The proliferation of virtual private network (VPN) ads on YouTube has become hard to ignore. Influencers across various genres promise enhanced security and unrestricted access to streaming content, all while promoting exclusive discount codes for VPN services. This surge in VPN advertising not only highlights the lucrative partnership between YouTubers and VPN providers but also raises concerns about the accuracy and effectiveness of these products in improving online security.
According to Daniel Conn, co-founder of influencer marketing consulting firm ThoughtLeaders, VPN companies collectively sponsored approximately 247,000 YouTube videos since the beginning of 2016. This exponential growth in VPN advertising coincides with the rise of influencer marketing and the increasing popularity of VPN services. While these ad campaigns offer financial stability for YouTubers and bring VPNs into the mainstream, they also contribute to the confusion and misinformation surrounding cybersecurity, potentially giving viewers a false sense of security.
