The rise of streaming services has caused a shift from cable TV to online platforms. 69% of people in the US subscribe to at least one streaming service, with popular names including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus.
However, because these platforms are often geo-restricted, there has been an increase in VPN usage among streamers. Although VPNs are commonly used for online privacy, they can also improve your streaming experience by encrypting your online activities and traffic and hiding your true IP address. This makes it possible to bypass geo-blocks and stream content from anywhere.
Streaming services are often subject to geo-restrictions due to copyrights and licensing deals, so using a VPN can help you access content that is not available in your region.
Additionally, a VPN can help you avoid buffering issues caused by ISP throttling and provide better subscription deals by changing your location. VPNs are legal for streaming and can enhance your streaming experience, allowing you to watch whatever you want from any location.
Streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu are restricted by licensing agreements with production companies, which results in geo-blocking of all content. As a consequence, certain movies, TV shows, anime, and sports events are only available in specific countries and not in others. For instance, Netflix operates in more than 190 countries, but each country has a distinct content library.
Fortunately, you can use a VPN (virtual private network) to overcome this limitation. VPNs have servers in various countries, and when you connect to one, such as a US-based server, you'll receive an American IP address that disguises your real location. This enables you to bypass geo-blocks and access your desired content from anywhere.
Due to legal agreements on copyrights and licensing, streaming platforms have geographical restrictions. For instance, Hulu is only available in the United States and is not accessible elsewhere. Likewise, Netflix and Disney Plus offer different shows and movies in various countries.
One of the main advantages of using a VPN is that it can help you bypass these geo-blocks on streaming services. By connecting to a VPN server located in a supported country, you can access streaming services as if you were actually present in that country.
To watch Hulu from a location outside the US, you can use a VPN and connect to a US server. This tricks Hulu into thinking that you are in the US, enabling you to access its content no matter where you are located.
Using a VPN to stream is completely legal, so there is no need to worry about getting caught by the streaming service. Even if you are detected using a VPN, your account will not be suspended, and the only consequence might be seeing an error message.
As a frequent streamer, you might have noticed that buffering occurs after a few hours of streaming, even if your internet speed is fast. This issue is caused by ISP throttling, where internet service providers slow down your internet speed to reduce network congestion when streaming takes up a significant amount of bandwidth.
This throttling can lead to buffering while streaming, but you can avoid it by using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your online traffic using AES 256-bit encryption, which prevents your ISP from tracking your internet activity.
Consequently, you can avoid buffering issues that occur due to throttling.
Another cause of bandwidth throttling is that ISPs have deals with certain streaming services like Netflix. You might notice that there is less buffering when streaming on Netflix, while there is extensive buffering on third-party websites like Plex.
By using a VPN, your ISP won't be able to monitor your streaming activity, allowing you to bypass bandwidth throttling and enjoy a better streaming experience. It's worth noting that using a VPN for streaming is legal, and you won't face any consequences other than the occasional error message.