Netflix is chock-full of amazing shows and movies, but did you know the platform is actually split into different content libraries? Each one belongs to a specific geographic region. For example, if you’re in the UK, you’ll use the UK Netflix library.
Knowing that, you have to wonder – do all region libraries share the same content? Or are there any differences?
Well, there are shows and movies that are available across all libraries, but a lot of content is also unique to each library. Plus, some libraries have more titles than others (like this helpful chart shows).
If you’re still not convinced, you can see all the different Netflix libraries here. StreamCatcher from ProPrivacy will show you which countries a specific title is available in. For instance, if you look up Dexter, you’ll see it’s only available in the US.
Quite a shame, right? Some of you are getting less content even though you’re paying the same price as everyone else.
Why does Netflix do that, and can you do anything about it?
We’ll tell you in this article.
Why Are Region Libraries Different?
Netflix doesn’t really have a say in this matter. If it were up to them, they wouldn’t enforce any regional restrictions.
But like they explain on their FAQ page, they don’t own all the content on their platform. A lot of it is licensed from third parties. And when Netflix buys licensing rights, they don’t always get them globally, but for specific countries.
Why?
Because it’s much more profitable for copyright holders to sell distribution rights to different streaming sites and TV networks than just one party. While Netflix might have the right to stream Dexter in the US, other competitors have the streaming rights for that show in other countries.
So Netflix can’t legally stream some shows and movies worldwide.
What about Netflix Originals Then?
Most of them are available worldwide since Netflix owns the copyright. As long as their service is available in your country, you should be able to watch them.
Still, there are a few exceptions like Lilyhammer or Orange Is the New Black. They’re not available in some countries because Netflix already sold the distribution rights to other TV networks and streaming sites.
Why would they do that?
It’s very likely that Netflix wasn’t available in those countries when the shows were released. So it was more profitable for them to sell the licensing rights. It was much better for the shows too since they reached a wider audience.
Now that Netflix is available there, they can’t legally stream their own shows because they don’t own the rights. They can try to buy them back when they expire, but the current holders might ask for absurd prices.
How Is Netflix Able to Redirect You to Your Country’s Library?
It’s simple – the site sees your IP address when you connect to it. And it tells it exactly what country and city you are from, so the platform will know your exact geo-location.
Based on that data, Netflix will redirect you to your country’s content library.
How to Unblock Netflix Libraries Quick & Easy
You don’t have to take a trip or move to a country where the content you want to watch is available, right?
… Right?
Nah, don’t worry – you don’t need to anything that extreme. In reality, you can just use one simple tool to unblock any Netflix content you want – a VPN.
If you don’t know what that is, just think of it as an online service that hides your IP address and encrypt your traffic. If you want to know how it does that, here’s a quick overview:
- You subscribe to a VPN service, and download a VPN app.
- You use the app to connect to a VPN server. The server has to be in a country where the show or movie you want to unblock is available. So a UK server for UK content.
- Then, the app and server establish an encrypted connection between them. Any data that passes through it can’t be monitored by anyone (not even your ISP).
- From then on, when you visit Netflix, the VPN server will act as a middleman between it and your device. Basically, it will intercept your connection requests, and forward them to Netflix on your behalf.
- Because of that, Netflix will think that your requests are originating from the VPN server. Connection requests contain IP addresses, meaning Netflix only sees the VPN server’s IP address. Your IP remains “hidden.”
It might sound like a long, complex process, but it’s barely noticeable on your end. You’ll just hit “connect,” wait one-two seconds at most for the connection to be established, and start binging Netflix as much as you want.
Can You Unblock Netflix With All VPNs?
Unfortunately, no. Netflix has a pretty good detection system in place, and can easily spot VPN IP addresses. When that happens, you get redirected to this page:
To get rid of the Netflix proxy error, you need to disconnect from the VPN. Of course, that means you’ll get redirected to your country’s content library.
There are some things you can do to bypass the proxy error, but the best long-term solution is to just get a VPN that actually unblocks Netflix. To do that, the service has to regularly refresh its server IP addresses (so pay for new IP leases).
Finding a good Netflix VPN can be hard, but we’ll make it easy for you. We already said that you can see all the different Netflix libraries here. But besides that, StreamCatcher also recommends the best VPNs for the job. So you get excellent Netflix VPNs with just a few clicks!
What’s Your Experience with Unblocking Netflix Libraries?
Have you ever had to do that? If yes, did you use a VPN or did you try other unblocking methods? Please tell us about your experience in the comments.
