When Divorce Goes Digital: Fighting Over TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube

Who Gets the YouTube Channel in Divorce?

 

Social media has transformed how millions of people make a living. You might be tempted to roll your eyes when you see “content creator” listed as someone’s job on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, OnlyFans, or YouTube—but for many, it’s a legitimate and often lucrative business. Some couples even share accounts, reviewing music, movies, or products for followers and affiliate links. In some cases, a single account can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

 

According to Google, there are about 162 million content creators in the United States. The Wall Street Journal reports that more than 12 million people —roughly 7% of the workforce—work full time as influencers. Like traditional media, they are paid by advertisers to market products and services to their audiences. A social media following, once built, is a valuable asset that can’t be replicated overnight. Followers mean revenue, and retaining that community is essential for long-term success.

 

Digital Assets in Divorce

 

In today’s world, divorcing couples are increasingly fighting over digital assets—social media accounts included. Courts may need to determine the value of accounts, assess income streams, and decide how to divide them. In some cases, the solution is shared custody of an account.

 

Take Kat and Mike Stickler, for example. The couple launched a humorous TikTok page during COVID-19 and quickly grew an audience. Less than two years later, they filed for divorce. With more than 4 million followers at stake, negotiations included dividing their accounts and signing a non-disclosure agreement.

 

Ultimately, the court awarded Kat the TikTok account, allowing her to rebrand it for her solo identity. She retained and even increased her follower count. Mike received their YouTube account, but it eventually saw less activity and engagement.

 

Factors Courts Consider

 

As with any divorce asset, the division of social media accounts depends on multiple factors, including:

• Who operates the account day-to-day
• Contributions to its growth
• The likelihood of continued success after the divorce
• The nature of the audience and brand identity

For advice on divorce and division of digital assets, contact:
Attorney Maury D. Beaulier
📞 612-240-8005