INCOME TAX18 Sept 2026
What happens to a creator’s Instagram, YouTube accounts and earnings after their death? Explained | Mint
No social media account can simply be passed on after a creator dies. Instagram and YouTube don't hand over passwords, so families can't log in or collect private messages. Google may share some content, or close the account, if family asks with documents. Instagram allows memorialisation or deletion. YouTube earnings keep going to the linked bank account while it stays active.
Key Statutory Highlights
- Family members or legal representatives can ask Google to review a request about the deceased person's account, and Google may share certain content or close the account, but it does not share passwords.
- Instagram offers memorialisation, where existing posts stay visible but no new content can be uploaded, or permanent deletion, and families cannot get an archive of private data such as drafts and direct messages.
- YouTube earnings continue to be credited to the linked bank account as long as the account remains active, and a nominee acts only as a custodian, not as the final beneficiary.
Actionable Advice for Taxpayers / Founders:Consider putting clear written instructions for your social media accounts, digital content and online income in your will, and keep your nominee details updated, so your family can claim accrued earnings without confusion. It may help to check the platform's own process and speak to a legal expert before relying on any single step.
Statutory Disclaimer: TaxQue Shorts are AI-assisted editorial briefs for compliance awareness. This brief has not passed every source check; confirm the original notification before acting. This does not constitute formal legal or CA counsel.
TaxQue News Desk
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