Why Do Streamers Use VPNs? (2024)

FAQs

Why Do Streamers Use VPNs? ›

Routing your internet traffic (including game traffic and your stream) through a VPN server hides your IP address from anyone on the other side. So, even if someone manages to find your real IP through your streaming platform or game, they won't be able to attack your home network directly.

While virtual private networks boost your privacy, you can use these services to unlock access to streaming content that's blocked in your location due to region-based restrictions. Your VPN masks your public IP address and encrypts your internet traffic through a VPN server in a different location.

The short answer: If you're in the United States, it's not illegal to use a VPN while you stream movies — so long as that movie was legally obtained.

You get exposed to potential hackers and cyber attacks when you stream content without a VPN. Your every move online is visible to them, from the websites you visit to the videos you watch. A VPN protects your traffic, making it almost impossible for anyone to track.

Using a VPN can lower lag and ping rates (latency)

For gamers, however, this location spoofing comes with additional benefits. By connecting to remote servers using your new location, you can avoid busy hosts with high latency, and receive a much smoother and more competitive game experience.

Yes, a lot of streamers use VPNs, and for many good reasons. The biggest concern for most full-time streamers is security, along with maintaining a good connection to their live streaming service and game servers. A VPN can help you out with both of those things, and can even sometimes lower your ping.

When you use a VPN, your ISP can't see the websites you're visiting or their content. However, it can see the VPN's IP address and how much data is transferred. This gives it some idea that you're using a VPN and potentially using it for streaming.

Because a VPN reroutes your internet traffic through servers elsewhere, it makes websites and apps -- like streaming services -- think you're based in another geographic location.

Are VPNs legal to use? Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries around the world, including the US, Canada, and most of Europe. However, you might risk heavy fines or even imprisonment for using a VPN in a country that bans it, for example, North Korea or Iraq.

No, Netflix doesn't block VPNs, although you'll see only films and television shows that Netflix has the rights for in that region. Furthermore, Netflix doesn't allow VPNs with its ad-supported plan, and you can't stream live events, just on-demand content.

Can you be tracked if you use VPN? ›

You can't be tracked using a VPN because it encrypts your data. As a result, your ISP or bad actors can't get any information out of your traffic. They only see the VPN server's IP address (e.g. if you're connected to a US server, the US IP address is visible), while your real IP and online activities stay hidden.

Yes, your ISP can see your VPN server's IP address. But it can't see anything else. This means that your ISP can likely tell that you're using a VPN, but it cannot track your online activity, see the pages you visit, the files you download, or anything else you do on the internet.

Hulu knows you're using a VPN by utilizing a mix of detection methods. The three that we know of are: IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. If your VPN is leaking any of this data, then your actual location is visible.

Honestly even use of a VPN is not really going to hide everything you do, some big tech company firewalls decode all the vpn tunnels, also some VPN providers are snake oil sale based.

If you're playing a game that uses peer-to-peer connection for multiplayer, it's better to keep your VPN turned on to stay safe and secure. You might be unlikely to boot up a game using a peer-to-peer connection, but some massive titles, such as Grand Theft Auto Online, still use this type of server hosting.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN for gaming, with an incredibly low 10% average internet download speed loss as of our latest testing.

One reason why you may not want to use a VPN is because it could slow down your internet connection speed significantly. There are several factors that affect your internet speeds when using a VPN, including the fact that a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through different servers, which slows down the process.

VPNs (virtual private networks) can make your device or network look like it's connecting to Netflix from somewhere other than your actual location. While using Netflix through a VPN, we will only show you TV shows and movies we have worldwide rights for, like Squid Game or Stranger Things.

Using a VPN can cut your internet speeds by 50% or more, which is a drag if you're streaming or gaming.

The best VPN server country for streaming is the U.S., thanks to the sheer amount of streaming services the country offers, like HBO Max, Hulu, and more.