How to Watch and Download Blocked YouTube Videos? 4 Solutions!

YouTube is the biggest video-sharing website in the world. It receives more than 122 million daily visitors through its official website and application.  However, in some countries, YouTube is blocked due to laws or regulations. In these cases, users need to find a way to unblock YouTube and watch blocked videos. This can be done by using a VPN or proxy server.

There are two main reasons why YouTube videos can be blocked. Firstly, YouTube has decided to block certain content from following local laws. Secondly, video creators have decided to restrict their content to certain regions (usually because of licensing rights).

So, the question remains, how to watch and download blocked YouTube videos? There are four ways you can access blocked YouTube videos:

1. Use a Secure VPN
2. Use Smart DNS/Proxy Server
3. Use Youtube Mirror Sites
4. Download Youtube Videos

Use a Secure VPN Service

VPNs can help you bypass any geo-restrictions and strong internet censorship. It also hides your IP address and encrypts your network so your ISP or government can’t track your online activities. As one of the many VPN service providers on the market, Symlex VPN has had a significant impact and gained trust over 7 million users worldwide.

It has dedicated servers for Hotstar and Netflix, to begin with. In addition, Disney+HotStar, Netflix USA-UK-Czech Republic, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime may all be unlocked using Symlex VPN. Furthermore, it offers industry-leading VPN protocols, including WireGuard, Open Connect, Shadowsocks, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and others.
Symlex VPN has more than 120 servers available over 95 locations worldwide. It comes with blazing-fast cache servers for gaming, streaming, and browsing. Additionally, there are affordable price packages to suit every individual and business. Furthermore, it offers round-the-clock 24/7 support to assist users whenever they need it.

Use Smart DNS/Proxy Server

A proxy server is a server that assesses a client’s request for a server from another server. Some websites allow you to browse using a proxy server without disclosing your IP address. You may change your location in this situation to get around the regional YouTube filter since it has restricted certain countries from accessing its materials. 

Smart DNS/ Proxy servers can help you access YouTube if it has been blocked in your country without compromising your privacy. When you connect to a proxy server routes your connection through a proxy tunnel with a different location’s IP address.

This way, YouTube thinks you’re browsing from that location, so you can watch videos no matter where you are in the world. Nowadays, there are proxy sites available that allow you to access restricted websites like YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, etc, without any manual configuration. You don’t have to set up anything; just a simple click. 

Here are some good proxy site links that unblock YouTube:

1. Proxy Site
2. Youtube Unblocked Live
3. Croxy Proxy Youtube

Alternatively, you can use Smart DNS services to unblock YouTube easily. However, the only downside of Smart DNS is it doesn’t hide your IP address, exposing your online identity. That’s why we prefer using a secure VPN service over Smart DNS. For a detailed comparison between Smart DNS and VPN, read our blog here.

Like proxies and VPNs, smart DNS will modify your location by routing traffic to other servers. Nevertheless, since there is no encryption, connections made using Smart DNS networks are always quicker and faster. If you need speed over security, then Smart DNS is a good option.

Use Youtube Mirror Sites

You can use YouTube Mirror sites to access it from anywhere in the world. For instance, Hook Tube is an alternative to YouTube where you can watch YouTube videos bypassing any geo-restriction or internet censorship. It is also simple and straightforward to use. Here’s how:

As a result, you may view YouTube videos without being interrupted. Additionally, this service allows you to download YouTube videos. Below are the actions you need to carry out if you want to use Hook Tube to access banned YouTube videos.

• Copy the video URL from the browser URL tab.
• In the link, replace “you” on Youtube with “hook”. (For example, https://www.hooktube.com/watch?v=Z9AYPxH5NTM)
• Now tap enter, and it will redirect you to a website named Cinemaphile.
• You can now play the video without any restrictions.

Another site is Gen Mirror, which can mirror YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram to bypass geo-blocks and IP restrictions. Just use the quick links from the homepage or paste the link of your desired website to access on the go. Mirror sites are comparatively slower.

Use YouTube Downloader

You can download blocked YouTube videos and save them on your device. It’s one of the ways to access YouTube videos offline. There are two ways to download YouTube videos, and you can use either of them according to your own preference. 

1. Use an online tool
2. Use a YT video downloader.

Online YouTube video downloaders are your best option since you don’t have to download anything. There are several YouTube downloaders available online, like YTS, Y2mate, 9Convert, etc. Go to any of the websites, paste the YouTube link, and proceed. 

It will automatically process the video from the link, and you can choose a resolution or you can download the video as MP3. Additionally, these websites support other platforms like Vimeo, Ted, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, etc. Just copy and paste the link, and you’re done. 

FAQs

How to download YouTube videos without a download option?

You can download YouTube videos without a download option using a YouTube video downloader software or Chrome extension. There are YT video downloading software like 4K video downloader, any video download, etc. There are also browser extensions available that allow you to download videos directly from YouTube.

How to download protected videos with IDM?

IDM, or Internet Download Manager, is a great software that can help you download blocked or protected videos. Download the application and install it on your desired device. Then, integrate with your web browser, and there will be a popup whenever a video plays on any website you’ll see a download option on that popup.

Is it possible to download DRM-protected videos?

It is possible to download DRM-protected videos using StreamFab DRM M3U8. This is a DRM video downloader for streaming platforms with DRM-protected content. It is designed for downloading videos that are protected by different protocols. 

Final Words

To wrap up, today we discussed four effective solutions for accessing and downloading blocked YouTube videos. In some regions, YouTube’s popularity makes it a global platform, but legal restrictions and licensing agreements can block content.

The solutions discussed include using a secure VPN service like Symlex VPN, Smart DNS/Proxy Servers, YouTube Mirror Sites like Hooktube and Gen Mirror, and YouTube Downloaders. By using these methods, users can access their favorite YouTube content regardless of their location.