Iran implements a rigorous internet censorship, which is one of the strictest in the world. The country is systematically filtering and blocking access to thousands of international websites and applications. It requires careful preparation for travelers, expatriates, and locals to navigate social media in Iran. The government has restricted access to many platforms to control the flow of information, protect national security and maintain cultural standards.
As of December 2025, the situation remains in flux—events like the June 2025 nationwide internet blackout during the tensions have made it clear how quickly access can be altered. The policies are adjusted according to political shifts, protests or security problems, so always check the latest status through reliable sources before depending on any service.
Social Media in Iran – What You Need to Know
The censorship system in Iran is pretty much the same as the one used in China, where they can monitor every piece of data, even hiding those data packets that contain forbidden materials and eventually blocking the whole connection. The “filtering” process usually leads to total non-accessibility and mostly occurs on standard connections. On the other hand, “throttling” is making it hard for users to access content by slowing down the service.
VPNs have been adopted by locals and visitors; nevertheless, they are not allowed to use them for social media in Iran without permission and authorities are getting more and more aggressive in their approach to those using VPNs. The government is supporting local alternatives, yet this is not the favorite of many people due to the fear of being tracked down.
In June 2025, there was a massive disconnection during fights, which WhatsApp was eventually unblocked again in late 2024 and a tiered system produced the “Digital apartheid” through preferred access. VPNs became very popular in 2025, reflecting the government’s inability to enforce controls. So, let’s see which apps are banned in Iran.
Is YouTube Banned in Iran?
One might ask, “Is YouTube banned in Iran?” Well, despite being filtered since 2009, the platform is still inaccessible to most users without VPNs. It remained blocked throughout the country, but in November 2025, it was reported that it was partially unblocked in some universities, which brings about the problem of digital apartheid.
Access requires dependable circumvention tools, with tighter controls during unrest, revealing annual fluctuations depending on policy and events. This information answers your question, “Is YouTube blocked in Iran in 2025? “
Is Instagram Banned in Iran?
Another question is “Is Instagram banned in Iran?” Instagram is the most popular social media in Iran and it has millions of users who use it for personal sharing, e-commerce and networking—many businesses heavily depend on it.
However, it is under restrictions that include throttling, content takedowns (for example, for hijab violations), and unreliable access without VPNs. There was a crackdown at the end of 2025, which made it hard to be used consistently, even though its cultural importance was acknowledged.
Is Twitter (X) Banned in Iran?
Also, one may ask, “Is Twitter banned in Iran?” Twitter, now known as X, was restricted in Iran following the 2009 post-election uprisings and was considered a medium to voice dissent. It was still entirely restricted in 2025 without a VPN and no unblocking measures were taken despite the occasional policy discussions. Among others, the feature of the account that was called the About This Account showed that there were better access to the platform among some officials which then prompted the discussion of inequality.
Is Facebook Blocked in Iran?
“Is Facebook blocked in Iran?” is another frequently asked question by travelers. It has been filtered since 2009 for its role in the mobilization of protests. Facebook needs VPNs for access. The long-term block through 2025 remained undisturbed, being a part of the wider crackdowns on the platforms that allow open organization.
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Is Google Banned in Iran?
What about Google? Is Google banned in Iran? Well, core services like Search, Gmail, Maps and Translate are usually accessible and thus very important for everyone’s daily use. YouTube is still inaccessible to the public and has some functions limited due to sanctions; however, Google Play was accessible after the sanctions in late 2024.
Is Netflix Banned in Iran?
Another question is “Is Netflix banned in Iran?” Due to U.S. sanctions, Netflix does not officially support Iran, resulting in direct access being blocked and the library being unavailable or limited. Using a VPN to reroute through foreign servers is necessary, and consequently, the content is further limited by geopolitical factors.
Solution for Social Media Access in Iran
We’ll offer some practical solutions so travelers may access social media in Iran:
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
The most common and useful way of accessing websites and social media blocked in Iran is by using a reliable VPN. VPNs encrypt internet traffic and send it via servers outside of Iran. This helps users to get past restrictions as if they were online from another country.
Most VPN providers are robust and reliable, like ProtonVPN, NordVPN and ExpressVPN. However, VPNs are actively targeted by the Iranian government, which frequently slows or outright bans them at politically sensitive times.
Getting Ready for Connectivity
Tourists need to install VPN apps before visiting Iran because of the country’s social media prohibitions. Using a VPN is simple: Users connect after choosing a server location (Such as the US or the Netherlands).
