In July 2024, Russia announced it would start slowing down YouTube’s speed within the country. The government claims this action is due to YouTube’s refusal to comply with Russian laws. Users have already reported slower video loading times, with speeds potentially dropping by 70%. This decision comes as part of ongoing tensions between Russia and YouTube over content removal, especially channels that criticize the government.
In this article, we’ll explore how to access YouTube in Russia despite these restrictions. We’ll focus on practical solutions like using VPNs and proxies, offering recommendations for popular tools, and comparing their pros and cons. If you're in Russia or planning to visit, this guide will help you bypass restrictions and keep using YouTube without interruptions.
In July 2024, Russia announced it would begin slowing down YouTube, with speeds potentially dropping by up to 70% by the end of the month. The government claims that this action is a response to YouTube’s failure to comply with Russian laws. While the speed reduction is not aimed at Russian users, it is seen as a direct consequence of YouTube’s non-compliance. The decision was strategically timed for the summer when many people are on vacation and primarily using mobile data, so the impact on users would be limited. However, the Russian government aims to send a message that they are taking action, rather than merely requesting YouTube to comply.
Already, Russian telecom company Rostelecom has reported slower loading speeds on YouTube, and many users have voiced frustration, some even finding it impossible to access the site at times. These issues may only be the beginning. The Russian government has long criticized YouTube for removing content from Russian activists, journalists, and artists, arguing that the platform’s actions reflect an anti-Russian bias.
The future of YouTube in Russia now depends on whether the platform will change its policies to align with Russian regulations. If not, its presence in the country may continue to deteriorate. In the meantime, local alternatives like Rutube and VK Video are gaining popularity as users seek out platforms that are less affected by these restrictions.
To bypass YouTube access restrictions in Russia, VPNs and proxy services are the most effective solutions. These tools help users mask their real IP addresses, making it seem like they are accessing YouTube from a different country. Below, we’ll review three popular VPN tools and three leading proxy services, covering essential details like pricing, server locations, speed, and advantages/disadvantages.
NordVPN is one of the most well-known and trusted VPN services worldwide. With robust security features and a large network of servers, it’s perfect for bypassing restrictions like those imposed on YouTube in Russia.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast and reliable speeds | Slightly higher price |
| Strong security (AES-256 encryption) | Some servers may experience occasional slowdown |
| Large server network (60+ countries) | No free version available |
ExpressVPN is another highly recommended tool for accessing blocked sites. Known for its ease of use, reliability, and high speeds, it’s a favorite among users who need to access content in restricted countries.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent streaming speed | Price is on the higher side |
| Easy-to-use interface | Limited simultaneous connections on basic plans |
| Large server pool (94 countries) | No free trial without full subscription |
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN service known for its strong privacy features and good overall performance. It’s a solid option for anyone needing reliable access to YouTube in Russia.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable pricing | Speed can fluctuate |
| Large server network (91 countries) | Customer service response time can be slow |
| Strong privacy features | Some servers are slower than others |
Smartproxy offers a large pool of residential IP addresses, making it easy for users to bypass YouTube restrictions in Russia by using proxies from a variety of countries.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large proxy pool (40M+ IPs) | Higher price compared to some other proxies |
| Fast and reliable speeds | Limited data on the lowest tier |
| Good customer support | Not all proxies are fast |
Bright Data is one of the largest and most reliable proxy providers. It specializes in premium proxies for high-end users needing guaranteed performance and anonymity.
| Pros | Cons |
| Huge proxy pool (72M+ IPs) | Very expensive |
| Fast and reliable connections | High cost may not suit casual users |
| Excellent for serious use cases | No free trial available |
Oxylabs is another premium proxy provider offering high-speed residential and data-center proxies, ideal for bypassing censorship and accessing platforms like YouTube.
| Pros | Cons |
| Large pool of proxies (100M+) | Expensive for casual users |
| Excellent speeds for streaming | Limited data on entry-level plans |
| Great for high-performance needs | No free trial |
If you are in Russia and need access to YouTube, using a VPN or proxy is an effective solution. Both VPNs and proxies provide reliable ways to bypass the restrictions. For VPNs, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost offer excellent speeds and security. For proxies, Smartproxy, Bright Data, and Oxylabs are all solid options, though they come with varying pricing structures. Depending on your needs—whether it’s for occasional browsing or heavy streaming—these tools can help you regain access to YouTube, even under tight restrictions.
The Russian government argues that YouTube is a major platform for spreading Western information and contains content that conflicts with Russia's policies. As a result, they have imposed limitations to control the platform's influence within the country.
Using a VPN to access YouTube in Russia exists in a legal gray area. While there are laws that restrict VPN usage, most users still successfully bypass the restrictions using VPNs without facing major consequences. However, it's important to stay updated on local regulations to avoid potential legal issues.
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost are some of the best VPN options to access YouTube in Russia. These VPNs provide strong encryption, high stability, and extensive server networks, ensuring smooth access to restricted content.
A proxy service works by changing your IP address, allowing you to access blocked websites. However, it doesn't encrypt your internet traffic. A VPN, on the other hand, not only changes your IP but also encrypts your entire internet connection, enhancing privacy and security while bypassing geographical restrictions.
In general, proxy services are cheaper than VPNs. However, they often provide less security and privacy protection. VPNs offer stronger encryption, making them a more secure option for users who prioritize privacy and online safety. Proxies are better suited for tasks where security isn't as crucial, such as browsing or streaming.
