How can my family access my YouTube Studio (Creator) account after I die?

The process typically involves contacting YouTube Studio (Creator) with a death certificate and proof of relationship. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the exact procedure.

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What Happens to Your YouTube Studio (Creator) Account When You Die

Ongoing ad revenueClaim AdSense balance

Quick Facts

Revenue

Ad revenue may continue

AdSense

Claim remaining balance

Channel

Can be memorialized or transferred

Step-by-Step Guide

Claim outstanding AdSense balance

Contact Google to claim any unpaid AdSense balance. You will need a death certificate and proof of estate authority.

Decide channel fate

The YouTube channel can be memorialized, transferred to an heir, or deleted through Google's Inactive Account Manager or estate process.

Ongoing revenue potential

YouTube channels can continue earning ad revenue indefinitely. Consider keeping the channel active if it generates meaningful income.

Document Now Checklist

YouTube channel name and URL
Monthly ad revenue estimate
AdSense account email
Google account controlling the channel

Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with YouTube Studio (Creator). This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

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