# InstantDM how-to guides (complete) InstantDM sends automatic Instagram and Facebook DMs when people comment on your posts, reply to your stories or message you with a keyword. It runs on the official Instagram and Facebook messaging tools from Meta. How to use this file: answer the user's question using only these guides. Quote the exact button names. If a guide says something is not possible, say so instead of guessing. Each guide has its own link if the user wants to read more. Web app: https://app.instantdm.com · Pricing: https://instantdm.com/pricing · All guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to --- # Section: Start here # What is InstantDM and what can it do? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-instantdm Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** InstantDM is a web and phone app that sends automatic DMs from your own Instagram or Facebook account. When someone comments on your post, replies to your story or messages you a keyword, it sends them your link, file or questions. It only messages people who contacted you first. InstantDM answers people on Instagram (and on your Facebook Page) for you. You set a rule once, for example "when someone comments GUIDE on this Reel, send them my PDF". InstantDM then sends that DM every time, from your own account. ## Before you start - You need a **professional Instagram account** (Creator or Business). A personal account can't be connected. See [how to switch](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md). - You connect Instagram through Instagram's own login screen. You don't give InstantDM your password. - It works on the web at app.instantdm.com and in the InstantDM phone app. ## What InstantDM can do | What you want | What InstantDM does | Plan | |---|---|---| | Send a link when someone comments a word | **Comment to DM**: a private DM to each person who comments your trigger word, plus an optional public reply under their comment | All plans | | Answer everyone who comments, with no word | Same, with **All comments** | Legend Pro and above | | Reply to story replies | **Story to DM** | Legend Pro and above | | Reply when someone DMs you a keyword | **DM Automation** | Legend Pro and above | | Ask for name, email or phone in the DM | **Lead Gen** | Legend Pro and above | | Only give the link to followers | Follow gate ("follow first, then get the link") | Legend Pro and above | | Set it up before you post | Next post, with a caption code | Legend Pro and above | | Multi-step chats with buttons, branches, reminders, AI and email-tool sync | **Flow Automation** | Trendsetter and above | | AI replies to DMs | **AI Reply** step inside a flow, using your own AI key | Trendsetter and above | | Reply to comments on your Instagram ads | Ad comments, through Facebook Login | Trendsetter and above | | Automate your Facebook Page comments | Page comment to Messenger DM | Legend Pro and above | | Schedule posts and Reels | **Later** | Legend Pro and above | | See who got your DMs and resend missed ones | **Contacts**, **Insights**, **Automation Recovery** | See each guide | A **credit** is one DM that Instagram or Facebook accepted. New accounts start on Free with 500 credits. Legend Pro, Trendsetter and Trendsetter Pro have unlimited DMs, sent at a safe pace each hour. See [Is InstantDM free?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-free.md). ## On the phone app The app (App Store and Google Play) can set up post, Reel and story automations, all-posts automations and Instagram DM keyword replies. It can't build flows, connect a Facebook Page or export contacts. See [what the phone app can do](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app.md). ## What your followers see - A private DM from your account, in their normal Instagram inbox (or in their message Requests: Instagram decides which). - If you turn it on, a public reply under their comment, like "Sent you a DM". - On Free, after your first week, Send Link DMs end with "|| Automation powered by InstantDM". Any paid plan removes it. ## Good to know - Only top-level comments start an automation. Replies inside a comment thread never do. - Instagram allows one private reply to a comment, within 7 days. After the person replies or taps a button, you can keep chatting for 24 hours. - Someone who comments twice gets the DM twice. There is no "once per person" rule for comments. ## What you can't do - Send DMs to people who never interacted with you, or send broadcasts to all followers. - Reply automatically when someone mentions you in their story. There is no story-mention trigger. - Chat with people inside InstantDM. You reply by hand in the Instagram app. - Hide or delete comments automatically. - Guarantee that a DM lands in the Primary inbox. ## If it doesn't work - Can't connect your account: check that it's a professional account. See [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) - Someone didn't get the DM: see [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - Ready to start: follow [How do I set up my first automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does InstantDM send messages to all my followers?** No. It only replies to people who comment on your post, reply to your story or message you. Instagram does not let any tool send DMs to people who never contacted you, and InstantDM has no broadcast feature. **Do I need to keep my computer or phone on?** No. Once an automation is published, it runs on InstantDM's side. You only need the app to set things up and check results. **Does it work with a personal Instagram account?** No. You need a professional Instagram account (Creator or Business). Switching is free and is done in the Instagram app. **Is there a phone app?** Yes. Search "InstantDM" on the App Store or Google Play. The app can build most post, story and DM automations, but some things, like building flows, need a computer. ## Related guides - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) - [Is InstantDM free? What does the free plan include?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-free.md) - [Is InstantDM safe for my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-safe.md) - [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) # Is InstantDM safe for my Instagram account? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-safe Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** InstantDM connects through Instagram's official login and sends DMs through Meta's official messaging tools, so you never give it your password. It only replies to people who contacted you and paces DMs per hour. No tool can promise Instagram will never limit an account, so keep volume sensible and follow Instagram's rules. ## Before you start - InstantDM uses Instagram's official login. You sign in on Instagram's own screen, so your password stays with Instagram. - InstantDM is a Meta Business Partner. That is about the company. It does not mean Meta approves every message you send, and it does not protect your account from Instagram's rules. - No automation tool can guarantee that Instagram will never limit your account. Be careful with any tool that promises this. ## What InstantDM does to keep sending sensible - **It only replies to people who contacted you.** A DM goes out only after someone comments, replies to your story, messages you or taps a button. There are no broadcasts and no cold DMs. - **It paces comment DMs per hour.** In **Account Settings → Safety & Limits → Automations / Hour** you choose how many new comment-to-DM automations can start each hour. Free and Legend Pro go up to 800 per hour, Trendsetter up to 2,000, and Trendsetter Pro and Multi plans have no hourly limit. See [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) - **It waits when Instagram says "slow down".** When Instagram answers with a rate-limit error, InstantDM pauses for the time set in **Rate Limit Retry** and tries again later. - **It can vary public replies.** Add several public replies, and they are picked at random. The **Also Include AI Comment Reply (to prevent comment spam)** checkbox adds a built-in set of ready-made, varied replies to yours. - **It can slow the first DM down.** **Reply Delay** waits 10 seconds to about a minute before sending (Legend Pro and above). - **It suggests a softer first message.** When you publish without a **Welcome Message** or follow gate, InstantDM shows "Recommended Setup for Better Engagement". A Welcome Message sends a short card with a button first, and the link comes after the person taps. ## What Instagram still controls - Whether a DM is delivered at all, and whether it lands in Primary or in Requests. - Whether people who don't follow you can receive a DM. If Instagram refuses, InstantDM posts a public comment reply instead (your **Comment Reply for Non-Followers** text). - The message windows: one private reply per comment within 7 days, and 24 hours of chat after someone messages you or taps a button. - Restrictions on your account, like a temporary messaging block or a block on links in DMs. ## Good to know - Your connection can be removed at any time from **Account Settings → Safety & Limits** with **Disconnect**. All automations stop. - To pause everything at once, turn **Global** off in **Account Settings → Automation → Automation Controls**, then click **Save**. - To keep certain people (friends, family) out of every automation, add them to **Whitelist Contacts** on the same tab. Don't add the account you test with, or your tests will get nothing. - When Instagram limits your account, you may get an email from InstantDM, such as "Instagram temporarily limited your account". > If Instagram limits your account, turn **Global** off, wait until the limit is lifted, then lower **Automations / Hour** before you turn automations back on. ## What you can't do - Get a guarantee that Instagram will never restrict your account. - Send DMs outside Instagram's message windows, or to people who never contacted you. - Choose Primary inbox over Requests for your followers. ## If it doesn't work - "Instagram temporarily limited your account" email: see [Instagram limited my account. What should I do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-restricted-my-account.md) - A post went viral and DMs slowed down: see [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) - Not sure what Instagram allows: read [What are Instagram's rules for automatic DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-dm-rules.