VPN for YouTube: why video stutters and how to fix it

YouTube video does not come from a single server but from the nearest node of Google's delivery network. If traffic between you and that node is slowed, congested or filtered, video buffers even on a fast plan. Since the summer of 2024, users in Russia have widely experienced severe YouTube slowdowns.

#Why a VPN helps

A VPN changes the route: your traffic is encrypted up to the VPN server and goes from there to the Google node nearest to the server. Equipment along your provider's path only sees an encrypted connection to the VPN server and cannot slow video down selectively.

So two things matter:

1. Latency and stability to the VPN server. The closer the server, the better. The servers page shows the approximate latency from your time zone.
2. The server's capacity. An overloaded server will not carry 4K. Watch the load figure.

#How much speed you need

Through a VPN, speed is usually a little lower than without, because of encryption and a longer path. On mobile data Hysteria2 works best because it copes with packet loss.

#YouTube Premium

YouTube Premium is not available in every country. On the servers page we mark YouTube Premium ✓ where the automatic check from the server shows the service opening. Keep in mind that signing up depends on your account's country and payment method, and Google's rules may limit using a subscription from another country.

#If video still stutters

• Pick a server close to you rather than "the furthest country".
• Switch protocol: QUIC (Hysteria2) is better on unstable networks, VLESS Reality on filtered ones.
• On Android TV, use a cable or 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
• Check that nothing else on your network is downloading torrents or updates.
• Clear the YouTube app's cache: it may remember your old region.