Dear friends,
Social media platforms have become central repositories of our digital lives, containing conversations, connections, and memories that often matter deeply to those we leave behind. Yet these platforms were built for the living, not the dead, creating unique challenges for digital legacy planning.
When someone passes away, their social media accounts often become unexpected memorials. Friends and family gather in comment threads, share memories, and process grief through the very platform where they once shared everyday moments. Understanding how to prepare for this transition is essential.
The primary challenges families face include memorial accounts become read-only with no login access, instagram does not provide data export for deceased users, and 2fa and security features block family access without credentials. These technical barriers often prevent loved ones from accessing important information, preserving memories, or even closing accounts when desired.
DeathNote helps you navigate these complexities by providing secure credential storage, clear instructions for account access, and guidance on platform-specific policies. You can document your preferences for account management, designate trusted contacts, and ensure your digital legacy reflects your intentions rather than platform defaults.
Beyond technical access, consider what messages or information you'd want shared through these platforms. Many people use social media to announce deaths and share memorial details, making it essential to have clear guidance for those managing your accounts posthumously.
Platform Overview
Primary Use
Photo sharing, stories, reels, influencer content, business marketing, personal branding
Account Types
Personal accounts, business accounts, creator accounts, verified accounts
Data Types
Posts, stories, reels, IGTV videos, direct messages, highlights, saved content, followers
Access Challenges
- Memorial accounts become read-only with no login access
- Instagram does not provide data export for deceased users
- 2FA and security features block family access without credentials
- Verification badges and business features lost upon memorialization
- Direct messages cannot be accessed once account is memorialized
Inheritance Guidance
Step 1: Choose Between Memorialization and Access
Decide whether you want your Instagram account memorialized (read-only, shows 'Remembering') or prefer to give family full access. Memorialization preserves content but blocks all changes. Full access requires your login credentials and allows content management.
Step 2: Document Login Credentials Completely
Store your Instagram username, password, email, phone number, and 2FA backup codes in DeathNote. Include connected Facebook account details if applicable. Update credentials whenever you change security settings.
Step 3: Download Your Instagram Archive
Go to Settings > Security > Download Data to request a complete archive of your posts, stories, messages, and profile information. Save this archive securely and document its location. Update it periodically for current content.
Step 4: Designate Legacy Contact for Memorialization
Instagram allows you to designate a legacy contact who can manage memorial requests. However, this feature is limited. Document who should handle your account and provide instructions for submitting a memorialization request if desired.
Step 5: Plan for Business and Verified Accounts
If you have a business, creator, or verified account, document revenue sources, brand partnerships, and content calendars. Provide instructions for transferring business relationships or winding down commercial activities properly.
Related Resources
Facebook Memorial Planning
Meta platform legacy planning with official memorial features
TikTok Account Inheritance
Short-form video platform legacy planning for creators
Social Media Farewell Template
Final post message for social media followers
How DeathNote Works
Learn about credential security and memorial coordination
Twitter/X Account Legacy
Microblogging platform inheritance planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a memorialized Instagram account and giving family access?
A memorialized account becomes read-only with 'Remembering' displayed on the profile. No one can log in, post, or access messages. Giving family your login credentials allows full account access, including posting final messages, downloading content, or managing the account as you wish. Choose based on whether you want preservation or active management after death.
Can family access my Instagram direct messages after I die?
Once an Instagram account is memorialized, direct messages become completely inaccessible. If you want family to access your DMs, provide your login credentials through DeathNote before the account is memorialized. Instagram's data download feature includes message history if requested while the account is still active.
What happens to Instagram business accounts and monetization after death?
Business features, monetization, and brand partnerships typically require active account management. Without access credentials, revenue stops and partnerships lapse. Document all business relationships, payment methods, and contracts in your DeathNote so family can properly wind down commercial activities or transfer revenue streams.
Will my Instagram verification badge remain after memorialization?
Instagram's policies on verification badges for memorialized accounts may vary. Generally, accounts remain verified after memorialization, but the badge's relevance depends on how the account is managed. Document your wishes for account handling and whether verification matters to your digital legacy.