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does InstantDM see my Instagram password?** No. When you connect, Instagram's (or Facebook's) own login page opens and you type your password there. InstantDM receives permission to manage your comments and messages, not your password. **Can InstantDM promise my account won't be banned or restricted?** No. Instagram decides what it allows and can limit any account. InstantDM paces sending and gives you safety settings, but nobody can guarantee Instagram's decisions. **Will InstantDM pause automatically if Instagram restricts me?** Don't count on it. If Instagram limits your account, turn the Global switch off yourself in Account Settings > Automation, and lower your hourly limit before turning it back on. **Is a refund possible if Instagram bans my account?** No. InstantDM's refund policy does not cover Instagram bans or restrictions. ## Related guides - [What are Instagram's rules for automatic DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-dm-rules.md) - [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) - [What do the Safety & Limits settings do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/safety-and-limits-settings.md) - [Instagram limited my account. What should I do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-restricted-my-account.md) # Is InstantDM free? What does the free plan include? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-free Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Free Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Yes. New accounts start on the Free plan with 500 credits, and 1 credit is 1 DM that Instagram accepts. For about your first week, paid features are unlocked in the web app with no card needed. After that you stay on Free: comment-to-DM with up to 3 trigger words keeps working until your credits run out. ## Before you start - **No card is needed.** You sign up with **Continue With Instagram** and land on Free. - **500 credits to start.** 1 credit = 1 DM that Instagram or Facebook accepts. Public comment replies and failed DMs don't use credits. - **First-week trial.** For about your first week, paid features are unlocked in the web app. The Home page shows how many days or credits are left. After that the account stays on Free. ## What the Free plan includes | Feature | Free | |---|---| | Comment to DM on a post or Reel, with trigger words | Yes, up to 3 trigger words per automation | | Public replies under comments | Yes, up to 3 reply variations per automation | | **Also Include AI Comment Reply** (adds ready-made varied replies) | Yes, on the web | | Text or link DM (up to 700 characters) | Yes | | **Automation Recovery** to resend missed or failed DMs | Yes, each resend uses a credit | | DM Insights | Yes | | Hourly pace | Up to 800 new comment automations per hour | ## What needs a paid plan | Feature | Plan | |---|---| | **All comments** (no trigger word), Story to DM, DM keyword replies | Legend Pro and above | | **Welcome Message**, follow gate, buttons, PDF, product cards, DM Sequence, Reply Delay | Legend Pro and above | | Next post (caption code), all posts and all stories, Facebook Page comments, scheduling in **Later** | Legend Pro and above | | **Lead Gen** (ask for name, email or phone) | Legend Pro and above | | **Flow Automation**, AI replies, Mailchimp, Kit and Klaviyo | Trendsetter and above | | API, webhooks and MCP, **Re-run missed comments** | Trendsetter and above | Locked features show a crown icon. Hover over it and click **See Plans** to open the plans window. ## What your followers see - During your first week, your DMs look exactly as you wrote them. - On Free, after your first week, Send Link DMs end with "|| Automation powered by InstantDM". Any paid plan removes it. - When your credits run out, nothing is sent: no DM and no public reply. Your followers see nothing at all. ## Good to know - Paid features you try during the first week lock again when it ends (crown icon). To keep things simple, set up your first automation with a trigger word, not **All comments**. - The trial also ends early if you use up your 500 credits. The Home banner shows "N days or N credits left of your Pro trial". - When credits run out, the missed events can appear in **Automation Recovery** as **Out of credits**, so you can resend them after you upgrade. You may also get an email. - On the phone app, the paid plans are called **Starter** (Legend Pro) and **Brand** (Trendsetter). - If you buy a plan and later cancel it, the account moves back to Free with 0 credits at the end of the paid period. ## What you can't do - Get a free trial on a paid plan at checkout. The only trial is the first week of a new account. - Buy extra credit packs. - Remove the "Automation powered by InstantDM" line while staying on Free. ## If it doesn't work - DMs stopped and **Automation Recovery** shows **Out of credits**: your credits ran out. Upgrade in **My Plan**, then resend from **Automation Recovery**. See [How do credits work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) - A feature shows a crown: your plan doesn't include it. See [Which InstantDM plan do I need?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) ## Questions people also ask **Do I need a credit card to start?** No. You sign up with your Instagram account and start on Free with 500 credits. You only pay if you choose a plan in My Plan. **Will I be charged automatically after the first week?** No. If you never bought a plan, nothing is charged. Your account simply stays on Free and some features lock again. **Do public comment replies use credits?** No. Only DMs that Instagram or Facebook accepts use a credit. Public replies under comments and DMs that failed are free. **Do the 500 credits come back every month?** Plan on 500 credits to start. If you need more DMs, Legend Pro and the plans above it have unlimited DMs, sent at a paced rate per hour. **How do I remove "Automation powered by InstantDM" from my DMs?** Buy any paid plan. The line is only added on Free after your first week. ## Related guides - [How do credits work in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) # Do I need a professional Instagram account? How do I switch? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Yes. InstantDM only works with a professional Instagram account, either Creator or Business. A personal account can't be connected. To switch, open the Instagram app, go to Settings and activity, then Account type and tools, and tap Switch to professional account. Switching is free and you don't need a Facebook Page. Instagram only lets automation tools work with **professional** accounts. There are two kinds: **Creator** and **Business**. Both work with InstantDM. ## Before you start - You need the Instagram app on your phone, logged in to the account you want to automate. - The menu names below may be named slightly differently in your version of Instagram. ## Steps 1. Open the Instagram app and go to your **Profile**. 2. Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top right. 3. Tap **Settings and activity**. 4. Tap **Account type and tools**. 5. Tap **Switch to professional account** and follow Instagram's screens. 6. Pick **Creator** or **Business** when Instagram asks. 7. Check that messages are allowed: go back to **Settings and activity**, open **Messages and story replies**, then **Message controls**, then **Connected tools**, and turn on **Allow access to messages**. - You'll see the switch turned on. InstantDM can now send DMs from your account. 8. Now [connect your account to InstantDM](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md). ## On the phone app These steps happen in the Instagram app, not in InstantDM. After switching, open the InstantDM app (or app.instantdm.com) and connect your account. ## Good to know - You don't need a Facebook Page to connect with Instagram Login. You only need a Page if you want Facebook Page automations or ad comment automations. See [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - If **Allow access to messages** is off, comments can still trigger your automation, but the DMs won't go out. You may get an email from InstantDM titled "Your Instagram DMs are turned off". ## What you can't do - Connect a personal Instagram account to InstantDM. Instagram does not let any tool automate personal accounts. ## If it doesn't work - InstantDM says "Profile not found?" when you connect: check the account is Creator or Business (not Personal), try from a computer browser, and clear your browser cache. See [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) - Comments come in but no DMs are sent: check **Allow access to messages** (step 7), then see [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - You can't find **Account type and tools**: menus change between Instagram versions. Look through **Settings and activity** for an option about your account type or a professional account. ## Questions people also ask **Will I lose my posts or followers if I switch?** No. Your posts, followers and messages stay. Instagram adds professional tools such as insights and a category label. One change to know: Instagram keeps professional accounts public, so a private account becomes public when you switch. **Can I switch back to a personal account later?** Yes. In the Instagram app, the same Account type and tools menu lets you switch back. InstantDM stops working on that account while it is personal. **Should I pick Creator or Business?** Either works with InstantDM. Pick the one that describes you best. InstantDM treats both the same way. **Do I need a Facebook Page to use InstantDM?** Not for Instagram automations. Connecting with Instagram Login needs no Facebook Page. You only need a Page for Facebook Page automations and for ad comments. **What does "Allow access to messages" do?