Being subjected to censorship in China, Instagram finds itself in the same boat as many other social media platforms.
Several other sites and apps, including Facebook, Twitter, and Gmail, have also experienced the clampdown by Beijing’s authorities. In fact, a multitude of websites and apps are currently inaccessible in China.
However, Instagram stands out among these social networks due to its primarily mobile-centric nature.
This means that solutions exclusive to computers will not suffice for Instagram, given that it’s primarily a mobile-based social network. Is Instagram inaccessible in China? The answer is yes. Instagram first fell under the ban in 2016 when the Chinese government sought to regulate how its citizens interacted with western social media.
Fast-forward, amidst riots, protests, and the Covid pandemic, China has tightened its grip on western media access and platforms, making them increasingly difficult to reach.
Interestingly, despite the domestic block on Instagram, a significant number of Chinese citizens persistently use the app.
The method they employ to bypass the block is the same one available to you, which I will outline in the following three steps.
How to unblock Instagram in China?
You can use a VPN to bypass the restriction in China and access Instagram. VPN is a tool for protecting people’s internet traffic and keeping their identities private online. Your internet traffic will go through an encrypted tunnel that nobody can see when you connect to a secure VPN server.
This is my way to access Instagram and I guess it’s probably the easiest way. Here are 3 steps.
Step 1: Choose the right VPN
The very first step for you is to find a VPN that can work in China. For this first step, a few things you need to be careful of.
- If you’re planning a trip to China and want to use a VPN to bypass the Great Firewall, not all VPNs are created equal. The Chinese government has gotten pretty good at blocking VPNs, so it’s important to do your research and find one that will actually work.
- Make sure to download and set up your VPN app and account before you go to China, because you won’t be able to download it once you’re there. And forget about downloading it directly from the provider’s website, because that’s blocked too.
- Before you head off on your trip, take some time to figure out what kind of VPN plan you need. I suggest going for a yearly or multi-year plan so you don’t get caught without access due to a forgotten renewal. But of course, it all depends on how long you’ll be staying in China.
Step 2: Turn on your VPN
After you’ve signed up for a VPN account and purchased a plan, you’re free to use your VPN! There are 2 crucial settings you need to know.
Choose the right server
Normally, a VPN will provide users with 100+ servers from different countries. Because the network speed could be different by region, you need to test a bit to see which countries’ servers could give you the best network speed.
Choose the right protocol
VPN protocols are sets of programs and processes that determine how that tunnel is actually formed. There will be a few protocol options for you to choose in a VPN app. For example, in ExpressVPN, there are 7 protocols.
- Lightway: It’s a next-generation VPN protocol that provides the best in speed, security, and reliability.
- OpenVPN: It is a very popular and highly secure protocol used by many VPN providers.
- IPSec/IKEv2: It sets the foundation for a secure VPN connection by establishing an authenticated and encrypted connection.
- Wireguard: It is the newest and fastest tunneling protocol the entire VPN industry is talking about.
- SSTP: Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a fairly secure and capable VPN protocol created by Microsoft.
- L2TP/IPSec: It’s simply a VPN tunneling protocol that creates a connection between you and a VPN server.
- PPTP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) was created in 1999 and was the first widely available VPN protocol. It was first designed to tunnel dialup traffic!
I remember once I was suffering a terrible, terrible network environment in China and only this Lightway protocol of ExpressVPN was able to help me access the internet, so I was really impressed!
Step 3: Enjoy Instagram
Once you have access to the internet on your phone or PC, you’re connected to a VPN, which should enable you to access the website instagram.com, or download the Instagram apps without any problems. Well, It’s surely common to experience some interruptions with your connection, so I suggest you test out the best VPN servers for yourself.
If you’re still having trouble accessing Instagram or other blocked websites, you should contact your VPN’s customer support team for further assistance.
What is the best VPN for Instagram?
| Number of US server cities | 16 |
| Number of servers | 3,000+ |
| Server locations | 160 |
| Maximum devices supported | 5 |
In my opinion, ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN for unblocking Instagram in China because it offers the best of everything from speed and security to ease of use, compatibility, and customer service.
It’s particularly well suited for use in China as it has a whopping 3,000+ servers spread across 160 locations and 94 countries.
As well as getting reliable, above-average speeds (especially when you switch on its proprietary Lightway protocol), with smart selection wizards and 24/7 live chat assistance, that goes for anybody outside the country, too.
ExpressVPN will let you be able to download the app and register an Instagram account when you’re in China (I know because I’ve tried). You’re secure too with Bitcoin payment, P2P support, industrial-level encryption, a kill switch, DNS protection, and a clear no-logging policy.
The only limitation of ExpressVPN is that its clients are limited to five simultaneous connections, which is fewer compared to other VPN services. However, if you don’t need to connect more than five devices, then ExpressVPN is a nearly perfect choice.
Is it illegal to use Instagram in China?
When it comes to social media platforms, Instagram’s popularity is undisputed. The photo-sharing platform has successfully woven itself into the cultural fabric of numerous nations across the globe. However, when it comes to China, the picture isn’t quite so rosy.
Instagram, like several other globally-popular social media platforms, is inaccessible in China due to the nation’s rigorous internet censorship system, colloquially known as the “Great Firewall”. This cyber-infrastructure was implemented by the Chinese government to regulate internet content within the nation’s borders, blocking access to many foreign websites, including Instagram.
Instagram in China: A Question of Legality
To directly answer the question: no, it’s not illegal for individuals to use Instagram in China. However, accessing Instagram can be challenging due to the restrictions placed by the Great Firewall.
