The present disclosure relates to representation of users within online systems, such as social networks, online services, and platforms. A method for representing a user within an online system is provided, comprising receiving by the online system a live recording of a first user of the online system, the first user defining permissions to access the live recording; requesting a representation of the first user by a second user of the online system; determining if the second user is authorized to access the live recording based on the permissions; and if the second user is authorized, providing the live recording to the second user as the representation of the first user. Furthermore, an online system and a data structure representing a user of an online system are defined.