Managing YouTube channels after the owner’s death: Who inherits the revenue and what are the digital rights in Germany?
In a world where digital work has become a real source of income, YouTube channels are no longer just a form of entertainment. They have turned into digital assets that can be inherited. But what happens when the creator dies?
Who manages the channel? Who receives the remaining income? And what is the legal framework for this in Germany?
These questions are being raised more and more frequently in courts and at probate courts (Nachlassgericht), especially when the channel is still active and generates monthly revenue from ads or sponsorships.
Yes. Under the general principle of German civil law (BGB § 1922), all of a person’s transferable legal and financial assets pass to their heirs upon death. This also includes digital assets.
A YouTube channel is therefore treated as:
a digital asset with financial value,
which typically includes:
the subscriber base
the content (videos, thumbnails, etc.)
engagement and reach
the associated Google AdSense account
and any related business or sponsorship contracts
Accordingly, the heirs may claim the right to manage the channel, wind it down, or receive its income.
1. Certificate of inheritance (Erbschein)
This is an official document issued by the competent probate court (Nachlassgericht) confirming who is legally entitled to represent the estate. Without it, it is very difficult to assert any rights vis-à-vis Google/YouTube.
2. Formal request to Google / YouTube
The heirs must submit a formal request to Google or YouTube containing, in principle:
a copy of the deceased person’s death certificate
a copy of the Erbschein (certificate of inheritance)
an identity document of the heir / legal representative
information linking them to the channel, for example:
link (URL) to the channel
the owner’s name
the email address associated with the channel, if known
Important note:
YouTube is not legally obliged to transfer full ownership of an account or hand over login credentials to the heirs. However, depending on its internal assessment of the individual case, YouTube may grant limited access or certain management rights.
All income generated after the creator’s death is considered part of the estate.
This includes, in particular:
Google AdSense earnings
revenue from sponsorships and brand deals (Sponsorships)
revenue from sales, memberships or paid subscriptions linked to the channel
These funds may be paid into a dedicated estate account (Nachlasskonto) or transferred to the registered heir / executor, provided their role is recognized by Google.
The bank account into which AdSense pays the income will often be blocked or closed automatically after the account holder’s death, once the bank or the authorities are notified.
In this situation the heirs should:
open an estate account (Nachlasskonto)
update the AdSense payment details through official communication with Google
provide proof that they are the lawful heirs and thus entitled to control the channel and its revenue
Yes. The lawful heir or the appointed estate representative may request permanent deletion of the YouTube channel if desired.
This requires a formal request to Google including:
death certificate
certificate of inheritance (Erbschein)
identity document of the heir
Depending on the workload and the complexity of the case, processing can take around 4 to 8 weeks.
YouTube’s policies do not provide a simple, one-click way to transfer “full ownership” of an account in the same way you might transfer ownership of a company.
However, the following options may exist:
If the channel is linked to a Brand Account, an heir or trusted person can be added as a manager/owner in the account’s admin settings (provided someone has access).
Content may be moved or re-uploaded to a new channel controlled by the heirs, subject to Google’s approval and in compliance with copyright and trademark rules.
| Problem | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The account is not verified or its details are unclear | It becomes very difficult to prove ownership to Google |
| The heirs do not yet have a certificate of inheritance | Without an Erbschein, most formal procedures cannot even begin |
| There is more than one heir | The court may need to appoint an executor (Testamentsvollstrecker) |
| The situation conflicts with the deceased’s will | The conflict will be resolved by the courts under German inheritance law and, where explicitly referenced, possibly also with regard to Islamic rules |
Managing a YouTube channel after the owner’s death in Germany requires careful awareness of digital inheritance law.
A channel is treated as a financial asset that can be inherited, wound up, or continued – provided that the heirs can present the necessary legal documents and handle communication with Google in a structured way.
If the deceased had a written will, it is strongly advisable to mention digital assets such as YouTube channels, online accounts and AdSense income explicitly, in order to avoid conflicts among heirs later on.
The editorial team behind this website aims to provide accurate information based on extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors or uncertainties may still occur in individual cases. Please treat the information in this article as an initial guide only and always consult the relevant authorities, legal professionals or specialist advisors for binding, case-specific advice.
