How To Watch Blocked Or Banned Videos On YouTube?

Encountered a YouTube video but got hit with a frustrating “This video is unavailable” message? It’s disappointing, especially if the content looks interesting. This could happen because of geographic restrictions or the video being banned. But don’t worry, there are solutions! This blog post will look into some effective methods for watching blocked and banned YouTube videos, so you can regain control of your viewing experience.

Why Videos Get Blocked or Banned On YouTube?

YouTube is a global platform that hosts millions of videos, but not all content is accessible everywhere. Several factors contribute to the blocking or banning of videos on YouTube, and understanding these can help users find appropriate solutions to access them. Here are the main reasons why videos may be blocked or banned:

• Geographical Restrictions: Often referred to as geo-blocking, this occurs when content is restricted in certain countries due to licensing agreements. Film studios, music producers, and other content creators often have specific distribution rights that vary by region, preventing users in certain locations from accessing their content.
• Copyright Issues: YouTube has a strict policy to enforce copyright laws through its Content ID system. This tool automatically detects and blocks videos that contain copyrighted material without proper authorization. Sometimes, legitimate videos get caught in this filter, leading to unjust bans.
• Community Guidelines Violations: YouTube has a set of community guidelines that all content must adhere to. Videos that promote hate speech, violence, misinformation, or other harmful content can be removed or restricted by the platform.
• Government Censorship: In some countries, the government may block access to certain YouTube videos or the platform entirely for political, cultural, or religious reasons. This censorship can prevent access to a wide range of videos, including news and documentary content.

Understanding these reasons is the first step in circumventing restrictions to access the content you want. Each method to bypass these restrictions comes with its own set of considerations, which will be discussed in the following sections.

How To Watch Blocked Or Banned Videos On YouTube?

One of the most effective and secure methods to watch blocked videos on YouTube is through the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs serve as a middleman between your internet connection and the sites you visit, encrypting your data and changing your IP address. This makes it appear as if you are browsing from a different location, thereby bypassing geographic or regional restrictions.

1. Using VPNs

How VPNs Work:

• Encryption: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, which protects your data from hackers and surveillance.
• IP Masking: They mask your real IP address, replacing it with one from their server in another location. This is particularly useful for accessing content that is blocked in your country.

Choosing the Right VPN:

• Reliability: Choose a VPN known for its reliability and speed. Poor quality VPNs can slow down your internet connection significantly.
• Security Features: Look for VPNs with strong security features like kill-switches and no-logs policies.
• Server Locations: The more server locations a VPN has, the better your chances are of bypassing regional blocks.

Using a VPN to Access YouTube:

• Download and Install: Select a reputable NordVPN provider and download their software.

• Connect to a Server: Open the VPN application and connect to a server in a location where the video is available.
• Browse YouTube: Once connected, open YouTube and access the video as you normally would. Your connection should now bypass any regional restrictions.

By using a VPN, not only can you unblock video on YouTube, but you also ensure that your browsing remains secure and private.

2. Using Proxy Servers

Proxy servers are another method to watch blocked videos on YouTube by rerouting your internet traffic. Like VPNs, proxies hide your original IP address and replace it with one from the proxy server, making it appear as though you are accessing the internet from a different location.

How Proxy Servers Work:

• Traffic Rerouting: Proxy servers intercept your internet requests and send them on your behalf. When YouTube receives the request, it sees it as coming from the proxy’s IP address, not yours.
• Anonymity: By masking your real IP address, proxies provide a level of anonymity on the internet.

Types of Proxy Servers:

• HTTP Proxies: Suitable for web browsing but only handle web traffic.
• SOCKS Proxies: More versatile and handle all kinds of internet traffic but are generally slower.
• Web Proxies: These are browser-based proxies that are easy to use but less secure.

Using a Proxy to Access YouTube:

• Open Chrome.
• Go to Settings.

• Go to System.
• Click on Open your computer’s Proxy Settings.

• Use a proxy server and Click on “Setup”

• Toggle on the proxy server, fill the proxy IP address and port
• Then click on “Save”

While proxy servers are useful for bypassing content restrictions, they do not encrypt your data like VPNs do. Therefore, they are best used when security is not a primary concern, and speed is a necessity.

3. Using Smart DNS

Smart DNS is a technology that allows you to access region-restricted content by redirecting the part of your traffic responsible for revealing your geographic location. Unlike VPNs, Smart DNS does not encrypt your data, which can result in faster connection speeds, making it ideal for streaming videos.

How Smart DNS Works:

• DNS Hijacking: Smart DNS services manipulate your DNS (Domain Name System) queries. When you try to access geo-blocked content, the Smart DNS service redirects your connection to a server in a location where that content is available.
• Speed: Since there is no data encryption, the speed is generally better than what VPNs offer, which is beneficial for streaming high-definition videos.

Setting Up Smart DNS:

• Subscribe to a Smart DNS Service: Choose a service that supports unblocking YouTube and other desired platforms.
• Configure Your Device: Enter the Smart DNS server addresses into your device’s network settings. This can usually be done on a wide range of devices like computers, smartphones, and smart TVs.
• Restart Your Device: Restarting may be necessary to apply the changes.

