What to Do With Your Loved One’s Instagram Account
When a loved one dies, it can feel like there are a million decisions that need to be made. One category that doesn’t always make it on the checklists of tasks is deciding what to do with their social media presence after they have passed away. As many of us are aware, social media accounts are vulnerable to hackers, and taking these steps will keep them from accessing and using your loved one’s account.
Memorializing vs. Deleting
On Instagram, you have two choices: you can delete the account completely or leave it up as a memorial. If the account is left up, their privacy settings remain the same (it doesn’t turn a private profile public) and posts can be commented on, shared, etc. Consider what your loved one would have wanted and what friends and family would appreciate when making your decision.
Instagram Memorial
When you choose to memorialize an Instagram account, the word “Remembering” will be added next to the person’s name on their profile. Once an account has been memorialized, no one can log into it, and Instagram never shares login information (not even with the requester).
Memorializing the account will prevent it from showing up in certain areas of Instagram, like Explore and Suggestions.
Anyone can make this request—it does not need to be an immediate family member. In order to request that an account be memorialized, you just need a link to an obituary or news article that proves the person is deceased. You may also upload a screenshot or other proof using this form.
Deleting a Loved One’s Instagram
Instagram restricts requests to delete accounts to immediate family members and legal representatives. Unlike Facebook, you cannot download a copy of the photos and information before the account is removed.
They require proof, such as a scanned copy of the deceased person’s birth certificate, death certificate, or proof of authority that you are the lawful representative of the deceased person. Here is the link to the form to request removal of a loved one’s Instagram page.
Tasks like this can be difficult, especially when you’re grieving. If you or someone you love needs help with prioritizing, organizing, and completing their to-do list after a loss, Compass can help. We can even submit requests to delete pages from Instagram on your behalf! Contact us to learn more.
