What Happens To Your Social Media Accounts When You Die?

As of 2024, there are approximately 56.2 million social media users in the UK – a significant proportion of the UK population.

These platforms serve as digital diaries, capturing personal milestones with cherished memories and moments that define our lives. But, what happens to these accounts and the memories they hold after we pass away?

Planning Your Digital Legacy

Planning for what happens to your social media accounts after your death is an important part of lifetime planning. By including clear instructions in your Will, you can ensure your wishes are respected, whether that means appointing someone to manage your accounts or requesting for them to be deleted.

Legal Considerations

The fate of your social media accounts largely depends on the platforms rules and the preferences you set in advance. Some platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow you to choose whether your account should be memorialised or deleted after you die. However, the majority of the other accounts are governed by terms of service agreements which usually prohibit the transfer of ownership.

You can express within your Will your preference as to deletion of the account or turning it into a memorial profile. Memorial profiles allow for loved ones to celebrate your life, revisit shared memories and preserve the important milestones. If you choose to memorialise the account you can appoint a trusted individual to manage it, where they can oversee any decisions related to the account and ensure that your wishes are maintained.

The Details

When deciding what is to happen with your social media accounts in your Will, it is imperative to include specific details and clear instructions to ensure your wishes are carried out.

Firstly, you will need to appoint a digital executor. This is the person you are choosing to manage your accounts or delete them, the digital executor could be the same person you choose to be the main executor of your Will, or it could be someone else depending on their technical knowledge and your wishes. You will need to clearly outline the digital executors responsibilities.

Secondly, you need to list all of your social media accounts along with the accounts usernames to enable the digital executor to access these accounts.

It is crucial that you do not include your account passwords within your Will as it becomes a public document during probate. Instead, store your account credentials securely in a password manager and make reference to its location within your Will for you executor to be able to access.

Next, you should detail your wishes as to what is going to happen to each account, for example, deletion of the account or for it to be made into a memorial account. You can also detail whether you want specific posts, pictures or messages to be deleted, preserved or shared with family.

If you have accounts which generate an income, such as YouTube or influencer accounts, you will need to provide instructions detailing how these should be handled.

Furthermore, if you have any social media accounts which are tied to a business, you will need to make sure these are accounted for within your estate plan.

Detailing your wishes for your social media accounts in your Will can ease the burden on loved ones during an already challenging time. It ensures your digital presence reflects your values and is managed according to your preferences. While the idea of planning for what happened after you’ve gone may feel daunting, it is a vital step in protecting your digital footprint and leaving behind a legacy that truly represents you.

Remember to revisit and update your Will regularly to account for changes in your social media accounts and personal wishes. This proactive planning allows your loved ones to celebrate your life while respecting your digital legacy.

Wilson Browne has a dedicated team of professionals who can support you in reviewing your Will. Contact a team member today to get a conversation started. The initial call is always free.