Losing someone we love is one of the hardest experiences in human life. The memories — the stories, the photographs, the voice — are all we have left. But those memories risk fading over time, scattered across phones, stored in boxes, forgotten.
A free digital memorial solves this problem permanently. This guide explains what it is, why you should create one today, and how to do it in less than 5 minutes — completely free.
What is a digital memorial?
A digital memorial is an online page dedicated to someone who has passed away. It's a space where family and friends can:
- ✓Share photos and videos
- ✓Write memories and stories
- ✓Listen to voice recordings
- ✓Leave condolence messages
- ✓Access the memorial at any time, from anywhere in the world
Unlike a social media post that disappears in the feed, a digital memorial is permanent. It's always available — 10, 20, or 50 years from now.
Why create a free digital memorial?
1. Family is spread across the world
Today, it's rare for a family to all be in the same place. Children who emigrated to France, grandchildren living in Brazil, siblings in the UK. A digital memorial allows the whole family to contribute — from wherever they are — with their memories and photos.
2. Physical photographs deteriorate
Printed photos yellow. Albums get lost. VHS tapes become unreadable. A digital memorial preserves everything in high quality, forever, without deterioration.
3. The gravestone can tell a life story
With a QR code on the gravestone, anyone who visits the cemetery can scan and access the complete memorial — see who that person was, read the family's memories, view the photographs. The headstone is no longer just a name and two dates.
4. It's free to start
You don't need to pay to create a digital memorial. Vidalem offers a free forever plan that includes everything essential for any family.
How to create a free online memorial on Vidalem
Vidalem is a Portuguese digital memory platform, created especially for Portuguese-speaking families. Creating the first memorial is free and takes less than 5 minutes.
Step 1 — Create your free account
Go to vidalem.com and click "Create free memorial". You can register with your email or Google account. No credit card required.
Step 2 — Add the basic details
Enter the person's full name, birth and death dates, and where they were born and lived. These details appear in the memorial header.
Step 3 — Upload the cover photo
A good cover photo completely transforms the memorial. Choose a photo that shows the person's personality — it doesn't need to be formal. It could be a family photo, in the garden, on a trip. The more authentic, the better.
Step 4 — Write the biography
The biography is the heart of the memorial. Write about who this person was: where they were born, what they did, what they loved, what they were like with family. It doesn't need to be long — even one paragraph is enough to start. The family can always add more later.
Step 5 — Add the first memory
A memory can be a text, photo, video or voice recording. Start with one of your own — a special moment, a phrase that person always said, a childhood memory. That first memory inspires the whole family to contribute.
Step 6 — Share with the family
Vidalem automatically generates a unique link for the memorial. Share it in the family WhatsApp group, by email, or on social media. Each member can contribute their own memories.
Step 7 — The QR code for the gravestone
Vidalem automatically generates a QR code for each memorial. You can print and place it on the grave, or order a weatherproof physical plaque. Anyone who visits the cemetery can scan and access the complete memorial.
What's included in the free plan?
Vidalem's free plan includes:
- ✓1 permanent digital memorial
- ✓5 memories (texts, photos)
- ✓Automatically generated QR code
- ✓Memorial page always available
- ✓Access for 1 family member
- ✓Free forever — no credit card
For families who want more — unlimited memories, videos, more family members, live streaming of ceremonies — Vidalem offers paid plans from €12.90/month.
For Portuguese emigrants abroad
If you live in France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the UK or Germany and have lost someone in Portugal, the digital memorial has a special meaning.
You couldn't be present at the funeral. You can't visit the grave whenever you want. The saudade has nowhere to land.
Vidalem was created with you in mind. With the digital memorial you can:
- ✓Watch the funeral live — live stream to anywhere in the world from €9.99
- ✓Contribute memories from any country — add photos and stories even from abroad
- ✓Visit the grave digitally — scan the memorial QR at any time, from anywhere
- ✓Preserve memories for your children — even if they grew up outside Portugal, they can know their family roots
Frequently asked questions
Does the memorial last forever?
Yes. Vidalem was created to preserve memories permanently. A memorial created today will be available in 50 years.
Do I need to be tech-savvy?
No. The process is as simple as creating a social media profile. If you can use WhatsApp, you can create a memorial on Vidalem.
Can the whole family contribute?
Yes. On the free plan, 1 member can manage the memorial. On paid plans, up to 5 members can contribute directly. The memorial link can be shared with the whole family for viewing.
Can I add videos?
Videos are included in paid plans. On the free plan, you can add texts and photos.
What happens to the memorial if I stop using Vidalem?
Memorials on the free plan are permanent. They are not deleted due to inactivity.