TikTok Introduces Legacy Account Controls for Posthumous Profile Management

TikTok has introduced a new legacy account setting, enabling users to decide what happens to their account after they die. The option, now accessible within the app’s account settings, allows users to either nominate another user to manage their account or request that their profile be permanently deleted.

Images shared on Threads by app researcher Radu Oncescu illustrate the new interface. Additional screenshots posted by Jonah Manzano reveal that within each option, users can further specify what a designated legacy contact will be permitted to control.

For account deactivation, TikTok currently requires that removal requests come from a family member or other legal representative, typically necessitating proof of relationship and a death certificate. The new settings may streamline this process by allowing users to pre-authorize a trusted contact, potentially reducing administrative hurdles for loved ones.

These settings could provide users with greater assurance that their personal information will be handled according to their wishes, a logical consideration in the social media era. As digital footprints expand, the question of posthumous data management has become increasingly pressing.

According to a 2019 study by Oxford University, as reported by The Guardian, Facebook alone may host as many as 4.9 billion deceased member profiles by 2100—potentially exceeding its living user base. Millions of social media users have already died, making this an important consideration for both privacy and platform storage capacity.

With this update, TikTok users can now take proactive steps to shape their online legacy, ensuring their accounts are managed or removed in line with their preferences. The feature marks a meaningful addition to TikTok’s account settings, aligning with broader industry trends toward digital estate planning.