Instagram is here to stay, and there’s no doubt about that; a billion users and growing attest to that fact. Granted, many individuals among that billion use it once a month only. But even if it still lags behind Facebook in terms of user numbers, let’s not forget that cardinality isn’t everything. Instagram seems more influential and relevant than its older, big brother.
However, not everybody loves Instagram. System admins in schools, universities, many corporations, and places of work invest a lot of attention in blocking Instagram. And some governments in the world also make an effort to keep Instagram at bay. (China comes to mind, but it’s not the only one.)
But if you are an Instagram user who wants to keep up to date about every picture, story, and message you can get on this network, there’s good news for you. Not only you will be able to get Instagram unblocked, a good VPN service will go around even the tightest restriction you can imagine. So, if you need your Instagram fix guaranteed, with a top-notch VPN, you’ll never miss an update again, wherever you are, whatever the blocks in place.
Top VPN for Instagram – Quick list
Our staff tested many VPNs in the market to determine the best five options for Instagram access. We will describe each one in full detail in this article. But if you are already conversant with VPN lore or don’t have the time to read everything, here’s our quick list.
- ExpressVPN. The biggest name in VPN-land delivers the goods where Instagram is concerned better than anybody else. It’s our top choice.
- NordVPN. An excellent VPN that works hard to lead the industry with the most updated technology and many exciting extra features.
- Private Internet Access. The VPN with the largest server network by far is also very user-friendly and fully committed to user privacy.
- Surfshark. The VPN offers the best value for money, with no device limit and great functionality.
- AtlasVPN. Not the biggest name on our list, but an excellent option nevertheless. It has a fully functional free service, a rarity.
How to use Instagram through a VPN
Taking your first steps into the VPN-verse to unblock Instagram couldn’t be easier. It takes a handful of actions only. Here’s how you should proceed.
- Choose a VPN from our list. ExpressVPN is the best, Surfshark fits into any budget, and AtlasVPN has a free program. But either option will work.
- Search and find the app your chosen VPN offers for your platform (Android, iOS) and install it.
- Launch your VPN app. Log in using your account’s credentials.
- Pick a server in any location you like.
- Once you’re online through your VPN’s network, open your Instagram and start navigating normally.
Still facing problems? Clear your browser’s cookies and cache, and try again if you still can’t see Instagram. If the block remains effective, ask your VPN for help.
The best VPNs for Instagram in 2022
Any decent VPN will unblock Instagram on most of the world’s local networks. But there is one tough cookie: China. Bypassing the Great Firewall of China is no mean feat, and only the best China VPNs in the industry can manage such a feat.
Here is our list of the top five options that serve as a secure VPN to use Instagram.
1. ExpressVPN
Our top pick VPN for using Instagram. It has unique security and privacy features with blazing-fast servers.
3,000 VPN servers spread across 94 countries
Strong AES-256-bit encryption standard
Web leak protection
TrustedServer technology
P2P optimized nodes
Kill switch
Boasts zero-logs policy
Allows up to 5 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Apps with a user-friendly interface
- Maintains high-level security and privacy
- Large global server network
Cons
- Big-budget VPN
ExpressVPN is the service we can recommend as the best one for Instagram. It’s no surprise since we often find that it’s the best VPN in the industry for any task you could have in mind.
The encryption algorithms in ExpressVPN combine the strictest security with the latest technology so that you can have security and performance in the same package.
The ExpressVPN server network includes more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, giving you plenty of choices. In addition, the “Smart Location” feature finds the best possible service you can use at any given time and links your device to it.
Were you looking for a VPN that can beat the Great Firewall of China? This one does. You don’t need to tweak anything or use any particular setup out of the box. It just works.
ExpressVPN has a kill switch (called “Network Lock“) that pulls your device offline if the secure VPN tunnel is lost.
Your account is suitable for five concurrent connections, and there are apps or clients for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and even Linux.
2. NordVPN
One of the best VPNs for any task online; using Instagram safely is one of them. It has double VPN feature that ensures you to be anonymous while doing any task online. All thanks to its super-fast servers, stealth technology, and a resilient, huge network.
