Using a VPN for Instagram can be a great way to get around IP bans, try new features or use the app in networks where it is blocked.
Instagram is an app which is almost harmless and available everywhere, but there are places where, for whatever reason, it is not.
TL;DR NordVPN is the best VPN for Instagram in 2022. It works everywhere, with a good price and easy to use. You can get a deal here.
Using a VPN is the easiest work around for any app block issues, but there are many VPN services out there and not all of them offer different features at a variety of prices.
We will be breaking down the very best VPNs based on their functionality with Instagram.
Best VPN For Instagram In 2023
1. NordVPN – Best Instagram VPN For Everyone
The best VPN for Instagram in our opinion is NordVPN. It’s easy to use, reliable, fairly priced and overall a good option for everyone.
NordVPN allows you to use its high speed system on up to 6 devices at one time. These devices can be iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and even Linux.
With over 5500 servers in nearly 60 countries, NordVPN is guaranteed to allow you speedy, secure access to Instagram no matter where you are. Using AES 256-bit encryption, NordVPN is the best way to use Instagram safely.
Pricing: $11.99/month for the standard tier, $12.89/month for the plus tier and $14.19/month for the complete tier. Get A Deal Here!
2. Surfshark – Best Budget Instagram VPN
Here we get back to another budget option for using Instagram via a VPN. With over 3000 servers in almost 100 countries, Surfshark also provides very good coverage. With a dedicated NoBorders mode, you can access the internet for very restrictive countries like Russia and China.
Usable on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and even Linux, no matter what your device you can be protected while using Instagram.
The previous entries on this list limit the number of devices you can use with their service but SurfShark does not do this.
This is ideal for businesses or organizations who require Instagram access from a range of devices and locations.
Pricing: With a 24 month contract, you can expect to pay just $2.49/month. Alternatively there is the 12 month plan for $3.99/month and $12.95/month for 1 month.
3. Private Internet Access – Best Instagram VPN For Small Businesses
For those of you on a tight budget, Private Internet Access could be a solid option. The service boasts over 10,000 servers in over 80 countries, meaning that no matter where you are, you will be able to benefit from the features of this VPN.
In terms of encryption, Private Internet Access uses military grade software as well as ad blocking and virus protection as standard.
It is available for both computer and mobile devices, meaning you can use Instagram and be protected in the office or on the go.
With any subscription, you are permitted to use the VPN of up to 10 devices at once, making it a perfect solution for small businesses.
Pricing: $2.03/month for a 2 year plan, $7.50/month for a 6 month plan or $11.99/month for a 1 month plan.
4. ExpressVPN – Best For Individuals
One of the most recognised names in the VPN space, ExpressVPN is a solid option for Instagram use despite being a little more expensive than some of the other entries.
With over 3000 servers in almost 100 countries, ExpressVPN will allow Instagram to be used from within restrictive countries like Russia and China.
With AES 256-bit encryption, you are sure to be thoroughly protected. There is even a dedicated threat manager to detect and block cyber attacks. You can use up to 5 devices at a time, compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and even Linux.
Pricing: $8.32/month for a 12 month plan, $9.99/month for a 6 month plan and $12.95/month for a 1 month plan.
5. HotSpotShield
Another solid option for a VPN for Instagram is HotspotShield. HotspotShield provides a very high speed connection, utilizing a Catapult Hydra protocol which allows you to mask your IP address and access Instagram from anywhere in the world.
With over 3000 server units in over 70 countries, the coverage here is great with unrivaled speed.
Available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, HotspotShield will allow you to use it on five separate devices at a time.
Pricing: HotSpotShield offers a free plan, with very limited access and features. Alternatively it is $7.99/month for the premium plan and $11.99/month for the family plan.
Best Instagram VPN for: Speed
6. PrivateVPN
We have mentioned a couple of budget options already here but this next entry is the king of budget VPN options for Instagram use.
PrivateVPN is incredibly cost effective, based in Sweden with over 200 servers in over 60 countries.
Using a WireGuard protocol, PrivateVPN offers speedy performance for your chosen country, enabling rapid Instagram uploads, commenting and story sharing.
There are completely customizable encryption options but you are limited to a maximum of 6 devices.
Pricing: Just $2.00/month for a 3 year plan, $6.00/month for 3 months or $9.99/month for 1 month.
Best Instagram VPN for: Individuals on a budget
7. IPVanish
IPVanish boasts over 2000 servers in 50 countries, meaning that you can access Instagram no matter where you are.
The major benefit of IPVanish is that there is no restriction on the amount of devices you can use, with availability on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS platforms.
