Post Automation (Comment-to-DM)
Turn your Instagram posts and Reels into lead generation machines. When someone comments a keyword, they automatically receive a DM.
What Is Post Automation?
Post Automation lets you set up automations on specific Instagram posts so that when someone comments a trigger word, they automatically receive a DM, a comment reply, or both.
Setting Up Automation on a Post or Reel
- Navigate to the Instagram DM section in the sidebar.
- You'll see a list of your recent Instagram posts and Reels.
- Click on the post you want to automate.
- Configure trigger words, DM replies, and comment replies.
Trigger Words
Enter keywords separated by commas (e.g., link, info, price, send, DM). Matching is case-insensitive.
Auto-Reply to Comments
Toggle Reply Comments to ON. Add multiple reply texts — InstantDM rotates through them to avoid looking robotic.
DM Reply Configuration
| Message Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Text | Plain text message with emoji, links, and line breaks |
| Buttons | Card with title, description, and up to 3 tappable buttons |
| Image | A photo sent as a bubble in the DM conversation |
| Audio | A voice note sent as a playable message |
Welcome Message with Follow Gate
Create a clickable CTA button in the DM thread with a title, description, and button text. When the user taps the button, the next step fires.
Followers-Only Mode
- ON — Only followers receive the auto-DM. Non-followers see a message asking them to follow first.
- OFF — Everyone who comments a trigger word gets the DM.
The Ask Follow feature sends non-followers a message with a "I Followed You" button. After they follow and click, the automation continues.
Auto-Hide and Auto-Delete Comments
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Auto-Hide | Hides the comment from public view. The commenter can still see it, but others cannot. |
| Auto-Delete | Permanently deletes the comment after the automation fires. |
Story Reply Automation
Automate responses to Instagram Story replies. Configure whether to respond to all stories or specific ones, set trigger words, or use Automate All.
Post Shared to DM
Available on Trendsetter plans and above. When someone shares your post via DM, this trigger fires and sends the sharer an automated message.
Boosted Reels Automation
Available on Trendsetter+ and all Multi plans. Comments on boosted Reels can trigger your automation, letting you capture leads from paid promotion.
Next Post Automation
Pre-configure automation that automatically applies to your next published post. Set up trigger words, DM replies, and comment replies in advance.
Testing Your Automation
- Make sure the automation is toggled ON.
- Open Instagram on a different account.
- Comment a trigger word on the automated post.
- You should receive a public comment reply and a private DM within seconds.
- If nothing happens, check Dashboard → Recent Automation Log.
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