When someone passes away, their online presence — photos, messages, posts, and creative work — often remains. These digital traces can offer comfort, connection, and an enduring reminder of the life they lived. Memorialisation is the process of preserving these online spaces. It can mean turning a social media profile into a memorial page, archiving important content, or creating a shared online tribute for friends and family.
Collect meaningful items such as photos, messages, or videos before accounts are deleted or lost.You may wish to store them securely in a shared folder, on an external drive, or through a trusted cloud service.
💡 Tip: Some platforms (like Google and Apple) allow you to download or transfer a person’s data using their Digital Legacy or Inactive Account Manager features.
Most social media platforms now provide options for memorialisation or removal after death:
Each platform’s process is slightly different — it’s often best to check their Help or Memorialisation page before acting.
📘 Note: It’s important to respect the deceased’s privacy and any previously stated wishes before posting or sharing content publicly.
Families often find comfort in gathering memories digitally — such as through:
These spaces can help loved ones stay connected and celebrate a person’s life together.
Grief is personal, and everyone approaches remembrance differently.
Some people find comfort in keeping a loved one’s online presence visible; others prefer closure and privacy. There is no single right way.
If you’re unsure, consider discussing decisions with family members or the person’s executor before making changes.
It can also help to pause and reflect before sharing memories publicly — ensuring that posts are respectful and consent is considered.
🕊️ Tip: Forevermore recommends taking time before deleting or memorialising accounts. Once removed, some content cannot be recovered.
Forevermore provides free guidance and educational materials to help individuals, families, and executors manage digital legacies with compassion and confidence. Our resources are designed to protect privacy while keeping cherished memories alive.
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