How can I keep videos of a loved one who died?

Go at your own pace

There is no right time to do this. Some people want to gather every video in the first week; others cannot watch them for months. Both are normal.

If it feels heavy, ask a trusted friend or relative to help with the practical parts, such as copying files, while you decide what to watch and when.

Start with what you already have

Look through your phone, computer and chat apps for videos you recorded. Copy them into one folder, so they are no longer spread across apps that might clear old media.

Make a second copy straight away on a cloud account or an external drive. Losing a phone is painful at any time, and far worse when it holds the only copy of a voice you miss.

Ask family and friends gently

Others may have videos you have never seen. Send a short, kind message asking if they would share the original files when they feel ready, rather than forwarded copies.

If your loved one posted their own videos on TikTok, the people who managed their accounts or close family may want to check TikTok's help centre for any process relating to a deceased user's account. Policies differ, so read the current guidance there.

Label, protect and share with care

Name each file with the date and a few words, such as 2025-12-25-grandma-singing. Add a note of where it was filmed and who is in it while memories are clear.

Before sharing videos widely, think about how other family members might feel. A private shared album often feels gentler than a public post, and it keeps the collection safe for future generations.

Frequently asked questions