YouTube - detailed instructions

Setting Up YouTube for Memorialization

• Understanding YouTube's Policies:
  • YouTube is a Google service, so handling a deceased person's YouTube account falls under Google's general policies for managing a deceased user’s account.
  • You can use Google’s Inactive Account Manager to designate a trusted contact who can manage your YouTube and other Google services after you pass away.

Using Google’s Inactive Account Manager

• Set Up Inactive Account Manager:
  • Log in to your Google account (associated with your YouTube account).
  • Go to myaccount.google.com/inactive to access the Inactive Account Manager.
• Choose a Trusted Contact:
  • Designate up to 10 trusted contacts who will be notified if your account has been inactive for a specified period (between 3 to 18 months).
  • These contacts can be given access to your data, including YouTube content.
• Set Up Notification and Actions:
  • You can choose to notify your trusted contacts and specify what data they will have access to (such as YouTube videos, comments, etc.).
  • You can also choose to have your entire Google account, including YouTube, deleted if it becomes inactive.
• Review and Confirm:
  • Review your choices, and once satisfied, confirm your settings.

Requesting Memorialization or Removal by Family Members

• Submit a Request to Google:
  • If no Inactive Account Manager is set up, a family member can submit a request to Google to close the deceased person’s account or obtain data from it. This can be done through Google's Help Center.
• Information Required:
  • The requester will need to provide details such as proof of identity, the deceased person’s death certificate, and potentially other documentation to verify their relationship to the deceased.

Memorialized Account Features

• Data Access:
  • Depending on the settings made by the deceased or Google’s decision, the trusted contact may access YouTube videos, playlists, and other data or request the deletion of the account.
• Channel Status:
  • If the account is memorialized, the channel remains visible but cannot be logged into or altered

Additional Considerations

• Inactive Account Manager Setup:
  • Setting up Google’s Inactive Account Manager is the best way to ensure your YouTube account is handled according to your wishes.
• Communication:
  • It’s important to inform your designated trusted contacts about their role and responsibilities.