How to Handle Social Media Accounts

Before making any changes to social media accounts, give the family time to download photos, videos, and messages that may have sentimental value. Facebook allows you to download a complete archive of an account's data (photos, posts, messages) through the Settings menu if you have login access. Instagram and other platforms have similar download features.

Facebook offers two options for deceased users' accounts: memorialization (which adds "Remembering" before the person's name and allows friends to post memories, while preventing anyone from logging in) or deletion. A "legacy contact" may have been designated by the user to manage the memorialized profile. To request either option, visit facebook.com/help/contact/305593649477238 and submit the death certificate. Instagram follows a similar process — visit help.instagram.com and search for "deceased person" to find the request form. Twitter/X allows family members to request deactivation of a deceased user's account through their help center, but does not offer a memorialization option.

For LinkedIn, submit a request to have the profile removed at linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/ts-rdmlp. For YouTube, handle it through Google's deceased user process (it is tied to the Google account). For TikTok, contact support through the app or website. Secure all accounts by changing passwords if you have access — unsecured accounts of deceased individuals can be targets for hacking, spam, or impersonation. If the deceased had a large social media following or a monetized account, the account may have financial value, and you should consult with a digital estate attorney before closing it.