What happens to your social media accounts when you die?
Nothing automatic. An account stays exactly as it was until someone takes action, which is why unattended profiles persist for years — and why deciding in advance matters more than people assume.
The core legal problem is that accounts are almost always licences to use a service, not property you own. That means they generally do not pass under a will in the way possessions do, and an executor cannot simply take control. Providers are also constrained by computer misuse and privacy laws from handing over login access, even to close family — which is why "just give them my password" is both unenforceable and usually a breach of the terms.
What the major platforms offer:
Memorialisation. Facebook and Instagram can convert an account to a memorial state: it remains visible, "Remembering" is added to the name, and it stops appearing in birthday reminders and ad targeting. Facebook lets you nominate a legacy contact in advance who can then manage limited aspects — a pinned post, profile photo, responding to friend requests — but not read your private messages.
Advance deletion tools. Google's Inactive Account Manager is the most complete: you set a period of inactivity, nominate who is notified, choose what data they receive, and optionally have the account deleted automatically. Apple offers Legacy Contact for iCloud.
Request-based closure. Most other platforms require a next of kin to apply with a death certificate and proof of relationship. This works but is slow and inconsistent.
What to actually do: set up the tools that exist now, since they only work if configured in advance. Record which accounts exist somewhere your executor can find. Use a password manager with an emergency access feature. And state your wishes explicitly — memorialise or delete — because families frequently disagree.
Photos and purchases often cannot be transferred at all, so keep local copies of anything that matters.