Using Smart DNS to Access YouTube:

• No Additional Steps Needed: Once Smart DNS is configured, just open YouTube and start watching. The service automatically takes care of the rest, allowing you to view blocked YouTube videos without further adjustments.

Smart DNS is particularly useful for those who want to access blocked content without the overhead of encryption. However, it’s important to note that while Smart DNS can bypass geo-restrictions, it does not provide the same level of security and anonymity as VPNs.

4. Using Browser Extensions

Browser extensions are a straightforward and accessible way to bypass restrictions on YouTube. These extensions work directly within your web browser, providing a hassle-free solution to access blocked or banned videos.

How Browser Extensions Work:

• Proxy Functionality: Many browser extensions operate as proxies, rerouting your browser traffic through a server in a different location to mask your real IP address.
• Ease of Use: Browser extensions are simple to install and use, often requiring just a few clicks to activate.

Popular Browser Extensions for Unblocking YouTube:

• UltraSurf: This extension is well-known for its ability to bypass internet censorship.
• Hola VPN: Hola allows you to access websites that are blocked in your country through a peer-to-peer VPN.
• Proxy SwitchyOmega: This tool lets you switch between multiple proxies quickly, useful for accessing content from different regions.

Using Browser Extensions to Access YouTube:

• Install the Extension: Choose a reliable browser extension that suits your needs and add it to your browser.
• Activate the Extension: With the extension installed, activate it to begin rerouting your traffic.
• Navigate to YouTube: Open YouTube and access the videos as you normally would. The extension should handle the rest, allowing you to view blocked content.

While browser extensions are convenient, it’s important to choose ones from reputable developers, as some might compromise your privacy or security. Additionally, because they only affect browser traffic, other internet activities outside the browser are not protected or anonymized.

Other Methods to Watch Unblock YouTube Videos

Besides the common methods like VPNs, proxies, and Smart DNS, there are several other techniques you can use to watch blocked or banned YouTube videos. These methods include downloading videos, using the Tor network, and accessing third-party websites (mirror sites).

1. Downloading Videos:

• Find a Reliable Download Tool: Use tools like YTD Video Downloader, ClipGrab, or websites like SaveFrom.net.
• Copy the Video URL: Navigate to the YouTube video you wish to download and copy the URL from the browser address bar.
• Paste the URL into the Download Tool: Open the download tool or website, paste the URL into the provided field, and start the download process.
• Watch the Video Offline: Once the download is complete, you can watch the video anytime, bypassing any online restrictions.

2. Using the Tor Network:

• Download and Install Tor Browser: Visit the official Tor Project website and download the Tor Browser.

• Open Tor Browser and Configure Security Settings: Adjust the security settings for maximum protection if necessary.
• Navigate to YouTube: Use the Tor Browser to access YouTube. The Tor network will anonymize your connection, allowing you to bypass regional blocks.

3. Third-Party Websites:

• Search for Mirror Sites: Find websites that host mirror copies of YouTube videos, such as Invidious or Hooktube.
• Use the Video ID or URL: Often, you can use the same YouTube video ID or URL on these sites to find the video.
• Watch the Video: Play the video directly from the mirror site, bypassing any restrictions on YouTube itself.

These methods provide additional options for accessing content, especially if more common solutions are not viable or sufficient. However, it’s essential to be aware of the risks involved, particularly concerning legality and security, which we will discuss in the next sections.

Risks and Precautions When Accessing Blocked Content

While there are many methods to watch blocked videos on YouTube, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions.

1. Security and Privacy

Using methods like VPNs, proxy servers, or third-party websites can expose your data to potential security threats. Free services, in particular, might not offer robust security measures, leaving your personal information vulnerable to hackers. To mitigate these risks, always use reputable services that provide strong encryption and privacy protections. Avoid entering sensitive information when using these services and regularly update your software to protect against vulnerabilities.

2. Legality

Accessing blocked video YouTube content can sometimes be against the terms of service of YouTube or even against local laws. While using a VPN or proxy server to bypass geo-restrictions is generally legal in many countries, downloading copyrighted material or accessing content banned for legal reasons can lead to legal consequences. It’s crucial to understand the laws in your country and ensure that you’re not violating any regulations while trying to unblock videos on YouTube.

3. Video Quality and Performance

Methods like VPNs and proxy servers can affect the quality and performance of your video streaming. VPNs might slow down your internet connection due to encryption overhead, leading to buffering issues and lower video quality. Proxy servers and free services can also introduce latency and connection instability. To ensure the best streaming experience, choose high-quality, paid services and connect to servers that are geographically closer to your location whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Watching blocked YouTube videos can be tricky, but knowing your options and risks helps. Whether you use VPNs, proxy servers, Smart DNS, browser extensions, or other methods, each has pros and cons. Making smart choices and being cautious can help you watch blocked videos safely. Remember to think about the legal side and keep your online safety in mind. This way, you can enjoy YouTube without worrying about restrictions.