When someone passes away, many cultures grieve by getting together, sharing stories about the person, and saying goodbye. However, it's not always possible to do this, especially when our loved ones live far away.

In our modern times, we often have friends or family members who come from different corners of the world. In fact, it's not uncommon to be surprised that an online friend has passed long after it happened, especially when you have few common friends outside the internet.

Thankfully, it is possible to memorialize them in other ways, like on Instagram.

What Is Instagram Memorialization?

When an Instagram account is memorialized, other users on Instagram will know that its owner has already passed away with the word Remembering shown next to the person's name. With memorialization, no one else can log into the account, so it is free from being invaded by imposters looking to go through it or potentially profit off it.

Additionally, existing profile pictures, uploaded photos, videos, and comments of the deceased remain on their profile. Memorialized accounts also maintain their privacy settings, so friends and family who wish to spend time looking through their profile can still do so.

If your loved one has a public profile that you wish to make private, you may include a comment requesting if the account can be private before it is memorialized. While this is not standard, Instagram may accept it if the deceased is a public figure or specifically requested for it in their will.

Aside from this, a deceased user's name will no longer appear on places like the Explore page. Instagram also commits to preventing references to memorialized accounts that may be upsetting to their remaining loved ones on the platform.

Alternatively, you may request that an Instagram account be permanently deleted instead. Permanent deletion can be a valid alternative if a deceased person's profile contains things like negative comments from others that may be hurtful to their remaining friends and family members.

Steps to Request an Instagram Account to Be Memorialized

Instagram lets both friends and family members request the memorialization of an Instagram account. To request memorialization, contact Instagram through the form on Instagram Help Center. You will not be required to have an Instagram account to process this request.

When submitting a request, supply your real name, email address, the name of the person who passed, and their Instagram username. You will also be required to add proof of death, date of death, and any additional information that might justify your requests such as obituaries, death certificates, or news articles.

Bear in mind that it's still up to Instagram whether they approve or deny your request. To prevent false reports, memorialization may take some time before it is activated. In an event of a delay, please be patient and avoid resending the form to avoid delaying other applications.

Memorialize Your Loved One's Instagram Account

It can be difficult to say goodbye to a loved one, especially when reminders of them are everywhere online. While it can be a painful experience, opening a space for friends and family to grieve together can be a healing experience, even if it is not in person.

Though it's not a full replacement for showing up to a funeral, Instagram makes it possible for people to come together from far away. With memorialization, friends and family can relive their memories with their loved one through the stories, photos, and videos that they shared on Instagram.

Aside from this, memorializing an Instagram account also helps protect your loved one from hackers that may want to make use of it. Whether it's stealing their identity or looking through personal messages, memorializing helps create a safe space for people to remember someone online.