With AES 256-bit encryption, WireGuard protocol and a reliable kill switch, IPVanish provides a very secure way to use Instagram.
Pricing: $3.19/month for unlimited connections
Best Instagram VPN for: Privacy settings
8. CyberGhost
With a whopping amount of servers over 8000 in over 90 countries, CyberGhost offers incredible global coverage. CyberGhost is compatible with iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and even Linux.
Allowing up to 7 devices to be logged in at one time, CyberGhost boasts a very user-friendly app for those who are less technologically savvy. There is also the security benefit of Wi-Fi protection and AES 256-bit encryption for good measure.
Pricing: $2.29/month
Best Instagram VPN for: Less tech savvy users
How To Access Instagram Using A VPN
The concept of a VPN can be a daunting one for those users out there who are less technologically knowledgeable and they imagine it will be a complicated process to make use of one of these services.
That is often not the case, with many user-friendly services that make using the VPN as easy as clicking a few buttons.
Android devices
- Select your VPN from the list above
- Download the VPN software from the Google Play Store, sign up and sign in
- Choose a server in the location of your choice
- Open the Instagram app
iOS devices
- Select your VPN from the list above
- Download the VPN software from the app store, sign up and sign in
- Choose a server in the location of your choice
- Open the Instagram app
Desktop
- Select your VPN from the list above
- Download the VPN software from the provider’s website, sign up and sign in
- Choose a server in the location of your choice
- Open Instagram
Why Do I Need A VPN For Instagram?
Instagram has quite strict terms of service that can leave users with bans, suspensions and restrictions if they violate it.
Most users will not be set on breaking these rules knowingly but there are a number of reasons they could be penalized without realizing that they have broken them.
Whether you are a business or an individual, using a VPN can help you to avoid these punishments and continue to run your pages for personal or brand purposes.
There are also some regions of the world where Instagram is blocked and using a VPN can help you to access this wildly popular, picture-based platform.
Another more recent development is that the social platform offers a service called Instagram Music, which is not available in all countries.
Use A VPN To Avoid Punishment
For violating the community guidelines on Instagram, there are a number of ways that the platform can restrict your access or privileges:
Temporary bans: These bans, often referred to as action blocks will disable your account for a short period of time.
These bans can last between a few hours and a few days and will restrict your access to the platform and its functions.
Shadow bans: This kind of man is less easily identified, since there is no direct notification or clear indicator that you’ve been hit with it.
A shadow ban essentially reduces the outreach of your posts and stories by hiding them from prospective viewers.
You will also see a significant reduction in engagement, resulting in fewer likes, comments and shares which can severely hurt business posts.
Because the existence of shadow bans is not formally acknowledged by the platform, there are mixed reports on the duration of them but they seem to follow a similar pattern to the temporary bans.
Permanent bans: The most severe form of punishment that Instagram enforces is the permanent ban.
This will completely disable your account for an unlimited amount of time and although it can be appealed, there is usually a good reason for receiving one.
Instagram VPN After Getting Banned
Some reasons for getting banned are fairly obvious but there are a few activities that can result in a ban that most users are not aware of.
Mass activity: Instagram will see mass activity as suspicious and will likely dish out a temporary ban for this offense.
This includes mass following, unfollowing, liking or commenting and there are hidden limits for how many of these activities are permitted per hour.
Purchasing followers: There are many services out there that allow users to purchase Instagram followers or likes, which could be through legitimate accounts or automated bots.
Regardless, if the platform detects or suspects this activity, you will likely receive a permanent ban from Instagram.
Purchasing another account: Occasionally, users with a high number of followers will see the value to brands in the outreach their pages can offer and attempt to sell them. This is strictly against the terms of service and will result in a permanent ban.
Spam: If you are copying and pasting the same comments or direct messages over and over, either yourself or through an automated system, you will likely receive a temporary ban.
Sexual or inappropriate content: This one speaks for itself, although ‘inappropriate content’ can encompass a broad range of offenses including drugs, violence, fraud and hate speech. Such things are taken seriously by Instagram and will result in a permanent ban in most instances.
Copyright infringement: For posting copyrighted content without the permission of the copyright owner, you can receive a ban.
This will come directly from a report by the copyright holders and in most instances, posting copyrighted content is not penalized but be vigilant of the possibility of losing your account.
User complaints: Regardless of your content, if you receive enough complaints and reports from other users, Instagram will take notice and act accordingly.
This can indeed result in a permanent ban, so be careful not to post content that many users will be offended by.