Many locals and foreigners in China have found a workaround using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs enable users to access blocked content by disguising their internet connection to appear as if it’s originating from a different country, thereby bypassing the restrictions of the Great Firewall.
While the Chinese government is aware of this practice, the legality of VPN use is something of a gray area. For regular individuals, using a VPN to access Instagram and other blocked services typically doesn’t lead to legal repercussions. However, the government has cracked down on the unauthorized sale and promotion of VPN services within the country.
While it’s not technically illegal to use Instagram in China, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. Authorities have the power to shut down VPNs and have done so in the past, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
Moreover, while the Chinese government usually doesn’t penalize individuals for using VPNs to access blocked social media platforms, it’s crucial to understand that this could change depending on shifts in policy or political climate.
In summary, while Instagram is blocked in China, individuals can typically access it using a VPN without encountering legal issues. However, this practice exists within a somewhat undefined legal area and is subject to the ever-changing landscape of China’s internet regulations. It’s always recommended for both residents and visitors to respect the nation’s digital laws and remain aware of any updates or changes in policy.
What is China version of Instagram?
In the digital age, social media platforms rule our daily lives. Instagram, with its photo-centric model, has especially caught the world by storm. However, as we know, China’s Great Firewall has blocked access to various foreign internet services, including Instagram. So, what’s the Chinese equivalent of Instagram? The answer is RED, also known as Xiaohongshu.
What is RED?
RED, or Xiaohongshu, translates to ‘Little Red Book’. Launched in 2013, RED started as a platform for users to share shopping tips and product reviews. Over the years, it has evolved into a hybrid of social media, content-sharing platform, and e-commerce website. Today, RED stands as one of China’s most popular social platforms, boasting over 300 million registered users.
Instagram of China: Is It Really Similar?
Like Instagram, RED offers a platform for users to share their lives visually. However, it differentiates itself in several ways. While Instagram is a platform for photo and video sharing, with a focus on personal aesthetics and lifestyle broadcasting, RED serves as a community for people to share shopping experiences, lifestyle ideas, and product reviews.
In essence, RED is more than a social platform; it’s a trusted review and recommendation platform. Users flock to RED for genuine, user-generated content that provides valuable insights into products and lifestyle choices. This direct connection to e-commerce makes RED uniquely Chinese.
Influencer Marketing on RED
RED’s platform is not just about sharing pictures and life updates; it’s also a hub for influencers or Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). These influencers share their experiences and insights on a wide range of topics, from fashion and beauty to food and travel. Much like Instagram, these KOLs have a significant impact on their followers’ purchasing decisions, leading to a thriving influencer marketing landscape.
Navigating the Great Firewall with RED
While China’s strict internet policies have blocked access to numerous western apps, they’ve also allowed for the rise of innovative domestic alternatives like RED. These platforms cater specifically to the Chinese audience’s needs and preferences, providing them with an enriched, localized user experience.
In conclusion, while Instagram may be inaccessible in China, the country is not missing out on the photo-sharing, influencer-engaging, lifestyle-broadcasting trend. With platforms like RED, China has successfully created its unique social media landscape that aligns perfectly with its netizen’s needs and the country’s regulations.
What is the most popular social media in China?
In today’s digital era, social media platforms are essential not just for personal connections, but also for business, entertainment, and even governmental affairs. The scene in China, though, differs significantly from the rest of the world. Due to the Great Firewall, several popular global platforms are inaccessible. But that doesn’t mean China’s social media landscape is barren. Quite the contrary – it’s thriving and innovating at an unprecedented rate. The crown jewel of this digital renaissance? WeChat, without a doubt.
WeChat: More than Just Social Media
Launched by Tencent in 2011, WeChat, known as “Weixin” in China, has become the most influential social media platform in the country. As of 2023, it boasts over a billion active monthly users, making it not just the most popular in China but one of the most used social media platforms globally.
But what sets WeChat apart from its global counterparts is its multipurpose functionality. Describing WeChat as a mere social media platform would be an understatement. It’s an all-encompassing ecosystem that merges messaging, social media, and financial services into a single application.
The Swiss Army Knife of Apps
WeChat began as a messaging app similar to WhatsApp but soon evolved into a multi-faceted platform. Today, WeChat users can text and call friends, follow official accounts, share moments (akin to Facebook’s News Feed), join chat groups, and even make in-app purchases.
The platform’s standout feature is arguably its payment service, WeChat Pay. This function has transformed WeChat into a digital wallet, allowing users to pay bills, order goods and services, transfer money to other users, and even book appointments or transportation.
WeChat for Businesses
WeChat’s impressive versatility extends into the business world. Brands can create official accounts to engage with customers, advertise, and sell products directly on the platform. WeChat’s Mini Programs – sub-applications within the WeChat ecosystem – allow businesses to offer advanced features without requiring users to download a separate app. This seamless integration has transformed WeChat into a powerful tool for businesses, from local start-ups to international corporations.
The Heartbeat of Digital China
WeChat’s dominance in China’s social media landscape reflects the nation’s unique digital culture. Its success can be attributed to its ability to understand and cater to the needs of Chinese consumers who desire convenience and multifunctionality in a single app. Thus, WeChat is not just a social media platform; it’s a digital lifestyle companion for millions of Chinese citizens.
In conclusion, while platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram continue to reign in much of the world, WeChat has carved its own path, creating a digital phenomenon that’s uniquely Chinese. As China’s most popular social media platform, WeChat exemplifies the country’s rapid digital evolution and its consumers’ desire for integrated, all-in-one digital experiences.
