Preparing Digital Assets
MyWishes – Make plans for the important things
Sorting out your Digital Assets and Digital Legacy
We don’t always consider what will happen to our digital information after we die. Photos, music, online bank accounts and shares are often stored on mobile phones, computers and tablets or saved in the cloud on services like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A useful exercise is to make a list of all your online accounts and consider what you would like to happen to them in the event of your death.
What is a Social Media Will and why you might need one
In today’s world, we live a significant part of our lives online. From posting photos and messaging friends to shopping, banking, and gaming, our digital lives are more active than ever. But have you ever thought about what happens to all of that when we die?
That’s where a social media will (also called a digital will) comes in.
What is a Social Media Will?
A social media will is a simple document that outlines what you’d like to happen to your online accounts after your death. It helps your loved ones understand your wishes and manage your digital presence with care and respect.
It can cover a range of accounts and digital assets, including:
- Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- Email accounts
- Photo and file storage (like iCloud or Google Drive)
- Online shopping or subscription accounts
- Gaming profiles
- Betting accounts
- Online banking or payment apps
- Cryptocurrency or digital investments
Why it matters
Without a digital will, it can be difficult—and sometimes impossible—for family or friends to access, close, or manage your accounts.
This can lead to:
- Important memories or messages being lost
- Ongoing subscription or service fees
- Missed opportunities to recover digital assets (like crypto or money in online wallets)
- Loss of access to important digital photos or music
Creating a social media will gives you peace of mind and it helps your loved ones during a difficult time.
What to include
Creating one doesn’t need to be complicated.
You can start by:
- Listing your key online accounts
- Stating what you’d like to happen with each (delete, memorialise, transfer, etc.)
- Naming someone you trust to carry out your wishes (this is often called a digital executor)
- Keeping your login details secure (using a password manager or secure location—not in the will itself)
Take the first step
Making a social media will is a simple but powerful way to protect your digital life. Whether it’s preserving memories, securing assets, or easing the burden on your family, a little planning now can make a big difference later.
Rowcroft has also produced a short guide, Death in a digital age, to help people navigate some of the available options on social media when faced with a palliative illness or experiencing a bereavement.
Useful resources
- The social media will by MyWishes
- The social media will template by Digital Legacy Association