Can I use other VPN services like NordVPN or ProtonVPN?

Technically yes, but we don't recommend public VPN services like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, etc. These services have been used by millions of users, and if one of those users previously manipulated or spammed TikTok or Instagram, it can hurt your reach. You might end up getting shadowbanned immediately, even if the IP's fraud score is low.

Do I need a USA SIM card?

No, you don't need a USA SIM card at all. You only need a WiFi connection. In fact, you should keep your phone in airplane mode with WiFi enabled, and never insert any SIM card. The VPN connection and USA App Store account are sufficient to make TikTok think you're in the USA.

Do I need to keep the VPN on all the time?

Yes, you should keep the VPN connected whenever you're using TikTok or Instagram. If you disconnect the VPN, TikTok will detect that your IP address changed from USA to your actual location, which can trigger a shadow ban.

What if my IP address has a high fraud score?

If your IP address has a fraud score higher than 40-50, it's risky to use. A score lower than 10 is ideal to avoid shadow ban risks. If you get a high fraud score, you should get a new VPN access key with a different IP address.

How do I know if I'm shadow banned?

If you post 5 different videos that are genuinely different from each other and none of them get more than 20-30 views, you likely have a shadow ban. There are two types: video-based shadow bans and account-based shadow bans.

makeviral.ai

Tools Examples Pricing Blog

AWS LightSail Outline Setup

Set up your own Outline VPN server on AWS LightSail. This guide requires technical skills and takes approximately 20 minutes.

Note: This method requires AWS account, basic Linux knowledge, and will incur AWS charges (~$5-10/month). For a simpler option, consider getting an access key from MakeViral.

Create AWS LightSail Instance

Set up a new server instance on AWS

Create a new LightSail instance

Log in to your AWS account and navigate to Amazon LightSail
Click "Create instance"
Choose Linux/Unix platform
Select Ubuntu 22.04 LTS blueprint
Choose a US region (e.g., us-east-1, us-west-2) for your instance
Select the $5/month plan (512 MB RAM, 1 vCPU, 20 GB SSD)
Give your instance a name (e.g., "outline-vpn")
Click "Create instance" and wait for it to start (2-3 minutes)

Open AWS LightSail

Connect to Your Instance

Access your server via SSH

Connect via SSH

In LightSail, click on your instance
Click the "Connect using SSH" button (or use your own SSH client)
If using your own SSH client, download the SSH key from LightSail and connect:
ssh -i your-key.pem ubuntu@your-instance-ip

Install Outline Server

Set up Outline Server on your instance

Run the installation script

Once connected via SSH, run the following command to install Outline Server:

bash -c "$(wget -qO- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Jigsaw-Code/outline-server/master/src/server_manager/install_scripts/install_server.sh)"

This script will:

Install Docker and Docker Compose
Set up Outline Server
Generate API credentials
Display your server API URL and certificate fingerprint

Important: Save the API URL and certificate fingerprint shown at the end of the installation. You'll need these in the next step.

Set Up Outline Manager

Download and configure Outline Manager desktop application

Download Outline Manager desktop application

Important: Outline Manager is a desktop application only. You need to download it on your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer to manage your VPN server.

Download Outline Manager for your desktop:
Download Outline Manager
Choose your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux
Install and open Outline Manager on your desktop
Click "Add Server" or "Set up a new server"
Enter the API URL from Step 3 (it should look like: https://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:xxxxx/xxxxxxxxxxxxx)
Verify the certificate fingerprint matches what was shown during installation
Your server should now appear in Outline Manager

Create Access Key

Generate your VPN access key

Generate and copy your access key

In Outline Manager desktop app, click on your server
Click "Add Access Key" or the "+" button
Give your key a name (optional, e.g., "My Phone")
Click "Create"
Copy the access key (it starts with ss://)
This is your Outline VPN access key, use it in the Outline client app on your mobile device

Tip: You can create multiple access keys for different devices. Each key is independent and can be revoked individually.

Test Your Connection

Verify everything works correctly

Connect and verify your VPN

Download the Outline Client app on your mobile device (this is different from Outline Manager):
App Store Google Play
Open the Outline Client app on your device
Paste your access key or scan the QR code from Outline Manager desktop app
Tap "Connect"
Verify your IP address shows as USA:
Check IP Address
If connected successfully, you're ready to proceed with the TikTok setup!

Troubleshooting

Can't connect to server:

Check that your LightSail instance is running
Verify firewall rules allow traffic on Outline ports
Ensure you're using the correct API URL

Slow connection:

Try a different US region closer to your location
Upgrade to a larger LightSail instance

Need help?

Visit the Outline Server documentation or consider using MakeViral's managed service.

Need an Easier Option?

Get instant access to a pre-configured Outline VPN access key.