TikTok is one of the most popular social media networks out there, which is known for its viral trends and short-form videos. You can literally spend hours on this platform without getting bored or even realizing how much time has passed.
Currently, TikTok has around 1.7 billion monthly active users, making it the fifth most widely used social media platform. However, many countries across the globe have banned this application due to different reasons, such as security risks and geopolitical tensions.
If you live in one of those countries, you can use a VPN for TikTok to access the app. But how does a VPN allow you to use TikTok safely? Let’s find out.
How Does a VPN Work to Unblock TikTok?
VPN stands for virtual private network, and it’s a privacy tool that you can use to access apps and websites that are blocked in your area.
Here’s how it works.
Masks Your Location
If you use the internet without a VPN, your real IP address, which can reveal your location, is visible to apps, websites, and even your ISP (Internet Service Provider). When you install and open a VPN, it provides you with a list of servers from different countries you can connect to.
As soon as you select a server from a specific country, the VPN assigns you a new IP and starts rerouting your internet traffic through that server. It means that it appears to online apps and services that you’re using the internet from the country of your selected server.
Example:
For example, if you’re in the US and can’t access TikTok, you can use a VPN to connect to a server that belongs to a country where TikTok isn’t blocked, let’s say Canada. This way, your online activity will appear to originate from Canada, which will hide your real location and allow you to use the platform without restrictions.
Creates a Virtual Tunnel
Even if you hide your real IP address, your ISP will still be able to view your online activity like the apps you’re using or websites you’re visiting. To prevent this, VPNs offer an excellent feature called virtual tunnel.
In simple words, a virtual tunnel is a secure connection between you and your destination, and in this case, it’ll be between your device and TikTok. All your online data will go through this secure tunnel in an encrypted form, which means your ISP or even agencies won’t be able to see what content you’re accessing.
Other Benefits of Using a VPN for TikTok
There are many benefits of using a VPN, other than just keeping you anonymous online. However, you’ll only be able to reap those if you choose a reliable VPN service. Here’s a detailed Cybernews guide on the best VPNs for TikTok to help you choose the right option.
Let’s discuss the benefits of using a VPN for TikTok.
Access Geo-Restricted Content
Just like all major social media platforms, TikTok also has geo-restricted content that you can only access in specific countries. Using a VPN, you can access such content on TikTok within seconds. All you need is to connect to a VPN server in a country where the content is available.
For instance, if you like an influencer who restricts their content to people in Japan, you can select a Japanese server on your VPN to view their videos.
Prevent ISP Throttling
Many ISPs deliberately slow down the internet speed of their users, especially when they constantly use high-bandwidth apps like TikTok. But when you’re connected to a VPN, your internet service provider can’t view your online activity.
As a result, you can completely bypass bandwidth throttling from your ISP and enjoy a smooth TikTok experience.
Remove Ads
Many premium VPN tools come with built-in ad blockers that allow you to prevent intrusive ads from popping up and keep your screen clean. They can also minimize the risk of falling victim to phishing scams, as they sometimes start from social media ads.
Ensure Privacy
All social media platforms, including TikTok, collect a vast amount of data about their users. It allows them to offer targeted advertisements in order to increase conversions and maximize their revenue.
If you find this strategy invasive to your privacy, a VPN can help because it’ll hide your real IP address to minimize location-based data tracking.
Final Words
If you’re an avid TikTok user and find it difficult to access the platform in your area, you can consider using a VPN. It’ll allow you to bypass local restrictions and use TikTok for both watching and uploading content.
Lastly, it’s advisable to choose a premium VPN tool from a reliable service provider because free ones have very few servers and many of them also implement data limits.