More than 5,000 VPN servers in 60 countries
Offers P2P friendly servers
AES-256-bit encryption
Zero-log policy
Kill switch feature
Up to 6 devices simultaneously with one subscription
Web protection
MultiHop (double VPN) Mode
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Very fast speed servers
- Multiple servers from same location
- Low-budget packages
Cons
- Double VPN feature is somewhat complicated
NordVPN is also an excellent option. It keeps adopting the newest VPN technology to ensure the best performance possible, similar to ExpressVPN.
The server network spans sixty countries and includes over 5,000 nodes. The speeds are lightning-fast, and it has a set of specialized servers for BitTorrent users, Double VPN connections, and TOR browsing. But the stars in this sky are the obfuscated servers that allow users to bypass even the most brutal blocks on the planet–yes, we mean the Great Firewall of China.
This VPN is good against IP leaks. It has a kill switch (except on Android), and it keeps no logs on user activity, which is the one policy that ensures user privacy.
The VPN provides software for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Each account can have six devices on the network at a given time.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A well-established VPN service that performs exceptionally-well overall – unblocking Instagram is no exception. It supports P2P sharing and boasts military-grade encryption.
Over 30,000 VPN servers in 84 countries
AES 128/256-bit encryption
P2P sharing allowed
Zero-logs policy
Automatic kill switch
Allows 10 simultaneous connections
DNS leak protection
30-days of money-back guarantee
Pros
- Extensive server network
- Boasts no-logs policy
- Privacy-conscious
Cons
- Apps lack advanced features
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN without the huge reputation of some of our other options, but it’s nevertheless excellent.
The PIA apps are user-friendly, making this option a remarkably convenient service for users who have not ventured into the VPN-verse.
PIA’s network is vast, probably the largest one in the world. It has more than 30,000 servers in almost every country. So you’ll always have plenty of choices when you search for a server.
It is one of the few reputable VPNs based in the US. But unfortunately, the US has very hostile laws to individual digital privacy and a government that likes to keep an eye on its citizens. And that’s why PIA’s commitment to privacy is remarkable.
This VPN has a strict no-log-keeping policy. And they’ve shown the world how they stick to the policy in several court cases. The authorities asked for the company’s user activity logs in several criminal procedures. PIA complied by delivering all the data they have kept on user activities–none at all. Several VPN privacy practices and no-log policies are documented through external audits, but very few have walked the fireline with their governments.
4. Surfshark
A budget-friendly VPN that unblocks Instagram effortlessly. It has a Camouflage Mode with many other unique features that allows anonymous browsing.
More than 3,200 servers spread across 60 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
Supports P2P sharing (torrenting)
Supports split tuneling
Effective kill switch
Zero-logging
Boasts MultiHop Mode
Allows unlimited simultaneous devices per account
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Affordable long-term plans
- Blocks intrusive cookies
- Maintains your security and privacy
Cons
- Lag on some servers
Surfshark is an excellent VPN for Instagram (and anything else). It’s the one VPN that will give you more value for money than anyone else.
The network has over 3,200 servers based in more than 60 countries. It keeps no user logs, and the “NoBorders” feature is Surfshark’s tool for bypassing the worse navigation restrictions anywhere in the world.
Encryption is at the highest military grade, it has a kill switch for every app and client, and it’s safe against IP leaks.
Surfshark’s claim to fame within the VPN world is in offering top-notch service at a fraction of the price of NordVPN or ExpressVPN. And if that’s not cost-efficient enough for you, it supports as many devices as you can connect –no limits.
The provider offers dedicated VPN clients for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. So, you can secure pretty much every device you own using Surfshark.
5. AtlasVPN
Top freemium VPN to use Instagram fluently. It boasts split tunneling and MultiHop feature alongside other impressive functionalities.
More than 700 servers across 40+ locations
AES-256 encryption
Split tunneling
MultiHop feature
P2P support
Kill switch
Malware and ad blocker
Keeps no logs
Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Good connection speeds
- Free version available
- Strong security and privacy features.