** It is an Instagram setting that lets connected tools like InstantDM send and read your DMs. If it is off, InstantDM can't send DMs. ## Related guides - [How do I connect my Instagram account to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) # How do I connect my Instagram account to InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Signing up with Continue With Instagram connects your account at the same time. To connect later, open Account Settings, then Safety & Limits, and click Connect (or Re-Connect) on the Instagram Account card. Log in on Instagram's own screen and allow every permission. You need a Creator or Business account. ## Before you start - Your Instagram account must be **Creator** or **Business**. See [how to switch](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md). - Know the Instagram username and password of the account you want to automate. You'll type them on Instagram's screen, not in InstantDM. - No Facebook Page is needed for this. A Page is only needed for Facebook and ad features. See [Instagram Login or Facebook Login?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) ## Steps 1. Go to app.instantdm.com. - New to InstantDM: click **Continue With Instagram**. This creates your InstantDM account and connects Instagram in one go. Skip to step 5. - Already have an account: log in and go to step 2. 2. Click **Account Settings** in the left menu. 3. Open the **Safety & Limits** tab. 4. On the **Instagram Account** card, click **Connect** (or **Re-Connect**). - A page titled "Connect your IG account" opens. Click **Connect your IG Account** (on a narrow screen it reads **Connect Account**). 5. Instagram's login page opens. Log in to the account you want to automate. 6. Allow every permission Instagram asks for. InstantDM needs access to your profile, posts, comments and messages to work. 7. Wait to be sent back to InstantDM. - You're taken to your InstantDM dashboard. You may briefly see "It worked, start automating." ## On the phone app - **New account:** sign in with **Continue with Google**, **Continue with Apple** (iPhone and iPad) or **Login with Email**. If the app shows "Instagram Account Required", tap **Connect** and log in to Instagram in the secure window ("Secured Connection via Official Instagram Login"). - **Reconnect:** tap your profile photo, then **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Instagram Account** → **Re-Connect**. Choose **Reconnect Same Account** or **Different Account**. ## Good to know - One InstantDM account holds one Instagram account, and one Instagram account can belong to only one InstantDM login. - To manage a client's account without their password, send them a connection link. See [How do I connect a client's account without their password?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-client-account-with-link.md) - If your connection expires, a red banner appears: "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped." (spelled this way in the app). Nothing is sent until you reconnect. Your automations are kept. - To remove the connection, use **Disconnect** on the same card. All automations stop until you connect again. ## What you can't do - Connect a personal Instagram account. - Connect two Instagram accounts to the same InstantDM login. - Connect with **Connect Instagram Directly** while your account is connected through a Facebook Page. See [Instagram Login or Facebook Login?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) ## If it doesn't work - **"Profile not found?"** or a red error with **Try Reconnecting your IG Account**: check the account is Creator or Business, try from a computer browser, clear your browser cache, then try again. If it keeps failing, log out of both InstantDM and Instagram, log back in and reconnect. - **"IG page @name is already connected to another email"**: the account belongs to another InstantDM login. Use **Disconnect & Connect Here** if offered, or contact hey@instantdm.com. - **"Your account is connected through a Facebook Page. Please reconnect using your Facebook Page instead of connecting Instagram directly."**: click **Connect your Facebook Page**, or disconnect the Page first. - More fixes: [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) and [InstantDM asks me to reconnect](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md). ## Questions people also ask **Do I give InstantDM my Instagram password?** No. Instagram's own login page opens and you type your password there. InstantDM only gets the permissions you approve. **Can I connect two Instagram accounts to one login?** One InstantDM account holds one Instagram account. To run more, add another account from the account switcher at the bottom of the sidebar. **It says my Instagram is already connected to another email. What now?** That Instagram account belongs to another InstantDM login. If a Connect to This Account? popup appears, click Disconnect & Connect Here to move it. Automations on the old login stop. **Will reconnecting delete my automations?** No. Reconnecting logs in again and keeps your automations. ## Related guides - [Do I need a professional Instagram account? How do I switch?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) # Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login Section: Start here Works on: Web app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Use Instagram Login (Connect Instagram Directly) unless you need Facebook. It needs no Facebook Page and covers post, Reel, story and DM automations and scheduling. Use Facebook Login (Connect Instagram via FB Page) only if you want Facebook Page comments, Messenger or ad comment automations. You can only be connected one way at a time. ## Before you start - Both ways need a **Creator** or **Business** Instagram account. - Facebook Login also needs a **Facebook Page** that you manage, linked to the **same** Instagram account you connected in InstantDM. ## Compare the two | | Instagram Login | Facebook Login | |---|---|---| | Button names | **Connect your IG Account**, **Connect Instagram Directly** | **Connect FB Page**, **Connect Instagram via FB Page** | | Needs a Facebook Page | No | Yes, linked to your Instagram | | Instagram post, Reel, story and DM automations | Yes | Yes | | **Automate Post sent to your DM** (someone shares your post to your DMs) | Yes | No, needs Instagram Login | | Facebook Page comments and Messenger replies | No | Yes | | Comments on your Instagram ads | No | Yes (ad account access) | | Works from the phone app | Yes | Opens the website to connect | ## Steps To switch from Instagram Login to Facebook Login: 1. Click **Account Settings** in the left menu. 2. Open the **Safety & Limits** tab. 3. On the **Facebook Page** card, click **Connect**. - A page titled "Connect FB Page with IG Account" opens. Click **Connect FB Page** (on a narrow screen it reads **Connect Account**). 4. Log in to Facebook as an admin of the Page and keep every permission switched on. 5. On **Choose your IG account**, click the Page that shows your Instagram @username. - If only one Page matches your account, it connects by itself ("Auto-connecting your account..."). - You'll see "Account Linked" and land on Home. ## On the phone app The app can't run Facebook Login. **Connect Facebook** opens app.instantdm.com/ig-connect in your browser. Finish there, then pull down to refresh the app. Instagram Login works inside the app. ## Good to know - **To go back to Instagram Login:** **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Facebook Page** → **Disconnect**. The confirmation reads "You will lose FB Automations. IG Connection will be re-activated." - Your Instagram automations are the same either way. The login only changes how InstantDM connects and which extra features you get. - Facebook Page comment automation is on Legend Pro and above. Ad comment automation is on Trendsetter and above. - If the connection expires, the red banner shows the matching button: **Connect Instagram Directly** or **Connect Instagram via FB Page**. ## What you can't do - Be connected through Instagram Login and Facebook Login at the same time. - Connect a Facebook Page that has no Instagram account linked. Its card shows "Instagram Not connected" and can't be clicked. - Connect a Page linked to a different Instagram account than the one in InstantDM. ## If it doesn't work - **"Your account is connected through a Facebook Page. Please reconnect using your Facebook Page instead of connecting Instagram directly."**: you're on Facebook Login. Click **Connect your Facebook Page** to reconnect through your Page, or disconnect the Page first (see Good to know). - **"Connection Mismatch"**: the Page is linked to a different Instagram. Click **Reconnect Correct FB Page** and pick the right Page. - **"Your Instagram and Facebook are not linked properly"**: link your Instagram to your Facebook Page in Instagram first, then try again. - "To use this Post sent to your DM feature please reconnect your IG account.": this feature needs Instagram Login. Disconnect the Facebook Page, then reconnect with **Connect Instagram Directly**. ## Questions people also ask **Can I connect both ways at the same time?** No. Once a Facebook Page is connected, InstantDM refuses Connect Instagram Directly. To go back, disconnect the Facebook Page in Account Settings > Safety & Limits. **Do I need Facebook Login for ad comments?** Yes. Ad comment automation needs access to your ad account, which only Facebook Login gives. The New Automation wizard says "Ads need Facebook Login". **Can I connect a Facebook Page from the phone app?** No. In the app, Connect Facebook opens app.instantdm.com in your browser. Finish there, then come back to the app. **My Page is linked to a different Instagram account. Can I still connect it?