What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? Subscribing for a VPN account takes the current Internet action of your device and makes it more secure than before. It creates an online private tunnel from your device to a server to generate anonymity while you’re online.
VPN providers lend users a temporary IP address to mask the user’s real IP address. Using a VPN is also ideal for video content streaming. Here are six reasons why you should start using a VPN when streaming online videos:
1. Privacy When Sharing Media Files
Software like BitTorrent allows PC users to download and stream videos at the same time. A VPN for streaming helps users use peer-to-peer downloading and streaming platforms with excellent privacy and security. The secure connection aids P2P enthusiasts in avoiding local issues or prosecutions that may stem from copyright infringement.
A VPN software will encrypt file transfers to and from your computer or mobile device. It also hides your IP address, which makes it significantly difficult for organizations with media watchdog capabilities to extract your specific location or identity.
For example, if you currently live in Salt Lake City, Utah, you can use a VPN application to connect to a server located in Kiev, Ukraine. When authorities scan for your Internet activity, they’ll see your IP address in Kiev.
2. Enhanced Security
Many people use VPNs to enhance overall Internet security when using online features for personal use. VPNs offer great help for video-streaming enthusiasts when using public Wi-Fi. It means public Wi-Fi connections are unsecured wireless hotspots.
You might think that a public Wi-Fi hotspot is secure because it requires a password for your device to enter the network. Remember that you’re not the only person in the public network who can gain access to the connection. You’ll never know when hackers are lying in wait for you to enter the open connection.
Before you enter the public Wi-Fi network to stream videos, make sure your device connects to a VPN. The software masks your IP address upon entering the connection, thereby making it significantly difficult for cyber attackers to extract your data.
3. Access Blocked Content from a Country
Specific online streaming portals aren’t available for viewing in particular countries. Individual governments decide to block specific online video content from access by its population. Buying an IPTV won’t make a difference if you can’t stream your preferred movies and shows.
It’s in this regard that a VPN offers excellent help. The private tunnel lets your device take on the mantle of a new IP address. For example, if you’re living in China, chances are there are several online content unavailable for online streaming in your area.
You can use a VPN application to encrypt your traffic. In doing so, you can bypass progressive policies to access streaming portals thought to be heavily restricted before.
Remember, not all VPNs are equal. Specific VPN programs offer faster and more stable connections than other similar software. It’s essential to know the things to consider when choosing a VPN to generate an excellent streaming experience from several parts of the globe.
4. Access Blocked Content from Another Private Network
Streaming blocked content to bypass a country or region-wide firewall is one thing, but you may also want to use a VPN to get around another private network. Think about this scenario: imagine you’re in your company’s office, and a trailer dropped for a much-awaited movie. You can’t access YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or other places to stream videos because of the organization’s firewall.
Many companies use a private network to ensure productivity for all employees. Specific organizations have stringent policies regarding viewing unrelated online content. If caught by the IT or management staff, getting a memo may be the least of your worries.
In private institutions using restricted online connections, use a VPN to help you break free of those limitations. The applications help you gain access to whatever site you choose. Still, always bear in mind that VPNs cannot protect you from your boss looking over your shoulder.
5. Unblock Netflix
You may not know it, but Netflix will only show you content depending on your region. Also, this restriction isn’t only for Netflix but for other geo-restricted streaming services as well. A few other examples include:
- Spotify
- Instagram Music
- Pandora
- Hulu
- BBC iPlayer
- Popcorn Time
In other words, specific regions will allow you to download these applications. However, the content found inside the app may vary depending on your current location. For example, if you’re residing in the USA, then you can only view the Netflix USA library. If you want to stream other videos, you should use a VPN.
A VPN service will help fake your geographic location. Hence, you can access all geo-restricted services, which would otherwise be next to impossible to view without the software.
6. Improve Connection Stability
A home, office, or public network may become too crowded because of the different connected devices. It may cause streaming to become unstable and less enjoyable. Instead of using the IP address that the base network provides to your device, use a VPN to give your gadget a new IP address.
The scenario is akin to driving from a crowded street to a quiet residential area. Hence, you have less competition in vying for a stable connection. As a result, streaming becomes seamless, so your viewing pleasure doesn’t get interrupted by the buffering symbol. Many VPN services are available for download from the Internet.
There are free and paid VPN programs, in which the latter may have more features and options for you to use than the latter. Also, specific VPN applications may require more than your standard installation procedures. Make sure you educate yourself on how to set up a VPN program to help avoid complications while using the app.
Always use a VPN service to keep your Internet browsing history private and secure from watchful eyes. Last, keep in mind that VPNs can’t protect you from viruses. Always make sure you still practice due diligence while using the Internet with unrestricted access.
