a country where social media is under tight control, Surfshark will unblock Internet access every single time. There's also a kill switch, so you won't have to worry about accidental data leaks that could put your privacy in danger.

Surfshark is built upon protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. And, of course, independent audits have proven that Surfshark is a no-logs VPN service. On top of that, you get unlimited simultaneous connections and features like split tunneling and ad/tracker blocking. Surfshark is also free of DNS/IP/WebRTC leaks.

You'll also be happy to hear that Surfshark works on any device. It offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and countless more. It's also among the fastest VPNs (especially if you pick WireGuard), even though it can take a while to connect at times. In our tests, it managed to achieve 432 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection.

Surfshark comes at a great price; only $2.19/month for its 2-year subscription plan. To show that it has nothing to hide, it offers a 30-day money-back policy. Finally, aside from installation guides, tutorials, and FAQs, this VPN also features 24/7 live chat customer support.

Make sure to visit our Surfshark review if you need more information.

3. ExpressVPN - Ultra-Secure VPN for High-End Privacy Protection

ExpressVPN is a stellar VPN that takes care of your privacy while using social media. Of course, that also means you'll gain unlimited access to any social media app/site, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and countless more. One of the reasons for that is the size of its network, which counts thousands of servers in 105 countries.

What's interesting about ExpressVPN is that it offers obfuscation across the board. That means all its servers are obfuscated by default. On top of that, ExpressVPN's 'Network Lock' is a kill switch that can protect you in case of unexpected events surrounding your VPN session. Split tunneling is also on board, and as per our hands-on tests, you won't encounter a single data leak.

This VPN brings protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and Lightway, which you won't find elsewhere. Those are paired with AES-256 and WolfSSL, ensuring you get the best possible privacy protection without having to fine-tune the VPN. Aside from that, you get an audited no-logs policy, as well as 8 simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN can eliminate ads and trackers.

We can also recommend ExpressVPN's apps, which are available on any popular platform. They don't allow you to fine-tune a lot of things, so they're suitable even for beginners. You'll also like ExpressVPN's fast performance, which always impresses us, whether we use a nearby or highly remote server. This VPN managed to get us 630 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection - without any fine-tuning.

ExpressVPN is priced at $6.67/month for its annual plan, which is also backed by a solid 30-day money-back policy. Another great thing about ExpressVPN is its customer support. You get 24/7 live chat support, with ultra-helpful support agents awaiting your questions.

Want to see this VPN in action? If so, here's our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost VPN - Servers in 100 Countries for Accessing Social Media

CyberGhost VPN has a vast network of thousands of servers in 100 countries. It even offers specialized servers for unblocking the Web, which you can use to bypass geo-blocks imposed by social media apps. So, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Pinterest, Reddit, and more will become freely available.

That said, CyberGhost doesn’t offer obfuscation 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. On the other hand, you do get an automated kill switch.

CyberGhost VPN uses military-grade AES-256 and ChaCha20 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. This VPN is built upon OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard and comes with 7 simultaneous connections. Furthermore, CyberGhost includes split tunneling and a feature to battle against trackers and ads. Plus, there are no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

Next, CyberGhost offers nicely designed apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. It also covers mobile devices powered by Android and iOS/iPadOS. We'll also mention that it offers fast and reliable performance. As we did with the other VPNs, we tested its US server, whose download speed was 447 Mbps on a 700 Mbps baseline connection.

To become a subscriber, you can pay as low as $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. That said, CyberGhost offers a 14-day money-back policy on its monthly plan and a 45-day refund guarantee on long-term plans. No matter which plan you pick, you'll also gain access to 24/7 live chat customer support.

Learn what else our experts think about this VPN by reading our CyberGhost VPN review.

5. Private Internet Access - Ultra-Tough & Highly Customizable VPN

Private Internet Access offers thousands of servers in 90+ countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks worldwide. What's unique here is that PIA covers all 50 US states, making it great for unblocking US-based social media apps/sites, like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more.

If you need an extra kick when unblocking sites, you can rely on PIA's obfuscation. It comes as an optional feature, which isn't surprising for this VPN as it has a high degree of customization. There are also two types of kill switches, letting you instruct the VPN how to handle your data in case of a connection drop in a very specific way. You can also count on in-depth split tunneling support.

Next, you get protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20. You can also decrease that to AES-128 if you need a faster connection. Aside from that, PIA sticks to its court-proven no-logs policy and comes with an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Let's not forget that ad-blocking is on board, as well as protection against tracking. Plus, we encountered no data leaks while testing PIA's servers.