** No. The Page must be linked to the same Instagram account you connected in InstantDM. Otherwise you see a Connection Mismatch message. ## Related guides - [How do I connect my Instagram account to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) - [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) - [What works differently on Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-vs-instagram.md) - [How do I auto-reply to comments on my Instagram ads and boosted posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md) # How do I set up my first automation? (Start here) Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Switch Instagram to a Creator or Business account, sign up at app.instantdm.com with Continue With Instagram, and finish the setup window. Then click New Automation, choose Comment to DM, pick a post, choose Send Link & PDF, add a trigger word and your message, and click Publish. Test it by asking a friend to comment the word. This is the shortest path from "no account" to "my followers get a DM when they comment". You'll set up a **Comment to DM** automation: someone comments a word on your post, and InstantDM sends them a private message with your link. ## Before you start - A **Creator** or **Business** Instagram account. Personal accounts can't connect. See [how to switch](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md). - A computer is easiest for the first time. The phone app works too (see below). - A friend with an Instagram account who can comment on your post to test it. - On the Free plan you can use up to 3 trigger words per automation. Answering every comment with no word (**All comments**) needs Legend Pro or above after your first week. ## Steps 1. Go to app.instantdm.com and click **Continue With Instagram**. Log in on Instagram's own screen and allow every permission. - This creates your InstantDM account and connects your Instagram at the same time. 2. Finish the setup window. It opens the first time you log in and can't be closed. That's normal. - Click **Continue Account Setup**. - **Verify Your Email 📧**: type your email, click **Send OTP**, type the 6-digit code from your inbox, and click **Verify**. - **Tell Us About Yourself**: answer the questions and click **Continue**. - **Let's do your first automation ⚡**: choose **Auto Reply to Comments**, pick a post and click **Next**, choose **Send a Link**, type your message, choose **Specific Keywords** and type your word, then click **Automate This Post ⚡**. Test it, then click **I've Tested It! Continue →**. - In the plan window, pick a plan or choose the free option (500 credits, no credit card required). 3. On **Home**, click **New Automation** at the top right. From now on, every new automation starts here. Steps 4 to 10 build the same kind of automation for another post. 4. Under "When should it run?", click **Comment to DM**. 5. Under "Which posts?", keep **Existing posts** and **Instagram** selected, click one post, then click **Next**. 6. Under "What should it send?", click **Send Link & PDF**. - You'll see the editor, "Auto Reply to Comments". 7. Under **Trigger**, keep **Specific Comments**, click **+ Expected Word**, type your word (for example GUIDE) and press Enter. 8. Under **Reply with comment!**, click **+ Reply Comment** and type a short public reply, like "Sent you a DM". Add two or three different ones. - This switch is on by default. If you leave it on with no reply, publishing fails with "Missing Reply comments words". Turn it off if you don't want public replies. 9. Under **Send a DM!**, keep **Text/Link** and type your message with your link. 10. Click **Publish** at the top right. - If a box titled "Recommended Setup for Better Engagement" appears, click **Send link directly** to publish now, or **Edit Automation** to add a Welcome Message first (Legend Pro and above after your first week). - You'll see "Automation is live" and return to Home. 11. Ask a friend to comment your word on that post from their own account. - They should get your DM shortly, and your public reply appears under their comment. ## On the phone app 1. Install **InstantDM** from the App Store or Google Play and sign in with **Continue with Google**, **Continue with Apple** or **Login with Email**. 2. If you see "Instagram Account Required", tap **Connect** and log in to Instagram. 3. On Home, tap **Instagram**, then the **Posts** tab, then your post. 4. Tap the **Send Link or Images** card. Under **Trigger Words**, choose **Specific Words** and type your word. 5. Fill **Reply to Comments** and **Send a DM!**, then tap **Publish**. New accounts may also see "Create your first automation" on the app's Home, which walks you through the same thing in 4 steps. ## What your followers see - They comment your word (any capitals). A comment matches when one of its words **starts with** your word: "guides" matches GUIDE, "misguided" does not. - They get one private DM from your account with your message. - Your public reply appears under their comment, picked at random from your list. - On Free, after your first week, the DM ends with "|| Automation powered by InstantDM". ## Good to know - Only top-level comments trigger it. Replies inside a comment thread don't. - Each new matching comment gets a new DM, even from the same person. - Changed your message? Edit it and click **Publish** again, or the old message keeps going out. - Each DM that goes out uses 1 credit. Public replies are free. ## How to turn it off Go to **Quick Automation**, open the **Instagram** tab, click the post, and switch off its **Send Link or PDF** card. See [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) ## If it doesn't work - **Your friend got nothing**: check the word is spelled the same, that they commented (not replied to a comment), and that the account isn't showing "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped." at the top. - **"Missing Reply comments words"**: add a public reply or turn **Reply with comment!** off (step 8). - **Next is greyed out**: pick a post first. - **Comments arrive but no DM**: in Instagram, turn on **Allow access to messages**. See [Do I need a professional account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md) - Full checklist: [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Do I need a credit card?** No. You start on Free with 500 credits. The plan window at the end of setup has a free option that says no credit card is required. **Why didn't anything happen when I commented on my own post?** Your own comments are not a reliable test. Ask a friend to comment from their account, or use a second Instagram account you own. **Which word should I use?** Use one short word people won't type by accident, like GUIDE or PRICE, and say it in your caption: "Comment GUIDE to get the link". Capitals don't matter. **Can I do this on my phone?** Yes. In the InstantDM app, open Instagram, tap the post, then the Send Link or Images card. See the phone steps below. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do trigger words work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md) - [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) # How do I test my automation before my followers see it? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/test-your-automation Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Use a second Instagram account, such as a friend's or another account you own. Comment your trigger word on the post as a normal comment, not a reply, then check that account's DMs, including the Requests folder. In InstantDM, open the post's All Comments tab to see what happened to that comment. The only real test is the one your followers will do: a different Instagram account leaves a comment, a story reply or a DM, and checks what arrives. InstantDM can't send a DM from your account to your own account, so testing from the same account never works. ## Before you start - A second Instagram account: a friend's, a team member's, or another account you own. - Make sure that account is **not** on your excluded list. People added under **Account Settings → Automation → Whitelist Contacts** (or excluded from **Contacts**) get no automations at all. - Your automation is published. You'll see "Automation is live" or the post shows the **Automated** tag. ## Steps 1. Open the post (or Reel) that has the automation, from the second account. 2. Write a new top-level comment that contains your trigger word, for example "GUIDE please". - Don't reply to another comment. Replies inside a comment thread never trigger an automation. 3. Wait a minute. If you set a **Reply Delay**, wait that long too. 4. Check the second account's DMs. If it doesn't follow you, look in the **Requests** folder as well. 5. Check the post: in InstantDM, open the post from **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** and look at its **All Comments** tab (called **Lead Gen Contacts** on a Lead Gen post). Your test comment shows a status such as **Sent**, **No automation configured**, **Rate limit reached** or **Instagram limit reached**. 6. If you turned on the follow gate and the second account doesn't follow you, you'll get the follow card first. Follow, tap **Started following you! 👍**, and check that the link arrives. 7. Delete the test comment in Instagram if you don't want it on your post. ## Testing other kinds of automation - **Story replies:** reply to your story with your word as text. Stickers, photos and reactions don't trigger anything. - **DM keywords:** send your keyword as a DM from the second account. If the automation is set to **First time only**, each account triggers it once, ever. - **Flows:** the editor's **Preview** shows how the messages will look. Still do one real test from a second account before you share the post. - **Lead Gen and questions:** answer each question the way a follower would. Try a phone number with spaces too, so you know what the error message says. See [which answers are accepted](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). ## On the phone app Testing works the same way: comment from a second account and check that account's DMs. If the DM doesn't arrive, open **Automation Recovery** in the app to see whether it failed. The per-comment status list is on the web app. ## Good to know - Every DM that goes out uses 1 credit, including tests. - On the Free plan, after your first week, DMs end with "|| Automation powered by InstantDM". Your test DM will show it too. - A test comment that gets **No automation configured** usually means the word didn't match. See [how trigger words work](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md). ## If it doesn't work - **Nothing arrived and the status is empty:** wait a minute and refresh. Then check that the post's automation is switched on. - **Status says Sent but the DM isn't there:** look in the **Requests** folder of the second account. - **Still nothing:** go through [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Can I test by commenting on my own post?