When someone we love passes away, the first need is to honour their memory. For centuries, that meant a headstone, a service, an obituary in the newspaper. Today, there is a more complete, more accessible, and more permanent way: the online memorial page.
But what exactly is an online memorial page? What does it include? Is it free? How do you create one? This article answers all these questions.
What is an online memorial page
An online memorial page — also called a digital memorial, online memorial, or tribute page — is a space on the internet dedicated to the memory of someone who has passed away.
Unlike a social media post that disappears in the algorithm, a memorial page is permanent. It has its own internet address, is always available, and can be accessed by anyone who receives the link — or by someone who scans the QR code on the grave.
It's the digital equivalent of the condolence book — but much richer, much more complete, and much more lasting.
What does an online memorial page include
A good online memorial page includes several elements:
Basic information:
- ✓Full name of the person
- ✓Date and place of birth
- ✓Date and place of death
- ✓Main photograph
Biography: A text that tells who this person was — their origins, their family, their work, their values, their passions. The biography is the heart of the memorial.
Photo gallery: Photographs throughout a whole life — childhood, youth, with family, at special moments. They can be uploaded by the whole family, from anywhere in the world.
Memories and stories: Text written by family and friends — special memories, funny stories, moments that stayed. Each person has a unique perspective.
Videos: Videos of special moments — family gatherings, holidays, weddings, christenings.
Voice recordings: The voice is the most powerful memory. A recording of an old conversation, a song the person used to sing, a story they used to tell — irreplaceable.
Condolence messages: A space for friends, neighbours, former colleagues to leave their words.
QR code: A code that can be placed on the grave headstone. Any visitor points their phone and accesses the complete memorial.
What's the difference between a memorial page and an obituary
An obituary is a death notice — published in a newspaper, a news site, or a funeral home page. It's a short, factual text with basic details and funeral information.
A memorial page is much more. It's a living space that grows over time, where family contributes memories, photographs and stories over weeks, months and years after the death. It has no deadline. It doesn't disappear. It's forever.
| Feature | Obituary | Memorial page |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Temporary | Permanent |
| Content | Short text | Photos, videos, stories |
| Who creates it | Agency/family | Whole family |
| Accessibility | Public | Public or private |
| Interactivity | None | Family contributes |
What's the difference between a memorial page and a social media post
When someone dies, it's common for the family to post on social media — Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp. These posts have value, but they have important limitations:
- ✓They disappear in the algorithm — after a few days, the post loses visibility
- ✓They depend on the platform — if Facebook closes or changes rules, the memories are lost
- ✓They're not organised — memories are scattered across different comments and posts
- ✓They don't have a QR code — you can't place a social media link on a grave
- ✓Limited access — those without an account on the social network can't access it
An online memorial page solves all these problems. It's independent of any platform, always available, and designed specifically for permanent preservation.
How to create a free online memorial page
On Vidalem, creating a memorial page is free and takes less than 5 minutes.
Step 1
Go to vidalem.com and click "Create free memorial"
Step 2
Enter the name, dates and upload a photograph
Step 3
Write a brief biography — it can be expanded later
Step 4
Add the first memory — a text, a photograph
Step 5
Share the link with the family so everyone can contribute
The free plan includes 1 memorial, 5 memories and a QR code — enough to get started. For unlimited memories and more features, paid plans start from €12.90/month.
Frequently asked questions
Is an online memorial page public?
It can be public (anyone can see it) or private (only family with the link). On Vidalem you can choose the privacy level.
Do I need to be tech-savvy?
No. The process is very simple. If you can use WhatsApp, you can create a memorial page on Vidalem.
Does the page last forever even on the free plan?
Yes. Memorials on the free plan are permanent.
Can I create a memorial page for someone who passed years ago?
Yes. Many families create memorial pages for people who passed decades ago, using old photographs and memories from older family members.
Is Vidalem available in Portuguese?
Yes. Vidalem is fully available in both European and Brazilian Portuguese.