What Happens to Your Instagram After You Die?

Your Instagram Legacy—A Decision to Make Now

     Most people don’t think about what happens to their Instagram account after they pass away, but it’s an important digital asset to consider. Your loved ones will either have to delete it, memorialize it, or let it sit inactive. Instagram provides options, but they require forethought and planning to ensure your wishes are carried out.

The Issue: Managing a Deceased User’s Account

     When someone dies, their social media accounts don’t automatically disappear. Instagram accounts, like other digital profiles, remain active unless someone takes steps to remove or memorialize them. Without login credentials, accessing or altering an account can be complicated, requiring proof of death and official support requests to Instagram.

Handling a Deceased Loved One’s Instagram

     If you have access to the decedent’s email and password, you can reset their Instagram password and either delete the account or manage it as needed. Deleting an account is straightforward: open Instagram, navigate to the profile, go to the Accounts Center, and follow the steps under ‘Account Ownership and Control.’

     If you do not have login credentials, Instagram allows you to request that an account be memorialized. This process requires submitting proof of death, such as an obituary or death certificate. Once memorialized, the account can no longer gain followers or appear in suggested accounts, and the word “Remembering” will appear next to the name.

Additional Considerations: Protecting Your Digital Assets

To ensure your digital legacy is handled according to your wishes, consider:

• Listing your social media credentials in a secure document for a trusted family member or executor.

• Including social media preferences in your estate plan, specifying whether accounts should be deleted or memorialized.

• Regularly reviewing and updating your social media presence to remove outdated or unwanted accounts.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead to Avoid Future Hassles

    Just as you would with any other personal asset, planning for the future of your social media accounts can save your loved ones stress and confusion. Whether you want your Instagram profile to remain as a digital memory or be permanently removed, making these decisions now ensures your wishes are followed.

     If you would like to discuss your estate planning or   options in Virginia, please call one of our offices at 804-325-1245 (Richmond) or 757-941-4298 (Williamsburg) to discuss how our attorneys can be of assistance.

Special thanks to Wesley Singer for editorial assistance in drafting this article.