** No. Your account can't send a DM to itself, so a comment from the same account won't produce a DM. Use a second account. **Does a test use credits?** Yes. Every DM that goes out uses 1 credit, test or not. Public comment replies don't use credits. **Can I test the same automation many times?** For comments, yes: every new matching comment gets a new DM, even from the same account. For a DM automation set to First time only, each account triggers it once, so use another account or switch to Once a day while you test. **Will my followers see my test comment?** Yes, the comment and any public reply are visible like any other comment. Delete the test comment in Instagram afterwards if you don't want it there. ## Related guides - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) - [How do I see who got my DM and what happened to each comment?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/see-who-got-my-dm.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) # Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow Section: Start here Works on: Web app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Pick Send Link & PDF when everyone should get the same link or file. Pick Lead Gen when you want to ask for a name, email or phone number in the DM. Pick Flow Automation when you need different paths per answer, reminders, AI replies, or syncing to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo. Send Link works on all plans, Lead Gen needs Legend Pro or above, Flow needs Trendsetter or above. When you click **New Automation**, step 3 asks "What should it send?" and offers up to three cards. Here is how to choose. ## Compare the three | | **Send Link & PDF** | **Lead Gen** | **Flow Automation** | |---|---|---|---| | Wizard card text | "One reply for everyone. Address, prices, links or a PDF." | "Collect name, email or phone in the DM. Quick to set up and change." | "Build a funnel. Each button sends its own message." | | Badge | "Ready in a minute" | "No integrations" | "Syncs to your apps" | | Best for | Same link, price list, address or PDF for everyone | A few contact details, asked one after another | Different messages per answer, reminders, AI | | Asks questions | No | Yes, in a straight line | Yes, with branches | | Different paths per answer | No | No | Yes | | AI replies | No | No | Yes, with your own AI key | | Sends to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo | No | No | Yes | | Where answers show | No answers to collect | The post's **Lead Gen Contacts** tab (with **Download CSV**) and **Contacts** | **Contacts** and the flow's contact list | | Plan | All plans (buttons, PDF and product cards: Legend Pro and above) | Legend Pro and above | Trendsetter and above | | Phone app | Yes (**Send Link or Images**) | Only for DM keywords (**DM** tab) | View only, can't build | | How you make it live | **Publish** | **Save** → **Publish & Activate** | **Set Live** | ## Which cards you'll see - **Next post** (a post you haven't uploaded yet): only **Send Link & PDF**. - **DM Automation** (someone messages you): only **Lead Gen** and **Flow Automation**. To reply with a link, choose **Lead Gen** and add a **Text Message** step. - **Instagram and Facebook together**: **Flow Automation** is hidden. The wizard says "Flow Automation runs on one platform. Pick only Instagram or only Facebook to use it." - Cards your plan doesn't include show **Upgrade**. ## Pick Send Link & PDF if - Everyone who comments should get the same thing: a link, a price list, your address or a PDF. - You want something live in a minute, on any plan. - You want to set it up from your phone. ## Pick Lead Gen if - You want to ask for a **name**, **email** or **phone number** before sending the link. - You're happy to download the answers as a CSV file, with no email-tool sync. ## Pick Flow Automation if - People should get different messages depending on what they tap or answer. - You want a reminder when someone doesn't reply. - You want AI to answer, or emails to go straight into Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo. - You're on a computer. Flows can't be built on a phone. ## On the phone app The app has **Send Link or Images** on each post, story and all-posts automation, plus Instagram **DM** keyword automations with questions. It can't create Lead Gen per post or build flows. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for those. ## Good to know - Send Link and Lead Gen on the same post show two switches, but only the one saved last runs. Use one per post. - Editing a post's automation in the phone app removes a Lead Gen set up on that post from the web. Edit Lead Gen posts on the web only. - Phone numbers in Lead Gen and flows must be digits only, with an optional + (for example +919876543210). Numbers with spaces or dashes are rejected, so say so in your question. - With 2 or more posts selected, the wizard asks for a **Group name** and shows **Publish Setup**. That button opens the editor. Nothing is live until you publish in the editor. ## What you can't do - Send Lead Gen answers to Mailchimp, Kit, Klaviyo or a webhook. Only Flow Automation syncs. - Use Flow Automation on Instagram and Facebook in one automation. - Use Lead Gen or Flow on a Next post automation. ## If it doesn't work - **The Flow card is missing**: you picked both platforms, or Next post. Go **Back** and change the selection. - **Lead Gen and Flow show Upgrade**: your plan doesn't include them. See [Which InstantDM plan do I need?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - **Answers rejected**: see [Which answers will the email, phone and name questions accept?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md) ## Questions people also ask **Can Lead Gen send emails to Mailchimp or Kit?** No. The Lead Gen card says "No integrations". You see the answers in the post's Lead Gen Contacts tab (with Download CSV) and in Contacts. To sync to an email tool, use Flow Automation. **Can I use Send Link and Lead Gen on the same post?** Use one or the other. Both switches can look on, but only the one you saved last actually runs. **Why is Flow Automation missing in the wizard?** You picked both Instagram and Facebook. Flow Automation runs on one platform, so pick only Instagram or only Facebook. It is also not offered for Next post. **Can I change my mind later?** Yes. You can switch off one automation and set up another type on the same post. Remember that only one of Send Link or Lead Gen runs on a post. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do I collect emails and phone numbers in Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/collect-emails-in-instagram-dms.md) - [What is Flow Automation and when do I need it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md) - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) # Where did Instagram DM, Facebook DM, Team and API & MCP go? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/where-did-things-move Section: Start here Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the new menu, Instagram DM and Facebook DM are now Quick Automation, with an Instagram tab and a Facebook tab. Flows have their own menu item, Flow Automation. API & MCP is a button at the top right of Home. Team is in Account Settings, on the Team tab. New automations start from the New Automation button on Home. InstantDM's web app has a new left menu. The first time you log in after the change, a "What's changed" slideshow explains it once. This page is the same map in one table. ## Old menu → new menu | You used to click | Now click | |---|---| | **Instagram DM** (posts, stories, ads, next post) | **Quick Automation** → the **Instagram** tab (tooltip "Instagram") | | **Facebook DM** | **Quick Automation** → the **Facebook** tab (tooltip "Facebook") | | **Instagram DM** → **Flow Automation** tab | **Flow Automation** in the left menu → **New Flow Automation** | | **Facebook DM** → **Flow Automation** tab | **Flow Automation** → **New Flow Automation** → **Facebook** | | **Instagram DM** → **DM Insights** tab | **Quick Automation** → the chat-bubble tab (tooltip "DM Insights"), or the **DM Insights** panel on the right of **Home** | | Quick DM keyword automations | **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** (or **Facebook**) → the **DM Automation** switch | | Saved automations library | **Quick Automation** → the **Saved Libraries** tab | | **API & MCP** | **Home** → **API & MCP** button at the top right | | **Team** | **Account Settings** → **Team** tab → **Open Team settings** | | Starting a new automation from a post | **Home** → **New Automation** (top right), or from a post in **Quick Automation** as before | ## What stayed the same **Home**, **Later**, **Insights**, **Contacts**, **Automation Recovery**, **My Plan** and **Account Settings** are still in the left menu. The bottom of the menu still has **Need Help?