You can run this VPN on practically any Web-connected device imaginable. That means you'll get to install it on your computer and handheld device and browse social media apps without any restrictions. PIA also works on streaming devices and even routers. We'll also mention that PIA managed to get us 494 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection.

The lowest you can pay for PIA is $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. No matter which subscription plan you pick, you'll get 30-day money-back guarantees. In case of any issues or questions, you'll get to rely on PIA's 24/7 live chat customer support.

Our Private Internet Access review can give you a behind-the-scenes look at this provider.

6. IPVanish - Budget-Friendly Option for Bypassing Geo Blocks

IPVanish is a budget-friendly VPN service that makes unblocking social media apps easy. It's great for home users who seek a fully automated VPN solution. This VPN brings 2,400+ servers across 90+ locations. Even though its server fleet is on the smaller side, you won't have any issues unblocking the most popular social media networks.

Also, IPVanish doesn't skimp on the most important features. It comes with obfuscation, so you can scramble your VPN data and make it unreadable. There's also a kill switch so that you don't have to worry about your privacy if you disconnect by accident. On top of all that, IPVanish is an audited no-logs provider.

IPVanish uses AES 256-bit encryption and provides multiple protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. It also comes with built-in DNS leak protection, enabled by default to protect your Internet traffic and location details. Split tunneling is part of IPVanish's offer. There's also ad-blocking and anti-tracking prevention. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections and 100% leak-free data tunnels.

You can install IPVanish on computers and handheld devices, which makes it easy to pair with social media sites and apps. Aside from that, this VPN also works on streaming devices and compatible routers. Its performance is also excellent - it gave us 452 Mbps (on a 700 Mbps Web connection) when using a remote server (in the US).

IPVanish currently starts at $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. You'll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes this VPN a risk-free purchase. We'll also add that IPVanish offers 24/7 live chat support, as well as installation guides, tutorials, explainers, email support, and more.

If you're willing to learn more, our next destination should be our IPVanish review.

Comparison of the Best Social Media VPNs

How Did We Rank the Best VPNs for Social Media?

In preparation for this in-depth article, we tested 53 VPN providers, paying close attention to their content-unblocking abilities, performance, overall security, user experience, and more. We did our best to create a series of comprehensive testing steps, so let's explain each in detail.

1. Verifying Compatibility with Social Media Apps

The first step of our testing methodology involves checking how each VPN works with social media apps. To check this, we connect to a VPN server before accessing Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Viber, Skype, Omegle, Truth Social, and more. Then, we check for performance or technical issues with logging in, posting content, streaming media, photo uploading, and messaging.

2. Assessing Performance and Speed

You'll want a VPN that doesn't interfere too much with your connection's performance. So, to check how each VPN handles that, we use Ookla's SpeedTest to measure download/upload speeds after connecting to multiple nearby and remote servers. We use the same testing tool to check how latency is impacted, and we pick those VPNs with the lowest negative impact on our baseline connection.

3. Evaluating Security and Privacy

The primary purpose of any VPN is to safeguard your digital privacy. So, we check each VPN to see whether it supports robust protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. We also check for support for AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, which is tested using the Wireshark tool. Lastly, we use IPLeaks.net to inspect if IP or DNS leaks appear while using BrowserLeaks.com to check for WebRTC leaks.

4. Checking Usability and User Experience

We aim to recommend easy-to-use VPN services that offer a polished and streamlined interface. So, all our recommendations offer easy setup procedures, easy-to-understand settings, and an effortless way to connect to VPN servers. On top of that, we also check how well each VPN works on platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more.

5. Testing Geo-Unblocking Capabilities

Social media apps are often blocked in certain countries, which is seen as a highly effective censorship measure. So, we check how well each VPN can unblock social media apps and bypass geo-blocks. We test this using servers in countries with free and unlimited access to social media, such as the US, and then we check for any issues or performance fluctuations.

6. Examining Split Tunneling Functionality

Split tunneling can be quite helpful for more advanced users, as it allows you to create a VPN and a non-VPN connection simultaneously. So, we set up split tunneling and instructed social media apps to go through our VPN tunnel. Then, we enable the VPN and check whether other apps route through our baseline connection, noting any leaks or performance disturbances.

7. Inspecting Ad and Tracker Blocking

We all know how aggressive social media apps are in terms of tracking and bombarding us with ads. VPNs can help significantly with that. We check each VPN's ad- and tracker-blocking feature by first enabling it. Then, we assess the number of ads removed and check how well cross-site tracking prevention works.

