How to Use Instagram in China in 2024

If you’re like me, most trips these days don’t feel complete unless I can share my photos and videos with friends and family on Instagram. After all, it’s one of the most popular social media platforms out there, with millions of users in countries all around the world. However, if you’re traveling to China, you might find that you’ll be unable to access Instagram while in the country.

The Chinese government has strict internet censorship, which limits the use of Instagram and other social media platforms with their “Great Firewall of China.” So, if you’re a big social media user like me and want to be able to access Instagram in China, what can you do to bypass internet censorship?

The answer is to use a virtual private network, otherwise known as a VPN. A VPN can help you access blocked websites like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, etc, by connecting you to a VPN server that can change your IP address to be in a different country outside of China. It’s a great workaround for unblocking Instagram and all the other blocked websites you hope to access on your trip.

However, it’s important to know that not all VPN services are created equal when it comes to accessing Instagram in China. Chinese authorities are always working to block many VPNs from being used in China, and even those that do work in China are not all capable of performing well. So, it’s important to make sure you have a reliable VPN installed that you know will be able to unblock Instagram.

I’ve tested out many VPNs and have found the best of the best that work for unblocking Instagram in China. Keep reading to learn more about using a VPN to access Instagram in China and the best ones for the job.

How to choose the best VPN to access Instagram in China

When it came to choosing the best VPN for accessing Instagram in China, I took several factors into account, especially because not all of the popular VPNs work in China.

Unblocking abilities. It is crucial to choose a VPN that is known for its unblocking abilities when it comes to unblocking websites and bypassing the Great Firewall. Not every VPN provider has this capability in restrictive countries, so it’s important to choose wisely.

Server network. Make sure to pick VPN services that have servers in countries nearby where Instagram is accessible, such as Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Japan.

Privacy and security. Look for a VPN that has robust privacy and security features to make sure your internet traffic and VPN connection are safe and secure from the government or other third parties.

Speed. Dealing with lag and slow speeds can be frustrating while using social media sites or streaming services, so it’s important to choose a VPN with fast speeds.

User-friendly. Make sure to choose a VPN service that is user-friendly with a good app and is able to perform in China so you can post photos on Instagram with ease.

Customer support. Choose a VPN with a reputation for good customer support in case you find yourself in need of help or need to take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3 best VPNs to use Instagram in China

When it comes to the best VPNs for China to access Instagram, these are my top three picks:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is my top choice for VPNs to unblock Instagram in China, as it is consistently a reliable VPN capable of accessing blocked websites in China while also being user-friendly and fast. It’s easy to install ExpressVPN, and it has a server network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including nearby servers in Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.

Features: ExpressVPN regularly conducts tests to determine the best VPN servers for China, and installing ExpressVPN is an easy process. It offers unlimited bandwidth and allows you to have up to 8 simultaneous device connections. It also has a split tunneling feature, which allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t.

Speed: ExpressVPN has lightning-fast speeds, utilizing its Lightway protocol, allowing for super-fast connection speeds on Instagram and other sites.

Privacy and security: This VPN has all the top security features with military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, RAM-only servers, and a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming: ExpressVPN is excellent at unblocking streaming sites such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube, and more. It is also great for unblocking social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN is compatible with most devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and most Wi-Fi routers.

Pricing: This VPN is on the pricier side, with prices starting at $6.67 per month. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market, and for good reason. It has a large server network of 6,400 servers in 111 countries, so you’re sure to find one to connect to. Overall, I’ve found that it is a well-rounded VPN that offers users advanced features at a reasonable price.

Features: NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth, so you won’t need to worry about data caps, and it lets you have up to 10 simultaneous device connections. It also offers split tunneling and SmartPlay for easy streaming.

Speed: Utilizing its proprietary NordLynx protocol, this VPN has blazing-fast speeds, so you don’t have to worry about any videos on Instagram buffering or freezing up on you.

Privacy and security: NordVPN has excellent security, including AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, malware protection, and a Dark Web monitor.

Streaming: NordVPN is great when it comes to unblocking streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and HBO Max. You can also use it to unblock Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

Compatibility: This VPN has apps compatible with most devices, including iOS, Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for NordVPN start at $3.39 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. PrivateVPN

When it comes to this VPN, I appreciate both its strong security and low cost, so if you’re looking for a more basic and affordable VPN that still works in China, then PrivateVPN could be a good choice for you. It has 200+ servers in 63 countries, including nearby servers in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

Features: This VPN app is a bit more minimalistic than the others on this list, which some beginners like so they don’t feel overwhelmed with lots of features. It does have a StealthVPN feature, which supports obfuscation technology to help bypass internet restrictions in China and allows for up to 10 simultaneous device connections.