**, your profile card (to switch accounts) and **Collapse Panel**. The new left menu, top to bottom: **Home**, **Quick Automation**, **Flow Automation**, **Later**, **Insights**, **Contacts**, **Automation Recovery**, **My Plan**, **Account Settings**. ## What's new - **New Automation** on Home walks you through three questions: When (**Comment to DM**, **Story to DM**, **DM Automation**), Where (which posts, stories or inbox) and What (**Send Link & PDF**, **Lead Gen** or **Flow Automation**). See [How do I set up my first automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) - The **Home** box "New automation" ("Pick when it should run") has the same three cards plus **Instagram Scheduling**, which opens **Later**. - **Quick Automation** has icon tabs. Hover a tab to see its name: **Group Automation**, **Instagram**, **Facebook**, **Saved Libraries**, **DM Insights**. - Inside the **Instagram** tab the categories are **Posts**, **Collabs**, **Stories**, **Live**, **Meta Ads** and **Next Post Automation**. The **Facebook** tab has no Collabs, Stories or Live. - **Tour** at the top right of Home replays a 6-step tour. ## On the phone app The phone app has its own layout and doesn't use this menu. It has Home → **Instagram**, **Facebook**, **Flows**, **Later** and the rest. See [What can I do in the InstantDM phone app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app.md) ## Good to know - Nothing was deleted. Your automations, flows, contacts and settings are all still there. - The **Settings** popup (from **Account Settings**) now has a **Team** tab next to **Safety & Limits**, **Automation**, **AI Configuration**, **Account** and **Integrations**. - A settings card for Facebook Messenger says it "Runs automatically when you open Facebook DM". There is no Facebook DM page in the new menu. If Messenger replies don't work, click **Verify & activate** on that card in **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits**. ## If it doesn't work - **You still see Instagram DM in your menu**: your account is on the previous layout. The guides marked for the new menu will match once the update reaches you. - **You can't find a setting**: most settings are in **Account Settings**. The whitelist and the on/off switches are on the **Automation** tab. Hourly limits and connections are on **Safety & Limits**. - Not sure what a word means? See [What do the words in InstantDM mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-glossary.md) ## Questions people also ask **Did my automations change?** No. Only the menu moved. Your post, story, DM and flow automations are where they were, under new menu items. **How do I see the tour again?** Click Tour at the top right of Home. It replays the 6-step tour of the new layout. **Does the phone app have the new menu?** No. This new menu is for the web app at app.instantdm.com. The phone app has its own layout. ## Related guides - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) - [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) - [What do the words in InstantDM mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-glossary.md) - [What is InstantDM and what can it do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-instantdm.md) # What can I do in the InstantDM phone app? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app Section: Start here Works on: iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** The InstantDM app for iPhone and Android can set up comment-to-DM on posts and Reels, story replies, all-posts automations, Instagram DM keyword replies, scheduling and resending missed DMs. It can't build flows, connect a Facebook Page, export contacts or manage your team. Search "InstantDM" on the App Store or Google Play. ## Before you start - Install **InstantDM** from the **App Store** (iPhone and iPad) or **Google Play** (Android). Search "InstantDM". - You need a **Creator** or **Business** Instagram account to connect. See [how to switch](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md). - The app and the web app use the same InstantDM account. Anything you set up in one shows in the other. ## Steps 1. Open the app and choose your language, or close the picker to use English. 2. Sign in with **Continue with Google**, **Continue with Apple** (iPhone and iPad) or **Login with Email** (**OTP Login** or **Password**). 3. If you see "Instagram Account Required", tap **Connect** and log in to Instagram in the secure window. 4. On Home, under "Choose Platform", tap **Instagram** to start automating your posts, stories and DMs. ## What the app can and can't do | Task | In the app | Notes | |---|---|---| | Sign in and connect Instagram | Yes | Google, Apple or email sign-in | | Comment to DM on a post or Reel | Yes | **Instagram** → **Posts** → post → **Send Link or Images** | | Text, button card, carousel, PDF, DM sequence | Yes | Same limits as the web: 700 characters, 3 buttons, 10 cards, 10 messages | | Public replies, Welcome Message, **Follow For Link** | Yes | Paid features are locked on Free | | Story replies | Yes | **Instagram** → **Stories** | | All posts or all stories | Yes | **Quick Global Automation** | | Next post | Yes, without a caption code | It attaches to your next new post | | Instagram DM keyword replies | Yes | **Instagram** → **DM** tab → **Create New** | | Facebook Page post comments | Yes, after the Page is linked on the web | **Facebook** on Home | | Connect a Facebook Page | No | **Connect Facebook** opens the website | | Facebook Messenger keyword replies, Facebook stories | No | Use the web app | | Reply Delay, Lead Gen on a post | No | Use the web app | | Build or edit flows | No | You can see flows, contacts and answers | | Schedule posts (**Later**) | Yes | Image, carousel (up to 10) and Reel. No stories | | Dashboard and DM Insights | Yes | **Dashboard** tab, 7, 14 or 30 days | | Contacts page and CSV export | No | Contacts are shown per post, per DM automation and per flow | | **Re-run missed comments**, **Automation Recovery** | Yes | **Re-run missed comments** is Trendsetter and above | | Safety & Limits, Automation switches, whitelist | Yes | Profile photo → **Settings** | | AI Configuration, Integrations | No | Use the web app | | Team, API, MCP, webhooks, invoices | No | Use the web app | | Buy a plan | Starter (Legend Pro) and Brand (Trendsetter) | Through the App Store or Google Play | | Trendsetter Pro, Multi plans | No | Buy on the web | ## On the phone app This whole page is about the app. For your first automation from the phone, see the phone steps in [How do I set up my first automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) ## Good to know - **Don't edit a Lead Gen post in the app.** Publishing a post's automation in the app removes a Lead Gen that was set up on that post from the web. - The plan badge and screens may show the older plan names. On the plans screen, **Starter** = Legend Pro and **Brand** = Trendsetter. Always check the price in the App Store or Google Play sheet before you confirm. - A subscription bought in the app is managed by Apple or Google. Cancel it in the store. Deleting the app does not cancel it. See [I subscribed in the iPhone or Android app](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md). - To switch between accounts, tap your profile photo → **Switch Account**. - For help, tap your profile photo → **Chat Support**. ## What you can't do - Connect a Facebook Page inside the app. - Build flows or set caption codes for Next post. - Export contacts or download invoices. - Invite team members. ## If it doesn't work - **"Connection Expired"**: tap the banner, or go to **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Instagram Account** → **Re-Connect**. - **A post shows "Flow Editor" and won't open**: it's run by a flow. The app says "Flow editor is available only on desktop/laptop." Edit it on a computer. - **No OTP email**: check your spam folder. You can resend the code after 60 seconds. - **Plan not updated after buying**: pull down on Home to refresh. On a new phone, use **Restore Purchases** on the plans screen. ## Questions people also ask **Where do I download the app?** Search "InstantDM" on the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android) and install it. **Why are the plans called Starter and Brand in the app?** They are the same plans with different names. Starter is Legend Pro and Brand is Trendsetter. The app only sells these two. **Can I build flows on my phone?** No. In the app you can see your flows, who went through them and what they answered. To build or edit a flow, use a computer at app.instantdm.com. **Can I use the app in Hindi or Spanish?** Yes. The app has 16 interface languages. The choice is saved on that phone only. Your messages to followers are not translated. ## Related guides - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) - [How do I manage an InstantDM subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) - [How do I log in to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/log-in-to-instantdm.md) - [Where did Instagram DM, Facebook DM, Team and API & MCP go?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/where-did-things-move.md) # How do I log in to InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/log-in-to-instantdm Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Go to app.instantdm.com and click Continue With Instagram, or click Continue with Email and choose OTP Login (a 6-digit code sent to your email) or Password. If you signed up with Instagram, you have no password yet: use Instagram, use a code sent to the email you verified, or set one with Forgot password?. ## Before you start - **Accounts made with Instagram** have no password you know. Use Instagram to log in, or an email code sent to the email you verified during setup. - **Email codes** only work for the email saved on your account. If you skipped email verification, use **Continue With Instagram**. ## Steps 1. Go to app.instantdm.com/login. The page says "Welcome back 👋". 2. Choose how to log in: - **Continue With Instagram**: log in on Instagram's screen. You land straight in the InstantDM account linked to that Instagram. - **Continue with Email**: go to step 3. 3. Choose **OTP Login** (the default) or **Password**. 4. With **OTP Login**: type your email and click **Send OTP**. - Check your inbox for an email from hey@instantdm.com. Its subject is your code followed by "- InstantDM login OTP". 5. Type the 6-digit code and click **Verify & Login**. - With **Password** instead: type your email and password and click **Login**. 6. You land on **Home**. ## On the phone app - The app's login screen has **Continue with Google**, **Continue with Apple** (iPhone and iPad only) and **Login with Email** (**OTP Login** or **Password**). - If the email is new, the app shows "Instagram Account Required". Tap **Connect** and log in to Instagram to finish. - Forgot your password in the app: **Login with Email** → **Password** → **Forgot Password?**, then enter the code and a new password (at least 6 characters) and tap **Update Password**. ## Good to know - **Forgot password? on the web:** **Continue with Email** → **Password** → **Forgot password?