Cons
- Server network is small
Atlas VPN stands out from the average VPN because of its exemplary service. But also because of its business model. It is one of the rare VPNs with a freemium approach to VPNs.
Freemium means that you can use AtlasVPN as a premium user (paying a monthly fee) or for free. Yes, free as in “beer.” Atlas VPN’s free option is fully functional, so you don’t miss any of the best features of this VPN. The only catch is in the data cap, which is 10 GB monthly.
So, if you’re interested in using a free VPN to use Instagram, then Atlas VPN is undoubtedly the way to go. However, keep in mind the data cap. Instagram is heavy on graphics (pictures and videos).
That is the point of that social network, after all. So while AtlasVPN’s free service will do the trick for sure, you’ll need to modulate your Instagram use, so you don’t run out of available data as a free user. But of course, you can always solve that problem by going premium.
How we found the best VPNs for Instagram
The VPN market exploded in recent years and is now overcrowded with options. The publicity for every VPN is fantastic, and it would seem that you can’t go wrong with any choice whatsoever. But, unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Like any other industry, the VPN market has a small fraction of outstanding providers than the average ones. And then, there’s another fraction of VPNs you shouldn’t touch with a six-foot pole. But how can you tell which is which?
Well, you don’t need to tell which is which. Unfortunately, figuring that out is not an easy task. It takes time, resources, patience, attention, energy, and expertise. Our staff has all those things already. And they keep testing VPNs all the time; that’s their job. So they’ve done all the hard work so that you don’t have to. Here are the criteria they used to pick the best five VPNs for Instagram on our list:
- Server network. Great VPNs must have servers everywhere around the planet. That gives you more options and various ways to experience the internet. And, of course, that network size also ensures that you will have plenty of servers physically near you.
- Speed. Speed is always essential on the internet. And even more so when you intend to use Instagram (heavy with graphics) through a VPN (which needs some time to redirect your traffic, encrypt it and decrypt it). So if a VPN is going to be helpful to you, it must have excellent speeds, reliability, and unlimited bandwidth.
- Ability to unblock. China has blocked Instagram. Many schools, universities, office buildings, and corporations block this social network. The point in having a VPN for Instagram is to know that you’ll get what you want wherever you are. Not every VPN can deliver on this issue, but our chosen ones do.
- Security. Digital security is the one thing that every VPN should get right. But alas, life is never that simple. Our chosen ones are safe against DNS, WebRTC, and other IP leaks. They all use the best encryption standards (AES 256). And NordVPN and Surfshark will even allow you to have more than one layer of encryption on your traffic.
- Privacy. Digital security is all about technology, but privacy is a different animal. It’s all about human decisions written as company policy. In this regard, you know that a VPN values your privacy when they stick to a strict no-log policy. If external audits can confirm that, it’s even better.
- Friendliness. VPNs started as an arcane toy that aimed to serve only the most paranoid geeks and security experts. But the world has changed. In our current times, a VPN is an essential service that every user on the internet should have. Therefore, we’ve picked VPNs with the smallest possible learning curve. You’re no more than a couple of clicks away from getting started with our chosen VPNs.
- Value for money. Having a VPN shouldn’t be onerous. The VPNs in our list give you great value for money because they are reasonably priced. Plus, they all give you many additional helpful features than unlocking Instagram.
Why you need an Instagram VPN today
When the internet switched from the academic world into the mainstream, it was safe for all users. But that was decades ago, and things have changed. Nowadays, being on the internet means being exposed. It’s not a conspiracy theory, as shown by Julian Assange and Edward Snowden. The dangers are real, and they could cost you your identity or some of your money.
So it’s not about Instagram only. The whole internet is tricky, and you need to ensure you’re protected online. And that’s why you need a VPN at all times.
Let’s briefly review what a VPN is and how it keeps you safe.
A VPN is a service that performs two tricks for you. First, it encrypts all the traffic going in and out of a given device. Second, it hides your actual IP address from the rest of the world, substituting it with an IP from the VPN network. This way, it thoroughly scrambles all your traffic so that any third-party intercepting your connection can’t read it. Also, if nobody knows your IP address, they can’t figure out where you are or use additional metadata to locate you. Those are the primary two things that make a VPN worth its name, but the best ones do many more things.