8. Assessing Customer Support Quality

We approach each VPN's customer support team via live chat or email. Then, we ask about resolving issues with accessing social media applications. Our team notes each team's responsiveness and overall knowledge in assisting subscribers. We highlight those VPNs that offer timely assistance and on-point responses.

9. Reviewing Pricing and Overall Value

All of the features described above should come at an affordable price point. So, we review each VPN's short- and long-term plans, and we compare their overall value. That way, you can rest assured that the money spent on a VPN will become a valuable investment. Also, we check for any special promotions or deals that make certain VPNs a better deal at the moment than others.

10. Drawing Final Conclusions

In the end, we compare the results of our hands-on testing. More precisely, we compare each VPN's geo-unblocking capability, compatibility with social media apps, performance, overall usability, and more. Then, we highlight those VPNs that offer the best possible experience of using social media apps, ensuring you get secure, speedy, and unlimited access.

Why Do You Need a VPN for Social Media?

You'll want a VPN to protect your privacy and gain unlimited access to any social media app or website (by bypassing geo-blocks). Here are more details.

• Bypass Geo-Blocks from Unsupported Countries: Some social media apps and sites are available in specific countries only, mostly due to regulatory reasons. With a VPN, you can change your virtual location and unblock social media apps and sites.
• Access New Social Media Apps: Niche social media apps are typically available in a limited manner in certain regions or countries. To access those communities, you need a VPN, which will hide your original/actual location.
• Encrypt Your Texts and Media: Not all social media apps/sites bring end-to-end encryption that can make your texts and media private. Most of them can see everything you send and upload. With a VPN, you can ensure that encryption is present no matter what you do online.
• Connect Safely to Public Wi-Fi: In general, public Wi-Fi networks are quite intrusive, as their admins employ systems for collecting data. Since a VPN encrypts your connection, it also makes any public Wi-Fi as safe as it could possibly be.
• Hide Your Browsing History: Your Internet provider and individual websites can see plenty of information about your online activities, including your Web browsing history. The best providers will ensure your private data never surfaces on the Web.
• Hide Your IP Address: Based on your IP address, Internet trackers can see your physical location and follow you on the Web. However, a VPN gives you a new IP every time you connect to a server, disabling trackers from doing their job.
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling: Your Internet provider could be throttling your connection's speed during certain online activities. If you browse social media without limitations and watch every video in the highest resolution available, a VPN can help you bypass any kind of throttling.
• Browse Social Media While Traveling: You don't want any online access restrictions when traveling, which often happens with social media sites. Simply use a VPN and a server back home to continue browsing the Web with no annoyances.

How to Choose the Best Social Media VPN?

To choose the best option available, inspect each VPN's server size, logging policy, the ability to unblock sites/apps, and more. Use the following pointers.

• Ability to Unblock Social Media: You'll want a VPN that can unblock social media without any hurdles and with a reputation for being able to bypass geo-blocks.
• Server Network Size & Distribution: Your chosen VPN should offer servers in countries with free access to social media. For example, US-based servers are always a good pick.
• Obfuscated Servers: If you're in a country with limited or censored access to social media, obfuscation will ensure that no one sees that you're unblocking sites with a VPN.
• Kill Switch: VPN connections can sometimes drop for a number of reasons. In that case, a kill switch will make sure your data and your IP address remain protected.
• No-Logs Policy: A VPN keeps you private on the Web by hiding what you do online. That said, a no-logs policy will ensure that even your VPN is unaware of your activities.
• Strong Protocols & Encryption: For bypassing geo-blocks, we recommend going with OpenVPN with AES-256 or WireGuard with ChaCha20.
• Simultaneous Connections: Most VPNs support 5 to 10 simultaneous connections. Some make no limitations of such kind, so think about how many devices you want to protect.
• Supported Devices: Based on whether you use social media apps or sites, pick a VPN that doesn't force you to configure it manually. Go for native apps instead.
• Performance and Speed: Avoid throttling and speed reductions by choosing a VPN known for its speed, allowing you to continue with your favorite Internet activities.
• Pricing: Even the most capable VPNs don't have to cost a lot, especially if you invest in a long-term subscription, which is where you'll find steep discounts most often.
• Money-Back Guarantees: The most trustworthy VPNs should come with a generous money-back policy, giving you plenty of time to test-drive its capabilities.
• Customer Support: Lastly, going for a VPN with 24/7 live chat support means you'll resolve any technical issue without interruptions to your VPN connectivity.

Why Is Social Media Getting Banned in Some Countries?

It’s common for governments to ban social media during protests 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, and some even jail social media users when posting fake news. We've also seen social media getting banned in Pakistan as a method of preventing riots. Furthermore, many are turning to digital tools to unblock social media in Russia, as that country is currently going against Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and even YouTube.