Countries Where Instagram Vpn Is Need
Some countries and regions have banned certain social media platforms and restricted public access to certain parts of the internet for various reasons.
This includes Instagram, so if you reside in one of the following countries and want to access the platform, a VPN is a crucial tool for bypassing the national restrictions.
China: Back in 2014, China banned all of its residents from accessing Instagram following some protests in Hong Kong.
Iran: The Iranian government had banned other social networks in the past and in 2019, Instagram was the latest addition to their growing list.
Somewhat ironically, the former president of Iran has over 2 million followers on the platform.
North Korea: Most people are aware of the North Korean regime and the restrictions they place on the influence of the outside world on its citizens.
Russia: In early 2022, Russia banned Instagram over alleged threats to their troops as a result of the conflict with Ukraine.
Turkey: Turkey has quite a restrictive internet system and Instagram has been periodically blocked over the years.
Cuba: During some protests within Cuba in 2021, the government banned several social networks including Instagram.
There are other nations where Instagram is banned, so if you reside in or plan to travel to any of them, a VPN is a necessity to connect with your friends and followers no matter where you are.
Instagram Music With A VPN
Earlier in this article, we mentioned a feature called Instagram Music. This feature is a sticker that allows you to add music, lyrics and songs to your Instagram stories but is blocked in some countries due to licensing issues.
The main countries where Instagram Music is available are as follows:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- New Zealand
- Germany
- Australia
- Canada
- France
- Sweden
With a VPN service like NordVPN, you can change your IP address to make Instagram think you are accessing it from one of these nations, allowing you to make use of the exciting Instagram Music feature on the platform.
This can be great for businesses promoting artists, creating engaging content or advertising products.
If you are an individual, sharing your favorite song and albums with friends or family is a great addition.
What Is A Vpn?
A Virtual Private Network (or VPN) is software which protects your privacy while browsing the internet by encrypting your IP address. This means that you can set your intended geographical location to access blocked web pages in certain countries or regions.
As previously mentioned, Instagram is blocked in many places around the world and if you are using multiple devices to manage your business Instagram accounts, a VPN will help to prevent bans.
Not ever VPN service will allow you to use mobile devices, which is primarily where Instagram is accessed from. This means it is crucial to select a VPN that meets your specific needs.
How To Select The Right Vpn For You
While there is not necessarily a right or wrong way to select a VPN for your Instagram usage, there are certain factors to look out for to ensure that you are completely covered in the areas you need to be.
Server network: Above we have mentioned the amount of servers and the amount of countries they are located in around the world.
As a general rule, be on the lookout for VPNs with over 1000 servers in at least 50 locations.
This will allow you access to your Instagram accounts no matter where you are, even if some servers are temporarily down.
Encryption: The current industry standard for a security protocol is AES 256-bit. Choose a VPN that offers this as standard to ensure that your security is prioritized in the first instance.
Privacy: Some VPN services will log your data, occasionally sharing it with third parties. It is generally a good idea to avoid any VPN provider that does this, as the entire point of using these networks is to maintain a level of privacy not offered by traditionally browsing the internet.
Base location: Although you may be traveling and using Instagram on the go, it is probably sensible to select a VPN service based in your home country.
In particular, VPN services based in the USA could be a privacy risk, as the government can request your data logs from the company at any time.
Is Using A Vpn For Instagram Legal?
In most of the world, the use of VPNs are legal and even when they are not, the very best VPNs will give you the ultimate security, privacy and protection.
It is perfectly fine to use Instagram through a VPN service and most of the providers actually encourage it for maximum protection while using the social platform.
According to Forbes research, 66% of VPN users choose to do so to protect their personal data, which seems to be a growing concern online.
Source: Forbes
Conclusion
With more and more people using Instagram around the world every day, a VPN is the best way to use the social media platform for a variety of reasons.
With increasing concerns over data protection, one of these services can ensure you retain the ultimate level of privacy while browsing, sharing and communicating via Instagram.
Instagram Music is a feature that has become increasingly popular, but unfortunately many users globally are blocked from using it due to license restrictions.
Using a VPN, residents of these countries can get access to the feature.
Some businesses will want to manage their Instagram account from multiple devices or manage multiple Instagram accounts from a single device.
This is something that could result in bans from the service so using a VPN can completely alleviate that risk as well as help to expand into new territories.
If you are traveling to a country where Instagram is blocked, you may wish to share your travel snaps with friends and family. With a VPN, this is something that is possible no matter where you are.
For all of these reasons and more, it is essential that you choose a great VPN for Instagram to protect your privacy, help your business and stay connected with the world.