And what has this anything to do with Instagram? Instagram is on the internet for a start, but there’s more.
Instagram is exceedingly popular worldwide. But some governments don’t like it, so they’ve blocked it. So there are some jurisdictions in the world from where you can’t access your Instagram account. But even in the free world, there are bans on Instagram, except they’re not political. So, for instance, the internet connection at work could have Instagram blocked. It is easy to understand. Your bosses don’t want you to spend your working hours looking at Instagram stories. Something similar can happen in schools, universities, hospitals, etc. And you could still want to have access to Instagram, even from those countries or places. A VPN will get you that permanent access, independently of your physical location.
Conclusion
Instagram provides a valuable service for many users. It’s a place where you can share your memorable experiences in life with your friends and family. However, joining this social network means giving up some of your personal information. And that brings security into the matter.
Using the internet is inherently risky. Yes, having some sensitive or confidential information online is unavoidable, but you need to ensure that you’re careful enough so that you won’t regret it in the future. Social networks like Instagram enhance the internet’s risks because most people enjoy using them from their phones which are the most insecure gadgets. If you keep using WiFi signals from public hotspots on top of everything, you’re already in trouble. You’re doing everything that hackers want you to do.
Using Instagram, like in the previous paragraph, allows hackers to get all the personal information they want about you. Your Instagram username and passwords constitute just the start. If they dig deep enough, they could end up with your credit card information or worse.
So how can you avoid all those potential problems? Using a VPN. It’s as simple as that.
Even in China’s worst, most insecure WiFi hotspot, a VPN will keep you safe, anonymous, and private online. And it will also allow you to use Instagram whenever you want from wherever you are. The difference is that you will be able to do this while also doing the most important thing you can do online: Staying safe!
FAQs
Do you live in Belarus, China, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, or the United Arab Emirates? If you answered “no,” your local jurisdiction considers VPNs legitimate privacy tools.
Instagram music is a story customization tool on Instagram that allows you to enhance your stories very much. However, copyright issues stand in the way of this feature being available worldwide. Yet, even if it’s not supported in your country, you can use Instagram music by connecting to Instagram from a VPN server based in a country where this feature is available.
Instagram belongs to Meta (formerly Facebook). And Meta and Google are the real-life versions of Big Brother on the internet. Hence it’s relatively safe to assume that Facebook knows everything about you.
But does it make a difference? Instagram knows that many users use VPNs to connect to the service, yet they’ve deployed no counter-measures. So it seems that Instagram doesn’t care if you use VPNs, even if it can tell.
Unless the free VPN you have in mind is the free version of a reputable premium VPN such as AtlasVPN or ProtonVPN, we advise you to stay away from free VPNs, whether for Instagram or otherwise.
Free VPNs are very resource-deficient compared to a good paid service, translating into a bad user experience with Instagram or any other task you plan.
Additionally, most free VPNs are not as free as advertised. They collect user data extensively, so if you don’t pay for the service in money, you do by giving up your privacy.
If money is a problem for you, consider using Surfshark, an excellent service that costs fewer than 3 USD monthly. Or AtlasVPN, which offers a fully functional free VPN that respects your privacy.
Network administrators in schools and workplaces routinely block Instagram and other recreational websites because they’re supposed to promote productivity within the workplace or the institution.
Also, some countries block Instagram. China is the most notorious example, but not the only one. It’s part of the government’s censorship program that seeks to control all the information available to its citizens. Iran and North Korea are further examples, and they also block it out for ideological and political reasons.
Yes, you can use a proxy server for this purpose. However, while a proxy will mask your IP address so you can change some Instagram settings, it won’t offer the security you can have in a VPN. Therefore, we advise you to use VPNs for changing your Instagram location instead.
Also, keep in mind that free proxies often raise the same problems as free VPNs.
Yes, it still can. If you use Instagram on your phone, the tracking follows your GPS location, not your IP address. GPS locations can be spoofed, too, as IP addresses; search our website for a guide to achieve that goal.
