Geo-blocking restricts access to your site, specific content, or apps based on a user's geographic location.
This feature helps ensure compliance with copyright laws, licensing agreements, or regional policies.
Website Geo-Blocking
Navigate to Settings > Geo-Blocking
Select Countries to block
Use the Move all option to select all
Choose specific countries to block
Use the search bar for quick navigation
Click Save
📝 NOTE: Visitors from blocked countries will see an Access Restricted page. The page is generic and standard, but can be customized with the help of a developer.
🔗 Learn more about Customizing the Access Restricted Page
Individual Content Geo-Blocking
You can apply geo-blocking to specific videos when you have content with different regional licensing requirements. This allows for more granular control over your content distribution.
Navigate to Content > Videos or Collections
Select and edit the video you want to geo-block
Click More Actions
Select Geo-Blocking
Select Countries to block
Click Save
ℹ️ INFO: The same process applies to setting up the geo-blocking option for collections and livestreams.
App Geo-Blocking Management
Control the availability of your apps in different regions to align with your business strategy and compliance requirements. By default, your Uscreen apps are available worldwide.
Before App Publication
Coordinate with the App Launch Team:
Email ott@uscreen.tv with your geo-blocking requirements.Specify Restricted Regions:
Provide a list of countries to block.
After App Publication
Apple App Store
Log in to App Store Connect
Select Apps
Select your app from the list
Under Monetization, click Pricing and Availability
Manage regional availability in the App Availability section
Google Play Store
Log in to Google Developer Console
Under Test and Release, select Production
Manage the countries/regions
Amazon, Roku, & Samsung
Contact ott@uscreen.tv with your regional restriction requirements.
Platform-Specific Behavior
Understanding how geo-blocking appears on different platforms helps you provide a consistent user experience across all devices.
Mobile Apps (iOS/Android)
Geo-blocked videos appear in catalogs but display an error message when opened.
TV Apps
Roku: Content appears but is unplayable
Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV: Geo-blocked collections are hidden from the catalog
Strategic Implementation Tips
Implement geo-blocking effectively to protect your content while maintaining a positive user experience.
🎯 Plan Early: Identify restricted regions before launching
📊 Stay Compliant: Keep updated on regional licensing requirements
✅ Communicate Clearly: Inform users about access limitations
Common Use Cases
Content Licensing: Restrict access where you lack distribution rights
Regional Exclusives: Create location-specific content offerings
Regulatory Compliance: Block access in countries with conflicting content regulations
Event Broadcasting: Control live-stream access based on agreements
FAQs
Will geo-blocking on my website automatically apply to my apps?
Will geo-blocking on my website automatically apply to my apps?
Geo-blocked content on your site will also be restricted on apps, but the display behavior varies by platform.
Can users with VPNs bypass geo-blocking?
Can users with VPNs bypass geo-blocking?
While geo-blocking uses IP detection to restrict access, some users may attempt to use VPNs to bypass these restrictions.
If I geo-block a country where I have existing subscribers, will they lose access?
If I geo-block a country where I have existing subscribers, will they lose access?
Yes, existing subscribers in blocked countries will lose access to your content. Consider this before implementing geo-blocking.