Is Instagram banned in China in 2024? (Spoiler: yes)

But using social media apps and sharing videos and images isn’t easy in every country.

And that includes China. Trust me, I’ve lived there!

So, here’s a quick guide on the ins and outs of using Instagram in China.

In short – is Instagram banned in China?

Yes, Instagram is banned in China.

Sadly, that means no Instagram stories, reels or videos.

But the good news is there’s a way around it if you’re traveling there.

Why is Instagram blocked in China?

Instagram is one of the many social media websites and apps that have been subject to censorship in China for years.

This is part of what’s known as the Great Firewall of China. The firewall is a combination of technologies and legislation that regulates domestic internet traffic.

Instagram came along later than many other popular Western websites and was only blocked intermittently at first. However, it wasn’t long before the Chinese government censored it completely.

The reason for the ban is the fact that Instagram allows its users to communicate and share freely, without censorship.

This isn’t permitted under the Chinese Communist Party, which doesn’t allow voices that might question their authority or decisions online.

Instagram is also owned by Meta which runs Facebook, one of the other prominent Western apps banned in China. This probably strengthened the ban as well.

If you try to log on to the Instagram app while you’re in mainland China, you’ll get an error message.

How to use Instagram in China

So, the burning question: how on earth do you use Instagram in China?

Well, the only way to access it is with a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN service encrypts your online activities and routes it through a remote server in another location.

It may sound technical, but it’s easy to use with just a few taps on your phone.

You can choose what location your connection reroutes to, even setting it to the United States if that’s what you want to do.

VPNs are usually monthly or yearly subscription services, and you’ll need to choose one and download it before landing in China.

I highly recommend you read this review of the best VPN for China because the cheap and nasty ones don’t work (let alone the free ones!).

Otherwise, you can skip the review and tap on the button below for the one I recommend and have used.

Remember: Once you land, you won’t be able to access the VPN sites anymore. So you must download it before you jet off.

Is Instagram illegal in China?

No, Instagram isn’t technically illegal in China, so the Chinese authorities won’t knock on your hotel door if you use it there.

Just be careful, with this social media site and others, not to post anything that could be seen as contrary to the Chinese Communist Party, as this is a crime that could get you in serious trouble.

But you can rest assured that Chinese law doesn’t specifically outlaw Instagram.

(If you’re interested in finding out more, read the article called Are VPNs legal in China?)

Chinese alternatives to Instagram

China is the world’s largest social media market and banning the Instagram app left an opening in that Chinese market.

This has led to the rise of lots of social media websites that are used as alternatives to Instagram by Chinese users. This is arguably good for the Chinese economy and also strengthens the Chinese government’s protections.

You’ll find that some of these apps are useful (or at least entertaining) when you’re in the country. And they don’t require a VPN to use them.

So, if you can understand a little Mandarin, take the time to check out these top Chinese alternatives to Instagram:

• Little Red Book known as Xiaohongshu
• Douyin (China’s Tik Tok) for short-form videos
• Kuaishou, a video sharing app that has live streamers.

If you can’t find them in your app store, you’ll need to check the Chinese app stores.

Mike’s written an entire article about the top apps in China if you want to dig deeper, including the Chinese apps that have an English version.

Traveling to China soon?

If you’re lucky enough to have a trip planned, I suggest having a squiz at the following helpful pages:

• China travel apps
• China packing list
• What not to bring to China (I wrote this one!)

Is Instagram banned in China: the takeaway

The censorship put in place by the Chinese government has left many Western social media platforms out in the cold. Sadly, this includes Instagram.

However, it’s also opened the door for numerous Chinese social media sites, which offer a whole different experience and landscape for Western users.

But unless you can understand Mandarin, and your family and friends use Chinese apps to stay connected, then you’ll need a VPN to use Insta and keep in touch in China.

Remember to read the review of the best China VPN or, if you’re ready to buy now, tap on the button below to get the best one for China that I recommend.

I hope you have a super time in China!

Liked my article? Then you’ll also like the one I did on the best Shanghai travel tips.

Otherwise, keep scrolling down for more general info about using a VPN and some FAQ about accessing Instagram in China.

Main image credit: Sergio Photone on Shutterstock.

Benefits of using a VPN in China

Using a VPN app will allow you to access blocked social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Google Maps, and Facebook.

However, using one also has other benefits and will allow you to:

• Surf the web in complete privacy, with your digital identity hidden from hackers, advertisers, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• Stay anonymous and secure on public Wi-Fi networks
• Send and receive work files privately and without exposing your IP address
• Buy and pay for purchases securely and without worries about exposing your banking details.

So, using a VPN is a good security measure whether you’re traveling or at home.

How to choose a VPN for China

There are numerous VPN providers on the market at the moment, both paid and free.

If you’re traveling to China, it’s best to choose a paid option, as the free VPNs are notoriously unreliable, especially in recent years as the Chinese government has clamped down on VPN services.

Here’s what else you should look for when choosing your VPN:

• No data caps
• Unlimited bandwidth
• A wide selection of servers from around the world (gives you more choice if yours goes down)
• Strong security
• A reasonable monthly or yearly price
• Discount on a yearly subscription if you’re moving to China for work
• 30-day money-back guarantee.

There are only a handful of VPN providers that are working in China at the moment. Refer to the best VPN for China page for the latest.

How to use your VPN

You shouldn’t have any trouble downloading and using your VPN app even if you aren’t an internet expert.

Here’s how they work:

• Sign up for the VPN that you’ve chosen
• Download and open the app on all your devices
• Set up your server location (usually the ‘recommended’ or default one is best for your location)
• Hit the internet connection button and wait
• Access the internet safely and securely.

Yay, that’s it.

The most important thing is to download it before you arrive in China, otherwise you’ll be left high and dry.

Don’t stress if your VPN doesn’t work in China sometimes. It’s normal.

Get in contact with the VPN company, or refer to the China VPN not working article for some genuine help you won’t find elsewhere.

FAQ about using Instagram in China

Can I access Instagram in China?

Yes, but only if you have a VPN connection.

Can I access Google Play in China?

Yes, but only if you have a VPN connection.

Are all social media services banned in China?

No, but most large Western social media sites and apps are banned.

How does internet censorship work in China?

Chinese people have access to the internet but the sites they see are controlled and monitored by the government. Blocked sites include most major foreign news sites and popular social media platforms, but also sites like pornography and gambling.

What popular sites do Chinese citizens use instead of Instagram?

Douyin (China’s TikTok), Kuaishou and Little Red Book are all very popular in China, especially among young people.