Speed: While PrivateVPN might not be as fast as the other two VPNs on our list, it still has decently fast speeds to provide a relatively smooth VPN connection.

Privacy and security: PrivateVPN has security features that include AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch. It also has an app-based kill switch called Application Guard on Windows that will shut down specific apps if the VPN disconnects.

Streaming: PrivateVPN works at unblocking sites such as Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and Vudu, as well as Instagram and Facebook.

Compatibility: This VPN is compatible with Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Firestick, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for PrivateVPN start at $2.00 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why is Instagram blocked in China?

The Chinese government has strict online censorship, which includes blocking residents from using international social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Google. If you’re thinking of using Instagram in China, you will need to use a VPN.

Why you need a VPN to access Instagram in China

If you’re looking to access Instagram in China, then a VPN is a must. The Chinese government blocks many online services including popular social media sites like Instagram, as well as other websites such as streaming platforms like Netflix. A premium VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions and encrypt VPN traffic so that you can log into your Instagram account without any issues.

However, it’s important to be aware that not every VPN will work in China, so be mindful of which ones you choose. It may be tempting to take advantage of a free service by downloading one of the free VPNs available, but these typically will not work in China. I recommend sticking with a premium service such as ExpressVPN.

How to use Instagram in China on your device

Depending on which device you’re using in China, here is how you can access Instagram.

Desktop

If you are using Instagram on a desktop such as Windows or Mac, follow these steps to access Instagram in China:

1. Choose a premium and reliable VPN that’s capable of working on sites that are blocked in China. I recommend ExpressVPN for the overall best performance at unblocking websites in countries like China.
2. Make an account and download the VPN app onto your desktop according to the provider’s instructions. It shouldn’t take longer than a couple of minutes.
3. Once you’ve ensured that your reliable VPN is installed on your device, launch the VPN and connect to a server outside of China.
4. Open Instagram and log in with your details. Your Instagram traffic should now be protected, and you won’t be subject to restrictions from the Great Firewall.

Mobile

To install a VPN on your mobile device, such as Android or iOS, follow these steps:

1. Select a VPN you know will work on mobile devices in China. I recommend ExpressVPN, which has excellent mobile apps that are user-friendly with lots of features.
2. Go to the app store on your device, either Google Play or Apple App Store, and search for your VPN’s app. Download to your device.
3. If you don’t already have an account with the VPN, create an account and log in with your details.
4. Open the VPN app and connect to a server outside of China.
5. Open the Instagram app and connect as usual. Enjoy!

Other apps and services you can unblock with VPN in China

Due to the Chinese government’s strict internet censorship, there are many apps and services besides Instagram that you will find blocked in China. But the good news is that you can also unblock these sites with a trusty VPN! These sites include:

• Netflix
• YouTube
• Twitter
• Hulu
• Prime Video
• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• Dropbox
• Snapchat
• Gmail
• Zoom
• Slack

Chinese Instagram alternatives

If using Instagram in China makes you too uncomfortable, and you’re looking to use an alternative to Instagram during your stay in China, there are a few local Chinese social media applications available to you. These platforms include WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin.

FAQ

Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

Using a VPN in China is technically legal, but only if you’re using government-approved VPNs. However, those VPNs will not be able to unblock restricted sites.

If you choose to use a VPN that’s not Chinese-approved, be aware that it is not technically legal in the country. However, many residents and travelers use VPNs for various reasons, and I’ve never heard reports of any major punishments for tourists caught with one.

Is it legal to use Instagram in China?

Using Instagram in China does violate the internet regulations in China and is not technically allowed. However, many still use Instagram with a VPN, and there are no reports of harsh punishment for those using it.

Do Chinese celebrities use Instagram in China?

Yes, there are some Chinese celebrities who use Instagram in China as a platform to reach and interact with their fans. Some choose to find ways to bypass the restrictions in order to utilize Instagram for their brand. However, others prefer to use local social media platforms to connect with their Chinese fan base, such as Douyin, WeChat, and Weibo.

Conclusion

Instagram is one of the world’s most popular social media sites, with millions of users in numerous countries around the globe. However, if you’re hoping to hop off the plane in China and start sharing photos on Instagram, you will quickly find that this option is not available to you.

Due to strict internet censorship, social media platforms like Instagram are blocked by the Chinese government. But the good news is that with the use of a virtual private network, also known as a VPN, you can still access Instagram in China!

By using a VPN, you can connect to a server outside of China and bypass the Great Firewall, while encrypting your online traffic so your activities can’t be tracked by the Chinese government. I personally recommend using a top-notch VPN like ExpressVPN, which will allow you to keep using Instagram in China as much as you like and share your photos and videos with all your friends and family.