When someone passes away, one of the first tasks families face is letting people know. Traditionally, this meant placing an obituary in the local newspaper—a small notice with dates, a brief biography, and funeral details. But in today’s world, how many people actually read the local paper? And what about friends and family living in other cities, other countries, or simply other stages of life?

The truth is, printed obituaries often miss the very people who would want to know most. The childhood friend who moved abroad decades ago. The former colleague who changed careers and lost touch. The distant cousin who lives three countries away. These people cared deeply about the person who passed, but they’ll likely never see that small announcement tucked into a newspaper page.

A video changes everything

A memorial video shared through WhatsApp, email, or social media can travel instantly across the world. Within minutes, it reaches people who haven’t been in touch for years but whose connection to your loved one remains meaningful. They see familiar photographs, perhaps recognise themselves in an old image, and suddenly they’re transported back to shared memories.

Unlike a text message or a brief email, a video carries emotion. It communicates not just the news of a passing, but the essence of who that person was. It gives distant friends permission to grieve, to remember, and to reach out to the family with their own stories and condolences.

Simpler than you think

Many families hesitate, assuming that creating and sharing a video is complicated. But it doesn’t have to be. A short, heartfelt video with a few cherished photographs can be put together quickly and shared with a single tap. No printing costs, no hoping the right people happen to read the right newspaper on the right day.

If you want to try it, you can make one in a few minutes from your phone: choose a design, add their photo and the service details, and download it. See the free funeral announcement templates.

Funeral announcement templates

Elegant A formal, cinematic announcement, at its best in black and white. Soft Frame A warm, gentle announcement on soft paper tones, with every detail of the gathering in one place. Reverie A quiet, evening-toned announcement: their portrait held between deep shadows, their name in a flowing italic.

See all templates →

In moments of loss, connection matters more than ever. A video announcement doesn’t replace the traditional obituary—it extends its reach to everyone who deserves the chance to say goodbye.