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 no official memorial or legacy contact system available, my eyes only memories are password-protected with no recovery, and ephemeral content auto-deletes and cannot be recovered. 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
Ephemeral messaging, photo/video sharing, stories, AR filters, location sharing with friends
Account Types
Personal accounts, Snapchat+ subscriptions, creator accounts, verified accounts
Data Types
Saved memories, my eyes only, stories, chat messages, snap map history, bitmoji, friend connections
Access Challenges
- No official memorial or legacy contact system available
- My Eyes Only memories are password-protected with no recovery
- Ephemeral content auto-deletes and cannot be recovered
- Phone number-based authentication blocks family access
- Account deletion removes all memories and data permanently
Inheritance Guidance
Step 1: Document Login and My Eyes Only Access
Store your Snapchat username, phone number, password, 2FA backup codes, and critically, your My Eyes Only password in DeathNote. Without the My Eyes Only password, even with account access, family cannot retrieve your private saved memories.
Step 2: Export Snapchat Memories Regularly
Go to Settings > Memories > Export Memories to download all saved photos and videos from Snapchat. Save these files securely outside the app. Update exports periodically since Memories are the only persistent content Snapchat stores.
Step 3: Address Ephemeral Content Limitations
Understand that unopened snaps, stories older than 24 hours (unless saved), and chat messages are automatically deleted by Snapchat's design. If important content exists in these formats, save it to Memories or export it while you're alive.
Step 4: Plan for Snapchat Streaks and Friend Connections
If you value your Snapchat streaks or friend connections, document which friendships matter most. Provide account access so family can notify your closest friends, or include a list of Snapchat usernames for direct contact outside the app.
Step 5: Decide on Account Preservation or Deletion
Choose whether you want your Snapchat account to remain active (for Memories access) or be deleted for privacy. Snapchat is designed for ephemeral content, so most users prefer deletion. Document this preference clearly in your DeathNote.
Related Resources
Instagram Account Handoff
Photo-focused social media with longer-term content preservation
WhatsApp Final Messages
Messaging app legacy planning for private communications
Digital Photo Archive Inheritance
Comprehensive photo and memory preservation strategies
How DeathNote Works
Learn about credential security and memory preservation
TikTok Account Inheritance
Short-form video platform creative legacy planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Can family access my Snapchat Memories after I die?
Only if they have your complete login credentials, including password and 2FA codes. Additionally, if you use My Eyes Only for private memories, family needs that separate password as well. Without these credentials, all Memories become permanently inaccessible. Store both passwords in DeathNote and regularly export your Memories outside the app.
What happens to unopened snaps and messages after death?
Snapchat's ephemeral design means unopened snaps expire after 30 days, and chat messages delete based on your settings (after viewing, 24 hours, or when the chat is deleted). These cannot be recovered once expired. If important content exists in messages, save it to Memories or export it while you're alive.
How do I preserve My Eyes Only memories for family?
My Eyes Only is password-protected with no recovery option - even Snapchat cannot access these memories. To preserve this private content for family, you must provide your My Eyes Only password in DeathNote, or export these memories to a secure location outside Snapchat while you're alive.
Should I delete my Snapchat account or keep it for Memories?
Most people choose deletion since Snapchat is designed for ephemeral content. However, if you have years of saved Memories that matter to family, keep the account active and provide access credentials. Alternatively, export all Memories before death and then request account deletion for complete privacy.