TikTok’s launch in 2016 took the world by storm. It is a short-form video hosting service owned by ByteDance and is available in more than 150 different markets. The platform hosts user-submitted videos that range in duration from 3 seconds to 10 minutes.
Millions flock to this platform daily to express themselves through comedy, dance, and other forms of content. The most interesting impact of TikTok is the way it has changed the way other social media platforms work. The flickable, super-scrollable aspect of this platform is a magnet attracting young people and teenagers who seek bite-sized, easily digestible posts. And this inspired other social media platforms, notably Instagram and Facebook, to add features like Reels and Stories. It has even inspired YouTube to create a special section called Shorts.
While the platform is dynamic and highly addictive, it is banned in some countries due to security or political concerns. If you are residing in these restriction regions and looking for ways to access the app so you can join the global TikTok phenomenon, you need to use a VPN.
How Does A VPN Help Unblock And Access The Tiktok App?
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts your Internet traffic and routes it through a remote server in a different location. This hides your actual IP address by creating a virtual tunnel. So, you appear as if you are connected from a different location where TikTok isn’t banned.
VPNs let you choose and connect to a server in a country where TikTok is unrestricted, and this allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and freely access the application.
Best VPNs For Tiktok In 2024
While there is a plethora of VPN providers at your disposal, the best ones for accessing the TikTok app freely are NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. Their features are explained below so you understand why they’re extremely popular among millions of TikTok lovers. Also, you will find a table comparing NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN so you can make an informed decision.
- NordVPN
NordVPN is a highly impressive VPN service provider because of its impressive network of 5,500 servers across 60+ countries. Therefore, it offers you a vast pool of options to quickly unblock TikTok and upload your video or enjoy watching videos posted by others.
To ensure your connection remains secure and encrypted, NordVPN uses high-end security protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx. The additional features offered are:
- Obfuscated servers that mask VPN traffic as regular Internet traffic and bypass strict restrictions.
- Double VPN to route your Internet traffic through two layers to ensure an extra layer of protection.
- Blocks phishing attempts, trackers, and malware to ensure an enjoyable TikTok experience.
NordVPN’s features are impressive, but the subscription fee is considered higher than that of the other two providers mentioned below.
- Surfshark
When it comes to unblocking TikTok and enjoying free access to the application, Surfshark emerges as a strong contender. It boasts more than 3,200 servers across 100+ locations, ensuring global coverage. It prioritizes features like:
- MultiHop – The MultiHop feature of Surfshark is similar to Double VPN (NordVPN). Thanks to this feature, your Internet traffic will be routed through several servers so you can enjoy improved privacy and security.
- NoBorders mode – This feature is designed to help you bypass the most strict restrictive firewalls. So, even if you are in the most heavily censored region and wish to access TikTok, you can do it using Surfshark.
- CleanWeb – This feature blocks malware, trackers, and ads so you can enjoy a smoother, cleaner browsing experience.
Surfshark’s subscription fee is another attractive feature because it offers all the features and benefits at a nominal cost.
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for its exceptional speeds and user-friendly interface. It is a great choice for users seeking a seamless TikTok experience.
ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. Although the network is not as extensive as Surfshark and NordVPN, its servers are positioned strategically to ensure optimal performance for accessing geographically restricted content. It also offers the following notable features:
- Network lock – This is the killswitch feature that automatically disconnects your Internet if the VPN connection drops. Accidental data leaks are prevented.
- Lightway protocol – This is a proprietary protocol popular for its strong encryption and blazing-fast speeds.
- MediaStreamer – This feature was designed specifically to overcome geographical restrictions for streaming services, such as TikTok.
As for its subscription fee, some users find it slightly hefty, but they are not complaining.
A Comparison Of Nordvpn, Surfshark And Expressvpn
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
| Server network | 5,500+ across 60+ countries | 3,200+ across 100+ countries | 3,000+ across 94 countries |
| Security protocols | OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec | OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec | IKEV2/IPsec, Open VPN, Lightway |
| Extra security features | Obfuscated servers, double VPN, threat protection, killswitch, no-logs policy | CleanWeb, MultiHop, NoBorders mode, killswitch, no-logs policy, dedicated IP | MediaStreamer, Network Lock, no-logs policy, killswitch |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 6 devices | Unlimited | Up to 8 devices |
| Subscription fee | $12.99 onwards | $2.49 onwards | $6.67 onwards |
So, which one should you choose? The answer isn’t simple, and it depends on your individual priorities, needs, and budget. NordVPN is ideal for those seeking robust security features and a vast server network. Surfshark is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize bypassing strict restrictions and unlimited device connections at the same time. ExpressVPN is great for users seeking user-friendliness and top-tier speeds for streaming TikTok content.
Other VPN Options For Tiktok:
Although ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are the top contenders, other notable options are available for unblocking TikTok. A few to consider are:
- Private Internet Access – PIA focuses on security and privacy, offering a robust network of more than 10,000 servers across 84 countries. It also offers customizable settings for experienced users.
- CyberGhost – CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with a large network of more than 9,700 servers across 91 countries. It also offers dedicated streaming servers for TikTok users to access.
- ProtonVPN – ProtonVPN is known for its commitment to transparency and security. It offers a free tier with unlimited servers and you can unlock its server network of more than 1,000 servers across 67 countries by upgrading to a paid plan.
The Bottom Line
Do not let geographical restrictions stop you from joining the TikTok trend! Choose a VPN of your choice to bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy glitch-free TikTok streaming.
