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Search terms for thebest VPNsspiked significantly as they were seen as a credible option to bypass the shutdown.

As a result, searches and demand for VPNs in the US spiked significantly.

Screenshot of Google Trends for “VPN”

Image: “VPN” search term

The interest in these search terms varied between US states.

The quantity of “TikTok VPN” search terms was especially high in Alaska and West Virginia.

With Kentucky, North Dakota, and Oklahoma also showing increased demand.

Screenshot of US states with searches for “TikTok VPN”

Image: US states where “TikTok VPN” was a popular search term

“NordVPN” was most popular in Tennessee, Washington, Florida, Hawaii, and DC.

“ExpressVPN”, thebest VPN for beginners, only saw a significant spike in DC.

This search term was popular in two US states, Nebraska and Missouri.

Screenshot of “Will TikTok work with a VPN” search term

Image: “Will TikTok work with a VPN” search term

VPN providers saw an increase in traffic and users as a result of these spikes in search terms.

Surfshark also saw a rise in demand.

According to a spokesperson, it “recorded a four-fold increase in sign-ups in the US on Sunday.”

TikTok VPN

Did VPNs work?

So was this rush to VPNs worth it or a waste of time?

However,NBC News reportedthat it tested accessing TikTok with two VPNs on Sunday morning and neither were successful.

TikTok displayed on a smart phone with a USA flag in the background

What’s happening with TikTok now?

In a statement posted on X, TikTok said it is “in the process of restoring service.”

STATEMENT FROM TIKTOK:In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service.

Broken speech bubble on red background

We urge all users to exercise sound judgment and follow best cybersecurity practices to stay safe online."

It shows they won’t just sit back and accept restrictions and censorship.

VPN on phone in front of US flag

Pixel 8 Pro running apps that require subscriptions.

Cartoon image depicting Surfshark�s Bypasser feature for iOS

IPVanish

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Collection of VPN apps on iPhone screen

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Left to right: Billy Magnussen, Osy Ikhile, Paul G. Raymond, Cristin Milioti, Milanka Brooks in Black Mirror season 7

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