Although it is not specifically against the law to use a VPN, viewing prohibited information may be, thus, visitors should be cautious and familiar with local laws.
It is important to get a local SIM card with a 4G or LTE connection from operators like IranCell or MCI for reliable internet access, especially in cities like Tehran or Shiraz.
Other Bypassing Tools
Tor and Psiphon are great alternatives to VPNs for getting around banned services. Psiphon is widely popular among Android users and is a satisfying way to work with messaging apps like WhatsApp. This is due to its user-friendliness and the ability to bypass restrictions.
Tor is a browser that anonymizes traffic over several nodes. Despite the high privacy it provides, it is much slower and hence less appropriate for streaming video or video calls.
Most users can still use fundamental Google services, and unrestricted platforms such as Skype, Google Meet or Zoom are reliable for communication.
Offline resources, such as Google Translate or downloaded maps, come in handy during times when the internet connection is limited or throttled.
List of Websites Blocked in Iran
Iranian authorities limit access to tens of thousands of websites via filtering. We answered your question about what apps are banned in Iran, but what about websites? Among the whole list of websites blocked in Iran are major news agencies (BBC, CNN), porn websites and blogs dealing with sensitive or political issues.
The government encourages the use of domestic social media in Iran, such as Aparat, but they have not gained much popularity. In 2025, Iran experienced various events like internet shutdowns, a complete VPN ban, Starlink prohibition, and the cutting off of access to privileged users. Enforcement has been imposed on Instagram, but WhatsApp got unblocked instead.
To facilitate your navigation through Iranian cyberspace, it is advisable to install VPNs before arrival, download the offline content and keep yourself updated about the situation. The digital space of Iran is constantly oscillating between control and connectivity—VPNs are still essential tools, even with risks involved.
Most Popular Social Media in Iran
Let’s see what social media are popular in Iran:
Leading Platforms
64% to 69% of Iranians use social media, even when the government implements censorship. About 69% of Iranians use Instagram (the most popular platform) for social networking, commerce and entertainment. With over 190,000 businesses joining the platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, its function as an online marketplace grew considerably.
With 64% of users, WhatsApp is a mainstay for voice conversations, group chats and encrypted messaging. It is available again after its ban was removed in December 2024.
Using Restricted Platforms
Twitter (X) and Facebook, which have been blocked since 2009, are used for real-time news and professional networking, respectively. Since 2008, Telegram has maintained a 36% user base. It is used for activism, community debates and education, being accessible via VPNs for its encrypted channels.
According to reports, 97% of Iranian youth use VPNs, demonstrating their will to reach global platforms despite limitations and get beyond the list of websites blocked in Iran.
Local Alternatives and Their Limitations
Iran has developed regional substitutes to compete with the banned sites, although they are not that popular. Aparat is a video-sharing website that offers entertainment and education, much like YouTube, although it is not as diverse or widely available as its Western counterpart.
Soroush, Eitaa and Rubika are government-baked apps that try to imitate Instagram and Telegram, but they are criticized for their inadequate security and government surveillance.
In contrast to international platforms accessible using VPNs, Rubika struggles with user trust because of its links to governmental monitoring and Soroush has been criticized for data leaks.
Cultural and Social Impact
Iran’s dynamic digital culture is shaped by social media, with WhatsApp enabling family communication and community organizing and Instagram providing a platform for artists, influencers and entrepreneurs to reach audiences.
The use of VPNs demonstrates how resilient Iranians are at getting over restrictions to engage with the international digital world, even in the face of the promotion of controlled alternatives.
This judgment emphasizes the importance of social media as a venue for self-expression, trade and activism in Iran.
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Conclusion
Twitter, Facebook and YouTube are just a few of the many websites that are blocked in Iran due to its strict censorship. Questions like “Is Instagram banned in Iran?” or “Is WhatsApp banned in Iran?” show the difficulties of navigating the digital environment in the country.
Platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, which continue to dominate Iran’s highly regulated environment, may be accessed by tourists using VPNs and local SIM cards.
FAQ about Social Media in Iran
Is the Internet Available in Iran?
Yes, the internet is available in Iran, although it is strictly controlled and monitored. VPNs are needed to access most websites and social media blocked in Iran. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram can face slow connections during protests.
Which Social Media Platforms Are Restricted in Iran?
Telegram, YouTube, Facebook, Signal, Clubhouse, Twitter (X) and TikTok are all restricted. Despite their brief prohibitions, Instagram and WhatsApp are often accessed using VPNs. Local substitutes such as Aparat and Soroush are less popular.
