In a world where over 295 million Americans use social media (Statista, 2023), it’s clear that platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have become integral parts of our lives. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens to your social media accounts when you’re no longer here? If you’ve spent years curating content, building an audience, or sharing memories, it’s worth taking steps now to decide what should happen to those accounts after your passing.
Here’s a breakdown of how some of the most popular social media platforms handle accounts after death—and how you can plan ahead to ensure your wishes are respected.
Facebook: A Digital Legacy
If You Do Nothing:
Facebook will memorialize your account once informed of your passing. While your content will remain viewable to the people you originally shared it with, no changes can be made unless a “legacy contact” has been designated.
What You Can Do:
To ensure your account continues to be managed after your passing, you can assign a legacy contact. This person can accept friend requests, pin tribute posts, and update your profile picture or cover photo. Alternatively, you can choose to have your account permanently deleted upon your death.
Facebook Pages:
If you manage a Facebook page (e.g., for a business or personal brand) and you’re the sole admin, the page will be removed once your account is memorialized unless other admins are added beforehand.
Instagram: No Legacy Options
If You Do Nothing:
Instagram will memorialize your account upon receiving a valid request. Your posts will remain visible to your followers, but no one will be able to manage or update your account.
What You Can Do:
Instagram doesn’t currently offer a way to designate a manager for your account. However, an immediate family member can request that the account be permanently deleted by providing proof of your passing.
Pinterest: Deactivation Upon Notification
If You Do Nothing:
Pinterest allows family members to contact the platform and notify them of your passing. Once notified, Pinterest will deactivate your account, making it inaccessible to anyone.
What You Can Do:
Pinterest does not currently provide an option for designating someone to manage your account after your death.
Snapchat: Immediate Deletion
If You Do Nothing:
A family member can request that Snapchat delete your account by providing a copy of your death certificate.
What You Can Do:
Snapchat doesn’t have a feature that allows you to transfer management of your account after you’ve passed.
Twitter: Deactivation or Automatic Removal
If You Do Nothing:
An authorized representative of your estate or a verified family member can request account deactivation by providing the necessary documentation. Additionally, if your account remains inactive for six months or more, Twitter may automatically delete it due to prolonged inactivity.
What You Can Do:
Twitter does not offer a way to designate someone to manage your account after your death.
YouTube: Planning Through Google
If You Do Nothing:
As part of Google, YouTube allows a family member or estate representative to request account closure or access funds associated with your account.
What You Can Do:
Google’s Inactive Account Manager provides a way to plan for your YouTube account. You can set an inactivity period (e.g., six months), after which a designated person will be notified. You can also choose which data they’ll have access to and provide instructions for how to handle your account.
Next Steps: Protecting Your Digital Legacy
Every platform has different rules and processes for handling accounts after death. To make things easier for your loved ones, it’s essential to:
- List Your Accounts: Keep a record of all your social media accounts.
- Document Your Wishes: Clearly outline what you want to happen to each account.
- Incorporate Social Media Into Your Estate Plan: Work with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure your wishes are legally documented and enforceable.
Your social media accounts are part of your digital legacy. By taking action now, you can make sure they’re managed according to your wishes and provide clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time.
Let’s discuss how to include your digital assets in your estate plan. Contact us today to get started!