That said, social media apps and sites are most often banned to maintain political stability and national security, as well as to impose traditional social values. There are also regulatory bans, which we've seen happen with TikTok in the United States, which has threatened to be banned multiple times during the past year.

What Are the Best Social Media Platforms Available in 2024?

The best social media platforms in 2024 are Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, which have from 2 to 3 million monthly active users each. Since they have such a wide user base, especially Facebook, they are the best way to enter large communities online.

Here's the list of the top 20 social media platforms in 2024 based on the number of monthly active users:

Social Media Platform	Monthly Active Users
Facebook	3.0 billion
YouTube	2.7 billion
WhatsApp	2 billion
Instagram	1.3 billion
WeChat	1.3 billion
TikTok	1.05 billion
Telegram	1.03 billion
LinkedIn	1.0 billion
Reddit	850 million
Snapchat	750 million
Qzone	600 million
Sina Weibo	584 million
X (Twitter)	556 million
Tumblr	547 million
Pinterest	498 million
Kuaishou	370 million
Quora	300 million
Discord	175 million
Threads	160 million
Twitch	140 million

VPN Not Working With Social Media Sites? - Here's How to Fix

If your VPN stops working with social media, you can try another VPN server or go with another VPN protocol. Here's more information on how to troubleshoot your VPN.

• Check Your Internet Connection: Before doing anything else, make sure that your Internet connection works properly. Disconnect from your Web and try browsing the Web. See if the pages open normally. If not, you can contact your Internet provider.
• Restart Your Device & VPN: If your VPN stops working, the first thing you can do is restart your device, which will also restart your VPN app. We also recommend restarting your router by keeping it unplugged for around 30 seconds.
• Try Another VPN 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.
• Try Another VPN Protocol: Most VPNs offer multiple connection protocols. If one VPN protocol doesn’t work, make sure you switch to a different protocol. If you're trying to unblock social media apps, go with OpenVPN or WireGuard.
• Update Your VPN: In general, VPN providers issue updates every couple of weeks, which helps them stay on top of the latest anti-VPN systems. So, if you haven't updated your VPN in a while, visit its settings and see if a new version is available.
• Clear Cache & 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.
• Disable Your Device's Firewall: Windows PCs can sometimes cause issues with VPNs as their firewall can be overly aggressive and block VPN connections. Try disabling the firewall and see if your VPN can once again unblock social media.
• Uninstall Other VPN Applications: Even the best VPNs can create a software conflict if multiple VPNs are installed. To resolve this issue, keep a single VPN installed and make sure to remove any manually configured VPN connections.
• Ask Your VPN for Help: If nothing else helps, you need to turn to your VPN for support. If you picked one of our recommended VPNs, you now have access to 24/7 live chat support, which is always the fastest way to troubleshoot your VPN.

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. Those providers offer atrociously slow speeds and lack the necessary security features to protect your social media activity.

Aside from that, they come with limited bandwidth, which means you'll get a certain amount of data you can spend per day or month. They also offer a handful of servers only and most of them support a single connection only. Therefore, you'll get a very limited experience overall.

Worst of all, free providers may sell your data to third parties (marketing agencies, in most cases) and expose you to identity theft and cyberbullying. Some can even infect your device with malware, which we've seen happen many times in the past.

Nothing can really replace a premium VPN. That said, you can go for a free VPN trial, as that's how you'll get premium features for a limited time. For example, NordVPN's free trial can be activated on Android and lasts 7 days. There's a 30-day money-back policy for other devices. Furthermore, most of the best VPN providers offer a way to test-drive their services for free.

Final Thoughts

Today's social media landscape is shaped by censorship, partial blocks, and misinformation that spreads like wildfire. That's precisely why it's time to consider your privacy and utilize a powerful VPN provider. A capable and trustworthy one will unblock your access to social media apps, lift any type of censorship, and keep you private and safe online.

Of course, you need to think twice about which VPN you'll pick. Not every VPN is equipped to guarantee a leak-free environment and fast enough performance that supports various social media features. On top of that, you'll want the highest level of anonymity, especially if you're in a country where social media blackouts are frequent, as those countries typically monitor and log a lot of sensitive data.

That's why we'll remind you that the best option is NordVPN. Thanks to its army of servers across 110+ countries and fantastic content-unblocking skills, this VPN is an effective tool for bypassing censorship. It also features ultra-fast speeds, keeps data leaks away, and works on practically any device out there, making us sure that it'll provide the best possible overall experience.

That would be all we've prepared for this guide. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thank you for reading!