We live a big part of our lives online now. From photos and videos to tweets and memories, our digital presence is deeply woven into our everyday experiences. But one question we rarely ask is: What happens to our social media accounts when we die?
It may sound uncomfortable, but understanding what each platform does — and what you can do — can make things a lot easier for your loved ones later on.
This guide will walk you through what happens on major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Snapchat, after someone passes away. We’ll also include what steps your family or friends can take, and how you can prepare in advance.
Facebook allows profiles to be memorialized. This keeps the timeline visible with the word “Remembering” above the name. Friends can still view the profile and post tributes, but no one can log in to the account. You can also assign a Legacy Contact. This is someone you trust to manage parts of your memorialized profile, like writing a pinned post, updating your profile picture, and accepting friend requests.
Alternatively, you can request that your account be deleted permanently after death. This option can be found in your settings.
What to do:
If you are a loved one, you can submit a request to memorialize or delete the account by providing the profile link and a death certificate or obituary.
Instagram works similarly to Facebook since they are both owned by Meta. When someone passes away, their profile can be memorialized. The word “Remembering” appears, and all posts stay visible based on the user’s privacy settings.
Instagram does not allow you to assign a legacy contact or choose account deletion in advance, like Facebook.
What to do:
To memorialize or request deletion, a close family member must contact Instagram and provide the deceased’s full name, username, and proof of death, such as a death certificate or obituary.
X (formerly Twitter)
X does not offer a memorialization option. If someone dies, their profile will stay live unless action is taken. The only option available is account deactivation, which means the profile is removed completely.
What to do:
A verified family member or legal representative must fill out a form and provide a copy of their ID, the user’s death certificate, and sometimes proof of authority such as power of attorney. X does not allow anyone access to the account or its contents.
TikTok
TikTok does not currently offer memorial accounts or any automatic handling of profiles after someone dies. If no one takes action, the account simply remains active.
What to do:
A family member must contact TikTok directly through their support team. You’ll need to provide official documents, including a death certificate, to request permanent account deletion.
YouTube (Google Account)
YouTube is linked to your Google account. That means what happens to your YouTube channel depends on your Google settings. Google offers the Inactive Account Manager, which lets you set up what should happen if your account becomes inactive. You can select someone to receive your data or choose to have everything deleted.
What to do:
If no plan is in place, a family member or legal representative can request account closure by submitting a form with legal documents and a death certificate. Once verified, Google can delete the account and all its content, including emails, files, and videos.
LinkedIn gives two options when someone passes away: memorializing the profile or removing it entirely. A memorialized profile stays visible and honors the person’s professional journey. No one can log in or update it. Removing the profile deletes everything.
What to do:
To request either memorialization or removal, LinkedIn requires the user’s name and profile link, your relationship to them, and an obituary or death certificate. If you are a legal representative, you may need to show documentation.
Snapchat
Snapchat is designed around privacy, and this extends to how it handles death. There are no memorial options. If no one acts, the account remains live. However, it will eventually become inactive if no one logs in.
What to do:
Family members can contact Snapchat support and request that the account be deleted. You’ll need to submit the username, a copy of the death certificate, and proof of your relationship. Once deleted, all data, including chats and memories, is permanently erased.
How You Can Prepare in Advance
It may feel strange to plan for what happens to your social media after you’re gone, but it can help your loved ones during a tough time.
Here are a few things you can do now:
- Set a Legacy Contact on Facebook
- Choose what happens to your Google account using Inactive Account Manager
- Store your passwords securely in a password manager and let a trusted person know how to access it
- Include your digital wishes in your will or estate plan
- Talk openly with your family or close friends about your preferences
Taking these simple steps now can save confusion, stress, and even emotional pain later on.
Your online presence is part of your legacy. Whether you want your profiles to be remembered, deleted, or passed on to someone else, most platforms give you some level of control — as long as you plan.
If no action is taken, family members still have options, but they often need to go through official processes to make it happen.
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So don’t wait. Set things up today while you’re thinking about it. It’s one of the kindest things you can do for your future self — and for those who care about you.
Sources and Help Pages
- Facebook Memorialization Request
- Instagram Deceased Account Help
- X (Twitter) Deceased Account Policy
- TikTok Support
- Google Account Closure for Deceased Users
- Google Inactive Account Manager
- LinkedIn Deceased Member Form
- Snapchat Support
