What happens to your social media accounts after you die? Have you ever thought about it? Do they just…sit there? Does someone inherit your followers? Can your family access your old posts and messages?

Digital estate planning is still a new concept for many people, but it’s becoming more important than ever.

Social Media and Estate Planning

Social media is no longer just a fun way to connect with friends—it’s a legitimate asset. If you’re an influencer, or your accounts earn money through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links, your social media accounts are an income stream. And even if you’re not making money online, your accounts still hold sentimental and practical value. Family members may want access to old photos, messages, or business contacts.

Without a social media estate plan in place, your loved ones might struggle to access your accounts—or worse, they could be locked out entirely. That’s why including social media accounts in your estate plan is a smart move.

What Happens to Social Media Accounts After Death?

Each social media platform has its own rules for handling accounts when a user passes away:

  • Facebook & Instagram: Meta lets you choose a “legacy contact” who can manage a memorialized account, but they can’t log in or read messages. If no legacy contact is assigned, family members can request account deletion.
  • Twitter (X): No posthumous access is granted. The only option is to request account deactivation.
  • YouTube & Google Accounts: Google lets you set up an Inactive Account Manager, which can grant access to trusted contacts or delete your accounts after a set period of inactivity.
  • TikTok & Snapchat: These platforms usually allow family members to request account removal, but there’s no option to transfer ownership.

If you don’t make arrangements ahead of time, your accounts could be left in limbo.

How to Include Social Media in Your Estate Plan

Brittany Britton, the lead estate planning lawyer at Best Coast Estate Law, PC, can help formulate and formalize a comprehensive estate plan that includes your social media accounts, royalties, and other assets. To get started:

  1. Make a List of Your Digital Assets
    • Include all social media accounts, email accounts, online businesses, and digital subscriptions.
    • Don’t forget revenue-generating assets like YouTube channels, Etsy shops, or ad accounts.
  2. Think About a Digital Executor
    • This is someone you trust to handle your digital affairs. It could be a family member, close friend, or business partner.
  3. Decide What Should Happen to Your Accounts
    • Do you want your accounts memorialized, deleted, or transferred to someone else?
  4. Store Access Information Securely
    • Use a password manager to store login details (but don’t list passwords in your will—it becomes public after probate).
    • Give your executor instructions on how to access and manage your accounts.

The Legal Side of Digital Estate Planning

Laws are starting to catch up with the digital world. In the U.S., the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act (RUFADAA) gives legal authority to a designated person (such as an executor) to manage online accounts after death—if proper steps are taken.

An estate planning attorney can help you:

  • Make your digital estate wishes legally binding.
  • Ensure compliance with California’s laws.
  • Avoid unnecessary legal headaches for your loved ones.
Do You Need to Put Social Media Accounts in Your Will?

Protect Your Digital Legacy with an Estate Planning Lawyer

Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or just someone who wants to make things easier for your family, planning for your digital assets is essential. Without a plan, your accounts could be locked, deleted, or mismanaged, potentially leading to lost memories or income.

At Best Coast Estate Law, P.C., we make sure your estate plan covers everything—including your digital life. Contact us today to start planning for your future and protect what matters most.


Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Brittany Britton is licensed to practice law in the state of California only.