What Happens to our Social Media Accounts after we Die? 

Being able to scroll through a loved one’s social media accounts after they have passed away may provide comfort for some, while others may struggle to view anything relating to their loved one after suffering the loss.  

So, it begs the question, what happens to our social media accounts after we die? And can you do anything before passing away to determine the future of your social media accounts, assets and information?  

Simply put, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, accounts can either be memorialised or deleted. Twitter accounts can be deactivated.  

We explain the process for carrying out these actions below.  

What Happens to our Social Media Accounts after we Die? 

A memorialised social media account can offer some comfort to those mourning the loss of a loved one as they will be able to view cherished pictures, posts and memories they shared online whenever they feel like it.  

On the other hand, some may wish to remove their online presence or their loved one’s online presence altogether. 

1. Facebook  

Did you know you can decide what happens to your own Facebook account after you pass away?  

There are two options. You can choose to have it memorialised and nominate a person, called a ‘legacy contact’ to look after your account. Or you can request that your account is deleted after your passing.  

Whichever alternative you choose, it is an easy process:  

• Memorialising a Facebook Account  

On Facebook, a memorialised account will feature the word ‘remembering’ beside the person’s name on their profile.  

Their content will remain visible to the audience it was shared with, and their Facebook friends will be able to share memories on their timeline if their privacy settings allow it.  

You can choose to have your account memorialised by following the steps below:  

• Click in the top right of Facebook. 

• Select Settings & privacy 
• Click Settings. 
• Click on the ‘edit’ button at Memorialisation settings. 
• Choose a ‘Legacy Contact’. Following your passing they will be able to carry out a range of actions such as updating profile picture and cover photo, responding to friend requests, managing tributes on your page and who can see posts.  

• Deleting a Facebook Account 

Rather than having an account memorialised, others prefer to have it removed altogether.  

In this instance, all of a deceased person’s messages, photos, posts, comments, reactions and info will be immediately and permanently removed from the social networking site. 

You can pre-select to have your account deleted in the event of your death.  

Here’s how: 

• Click in the top right of Facebook. 
• Select Settings & privacy 
• Click Settings. 
• Click ‘edit’ in Memorialisation settings. 
• Scroll down, click Request that your account be deleted after you pass away and click Delete after death. 

If Facebook becomes aware of a person’s death and they have not chosen to have their account deleted, it will be memorialised.  

For more information about the above actions, click here.  

2. Instagram  

• Memorialising Instagram Accounts 

To memorialise a loved one’s account, you can fill in the form here.  

You will need to provide: 

• The full name of the deceased person 
• The Instagram name of the deceased 
• Proof of death such as a link or screen shot of a news article or obituary.  

• Deleting Instagram Accounts  

Verified, immediate family members of the deceased or a representative of them or their estate can request that their Instagram account be removed. 

There is a separate form to remove a deceased person’s account.  

To fill it out you will need to provide the  

• Instagram username of the deceased 
• A link to their account 
• An approximate date of their passing 
• Documentation that verified that you are an immediate family member or executor of the account holder. 

3. LinkedIn  

Those who wish to keep a person’s legacy alive, may choose to have a LinkedIn account memorialised. This type of account will show that it is memorialised.  Alternatively, accounts closed after a person’s death will be permanently deleted.  

People who have the authority to act on behalf of a deceased member can request to close a LinkedIn account or memorialise it.  

Those who can’t act on their behalf, can report that the person has passed away.  

To submit a request, you will need to provide:  

• Member’s full name 
• LinkedIn profile link/URL 
• Your relationship 
• Member’s email address 
• Date of their passing 
• Link to an obituary 

To close an account or have it memorialised, you will also need to provide a copy of the death certificate, as well as legal documentation to show that you have authority to act of the deceased’s behalf.  

The form which needs to be completed to memoralise or close the account can be found here. 

4. Twitter  

1. Deactivating Twitter Accounts 

An immediate and verified family member can request for a deceased loved one’s Twitter account to be deactivated.  

To do so, they will have to follow the prompts on this page and submit their request. 

Further instructions will be emailed and the person making the request will have to provide information including: 

• A copy of the deceased’s death certified  
• Copy of your ID 

Twitter says a person authorised to act on behalf of the estate can also make the request to remove the account.  

Funeral Home Brisbane 

If you have any questions about funeral arrangements for our Brisbane-based funeral home, please contact us today on (07) 3217 3088.