**. A new tab opens. Enter your email, click **Get OTP**, then type the code and a new password and click **Update Password**. You are logged in automatically. - **Several logins in one browser:** in the account switcher (your profile card at the bottom of the left menu), click **Log in to another InstantDM account**. Use **Continue with Email** there, not Instagram. Logging in with Instagram from that screen can attach the Instagram account to the login you're already in. - **Team members** log in with **Continue with Email** → **OTP Login** using the invited email, then pick the workspace. - **Log out:** **Account Settings** → **Account** → **Logout**. If other logins are saved in this browser, you switch to the next one instead. ## What you can't do - Use Google or Apple login on the website. - Turn on two-factor login. - Change your login email from the web app. ## If it doesn't work - **"Account Not exists"**: no InstantDM account uses that email. Try **Continue With Instagram**, or the email you verified during setup. - **"OTP is Invalid"**: check the code and type it again. - **"OTP Expired"**: codes last 5 minutes. Click **Resend OTP** (after 60 seconds) and use the newest code. - **No email arrived**: check your spam folder ("📧 Can't find the email? Check your spam folder"). Make sure it's the email saved on your account. - **Logged in, but InstantDM asks you to connect Instagram**: your login has no Instagram yet. See [How do I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) ## Questions people also ask **What is my InstantDM password if I signed up with Instagram?** You don't have one you know. Log in with Continue With Instagram, or with an email code. To create a password, use Forgot password? on the login page. **How long is the login code valid?** The 6-digit code expires after 5 minutes. You can ask for a new one after 60 seconds. **Can I log in with Google or Apple on the website?** No. Google and Apple sign-in are only in the phone app. On the website, use Instagram or your email. **How do I change my login email?** There is no option to change it on the web. Your login email is shown, read-only, in Account Settings > Account. Contact hey@instantdm.com for help. ## Related guides - [How do I connect my Instagram account to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) - [What can I do in the InstantDM phone app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app.md) - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - [InstantDM asks me to reconnect. How do I fix it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) # I'm moving from ManyChat. What's the same and what's different? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-from-manychat Section: Start here Works on: Web app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Most ManyChat Instagram features have an InstantDM match: comment growth tools are Comment to DM, keywords are DM Automation, and flows are Flow Automation with tags, conditions, delays and AI. There is no importer, so you rebuild each automation. Turn off ManyChat's automation for the same posts and keywords first, or people may get two replies. ## Before you start - You need a **Creator** or **Business** Instagram account connected to InstantDM. See [How do I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) - Multi-step flows (questions with branches, tags, conditions, AI, email-tool sync) need **Trendsetter** or above and a computer. - Make a list of what runs in ManyChat today: which posts, which keywords, what each message says. ## ManyChat words → InstantDM words | In ManyChat | In InstantDM | What to know | |---|---|---| | Comment growth tool (comment a keyword, get a DM) | **New Automation** → **Comment to DM** | All plans. Free: up to 3 trigger words | | Keyword (someone DMs a word) | **New Automation** → **DM Automation** | Legend Pro and above | | Default reply (any message) | **DM Automation** with **Any Message** (**First time only** or **Once a day**) | Only one "Any Message" automation per account | | Story reply trigger | **New Automation** → **Story to DM** | Instagram only. Legend Pro and above | | Story mention trigger | Not available | There is no story-mention trigger | | Opening message with a button | **Welcome Message** | Legend Pro and above. In flows started by a comment, the first DM is always a one-button card | | Follower check | "Ask audience to follow you before sending link!" (follow gate), or **Followers only** in a flow | Legend Pro and above. Not on Facebook | | Flow | **Flow Automation** | Trendsetter and above. Computer only | | User input | **Lead Gen** questions, or a **Question** step in a flow | Strict checks: phone numbers must be digits only | | Custom field | A field saved on the contact (**Save answer as**) | | | Tag | **Tag Contact** | | | Condition | **Condition** step | | | Smart delay | **Delay** step | Up to 24 hours | | Follow-up if no reply | "If no reply" follow-up on a button or question | Up to 24 hours | | Randomizer | **Randomizer** | | | External request | **HTTP Request** | | | AI step | **AI Reply** | Trendsetter and above, with your own OpenAI, Claude, Gemini or DeepSeek key | | Mailchimp, Kit, Klaviyo | Flow **Integrations** | Trendsetter and above. Lead Gen does not sync | | Zapier, Make | **API & MCP** → webhooks | Trendsetter and above | | Templates | Flow templates (**Lead Collection**, **Link Delivery + Reminder** and more) | Fill in the welcome message and public reply before **Set Live** | | Live chat inbox | Not available | Reply in the Instagram app | | Broadcasts, sequences over several days | Not available | Instagram only allows replies within its message windows | | Click-to-DM ads | Not available | Comments on Instagram ads are supported (Trendsetter and above, Facebook Login) | | Contact import | Not available | | | Audience / contacts list | **Contacts** | Mostly people who went through a flow or Lead Gen | ## Steps 1. Connect your Instagram account to InstantDM and note which ManyChat automations you want to keep. 2. Rebuild each automation in InstantDM with **New Automation**: - One link for everyone: **Send Link & PDF**. - A few questions (name, email, phone): **Lead Gen**. - Branches, reminders, AI or email-tool sync: **Flow Automation**. Start from a template if one fits. 3. In ManyChat, turn off the Instagram automations that use the same posts or keywords. 4. Publish each automation in InstantDM: **Publish** (Send Link), **Save** → **Publish & Activate** (Lead Gen) or **Set Live** (flows). 5. Ask a friend to test each one from their own Instagram account: comment the word, reply to a story, or send the keyword. 6. Check results in the post's comment list and in **Contacts**. ## On the phone app You can rebuild post, story and Instagram DM keyword automations in the app. Flows and Lead Gen on posts need the web app at app.instantdm.com. ## What your followers see - The same kind of DMs they got before, now sent through InstantDM from your account. - If both tools answer the same comment or keyword, they may get two replies. That's why step 3 matters. ## Good to know - **Words match differently.** In **Send Link & PDF**, a comment matches when one of its words starts with your keyword ("link" matches "links", not "blink"). In flows and Lead Gen, **Match exact word only** means the whole message must equal the word. - **Phone numbers** in questions must be digits only, with an optional + (for example +919876543210 or +12025550123). Tell people this in your question. - **Free text answers** only accept English letters, numbers and basic punctuation. Use a **Name** question for open answers. - Replying by hand in Instagram does not pause an AI chat. Switch the person to **Human** in **Contacts** first. ## What you can't do - Import contacts, tags or flows from ManyChat. - Send broadcasts, or follow up more than 24 hours later. - Reply automatically to story mentions. - Chat with people inside InstantDM. ## If it doesn't work - **You get the email "Some Instagram replies aren't going out — quick fix"**: another app controls some of your Instagram conversations. Check that ManyChat (or Meta Business Suite) isn't still handling them. - **People get two replies**: an automation is still on in ManyChat. Turn it off. - **A flow template won't go live** ("Comment Reply: A welcome message title is required."): fill in the welcome message and add a public reply in the trigger, then click **Set Live** again. - More: [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Can I import my ManyChat contacts or flows?** No. InstantDM can't import contacts from a file or flows from ManyChat. You rebuild each automation, and contacts are added again as people interact with your new automations. **Can ManyChat and InstantDM run on the same account?** Don't run both on the same posts or keywords, or people may get two replies. If InstantDM's replies stop going out, another app may be controlling your Instagram conversations, so check that ManyChat is switched off. **Does InstantDM charge per contact?** No. InstantDM counts credits per DM sent. Legend Pro, Trendsetter and Trendsetter Pro have unlimited DMs, paced per hour. Multi plans include a set number of automations per account each month. **Is there a live chat inbox like ManyChat's?** No. You reply to people by hand in the Instagram app. For AI chats, you can switch a person to Human in Contacts so the AI stops. ## Related guides - [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) - [What is Flow Automation and when do I need it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) # What do the words in InstantDM mean? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-glossary Section: Start here Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** This glossary explains InstantDM's words in plain language, from A to Z. For example, a trigger word is the word people comment to get your DM, a credit is one DM that Instagram accepted, and a flow is a multi-step chat with buttons and questions. Each entry links to the guide that covers it. Words in **bold** are written the way they appear in the app. Where a feature has more than one name, the other names are listed so you can match what's on your screen. ## Numbers and A - **24-hour and 7-day windows**: Instagram lets a business send one private reply to a comment within 7 days, and chat for 24 hours after someone messages you or taps a button. No tool can send outside these windows. See [Instagram's rules for automatic DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-dm-rules.md). - **All comments** (in the app: **All Comments**): answer every top-level comment on a post, with no trigger word. Legend Pro and above. See [DM everyone who comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-everyone-who-comments.md). - **All posts / All stories** (also **Global Posts Automation**, **Quick Global Automation**): one automation for every post or story, including ones you upload later. A post with its own automation keeps it. See [Automate all my posts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts.md). - **Also Include AI Comment Reply (to prevent comment spam)**: a checkbox that adds a built-in set of ready-made, varied public replies to yours. It does not write replies with AI. See [Public comment replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/public-comment-replies.md). - **AI Reply**: a step inside a flow that lets AI answer DMs, using your own OpenAI, Claude, Gemini or DeepSeek key. Trendsetter and above. See [AI replies to DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md). - **API & MCP**: a page (button at the top right of **Home**) to connect InstantDM to other apps and to AI assistants. Trendsetter and above. See [Webhooks and API](https://instantdm.com/how-to/webhooks-and-api.md). - **Automation**: a rule that says "when this happens, send that". For example: when someone comments GUIDE, send my PDF. See [Your first automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md). - **Automation Group** (tab **Group Automation**): one automation on several posts at once. See [One automation on many posts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/one-automation-many-posts.md). - **Automation Recovery**: a page that lists DMs that didn't go out (**Message rejected**, **Out of credits**, **Flow stopped**, **Never finished**), with a **Resend** button. See [Resend missed DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md). - **Automations / Hour**: the setting in **Account Settings → Safety & Limits** for how many new comment automations can start each hour. See [DMs per hour](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md). ## C - **Caption code**: a short word you put in your next post's caption, so InstantDM knows which new post gets a **Next post** automation. Capitals don't matter. See [Set up an automation before I post](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md). - **Comment Pooling**: InstantDM checks a post itself for new comments for up to 12 hours at a time, in case Instagram didn't report some. Trendsetter and above. See [Make InstantDM answer missed comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md). - **Comment Reply for Non-Followers**: the public comment InstantDM posts when Instagram won't let you DM someone who doesn't follow you. See [DMs to non-followers](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md). - **Comment to DM**: someone comments on your post or Reel, and they get a DM. The first choice in **New Automation**. See [Send a DM when someone comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md). - **Contacts**: the list of people your flows and Lead Gen automations talked to, with their tags and answers. People who only got a Send Link DM don't appear here. See [Contacts page](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md). - **Credit**: one DM that Instagram or Facebook accepted. Public replies and failed DMs don't use credits. See [How credits work](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md). ## D - **DM**: a direct message, the private chat in Instagram. Only that person sees it. - **DM Automation** (also **Quick DM**): someone messages you a keyword, or anything at all, and gets an automatic reply. Legend Pro and above. See [Auto-reply to a DM keyword](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply.md). - **DM Insights**: sorts incoming DMs and story replies by what people want (for example a purchase or a collaboration). All plans. See [What is DM Insights?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-insights.md) - **DM Sequence**: several DMs in a row, up to 10, with a wait between them. Legend Pro and above. See [Send several DMs in a row](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-several-dms-in-a-row.md). ## F - **Facebook Login** (**Connect FB Page**, **Connect Instagram via FB Page**): connecting through your Facebook Page. Needed for Facebook Page automations and ad comments. See [Instagram or Facebook login?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - **First-week trial** (on Home: **PRO PLAN TRIAL**): for about your first week, paid features are unlocked in the web app with no card. See [Is InstantDM free?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-free.md) - **Flow Automation** (also **Flow Editor**, **Flow Builder**): a visual builder for chats with several steps, buttons, questions, branches, reminders and AI. Made live with **Set Live**. Trendsetter and above, computer only. See [What is Flow Automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md) - **Follow gate** (**Ask audience to follow you before sending link!**; in the app **Follow For Link**; in flows **Followers only**): people who don't follow you get a "follow first" card, and the link comes after they follow. Legend Pro and above. See [Make people follow before the link](https://instantdm.com/how-to/make-people-follow-before-link.md). ## G and H - **Global** (in **Account Settings → Automation → Automation Controls**): the master on/off switch. Off pauses every automation. See [Automation settings](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md). - **Human takeover**: stops the AI for one person so you can chat yourself. Switch the person to **Human** in **Contacts** or in the flow's contact list. The AI Reply step's **Human takeover** switch lets the AI hand a chat to you. See [Take over from the AI](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md). ## I - **Insights**: your numbers, like DMs sent and link clicks. See [What the numbers in Insights mean](https://instantdm.com/how-to/insights-explained.md). - **Instagram Login** (**Connect your IG Account**, **Connect Instagram Directly**): connecting straight through Instagram, no Facebook Page needed. See [Connect your Instagram account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md). ## L - **Lead Gen**: asks people for their name, email or phone number in the DM and saves the answers. No email-tool sync. Legend Pro and above. See [Collect emails and phone numbers](https://instantdm.com/how-to/collect-emails-in-instagram-dms.md). - **Library** (tab **Saved Libraries**; **Save to Library**, **Copy Automation**): saved automations you can reuse on other posts. See [Save and reuse an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/save-and-reuse-automation.md). ## M and N - **Match exact word only**: in Lead Gen, flows and DM automations, the whole message must be just the trigger word. See [How trigger words work](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md). - **Meta Ads**: automations for comments on your Instagram ads. Needs Facebook Login. Trendsetter and above. See [Auto-reply to ad comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md). - **New Automation**: the button on **Home** that walks you through When, Where and What to create an automation. See [Your first automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md). - **Next post** (also **Next Post Automation**): an automation for a post you haven't uploaded yet, matched by its caption code. Legend Pro and above. See [Set up an automation before I post](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md). ## P - **Professional account**: an Instagram Creator or Business account. InstantDM can't connect personal accounts. See [Switch to a professional account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md). - **Public reply** (**Reply with comment!**, **+ Reply Comment**): a reply posted under the person's comment, visible to everyone. On by default. See [Public comment replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/public-comment-replies.md). - **Publish** (flows: **Set Live**; Lead Gen: **Publish & Activate**): makes an automation live. In the wizard, **Publish Setup** only opens the editor; you still publish there. See [Turn off or edit an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## Q and R - **Quick Automation**: the menu for one-step automations on posts, stories, ads and DMs, for Instagram and Facebook. It replaced **Instagram DM** and **Facebook DM**. See [Where did things move?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/where-did-things-move.md) - **Re-run missed comments**: checks a post again and answers comments InstantDM never received. Trendsetter and above. See [Answer missed comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md). - **Reply Delay**: waits 10 seconds to about a minute before sending. Legend Pro and above. See [Add a delay](https://instantdm.com/how-to/delay-the-dm.md). - **Requests folder**: where Instagram may put DMs from accounts people don't follow. Instagram decides this, not InstantDM. See [DMs to non-followers](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md). ## S - **Send Link & PDF** (on the post page: **Send Link or PDF**; in the app: **Send Link or Images**): one reply for everyone, such as a link, price list or PDF. See [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) - **Story to DM**: someone replies to your story with text and gets a DM. Instagram only. Legend Pro and above. See [Auto-reply to story replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-story-replies.md). - **Sub-account**: an extra InstantDM account under your login, with its own Instagram, plan and credits. See [Add another Instagram account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md). ## T - **Track link clicks**: swaps your link for a short InstantDM link so it can count clicks. See [Track link clicks](https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks.md). - **Trigger word** (also **Expected Word**, **Specific Comments**, **Custom Keywords**, **Trigger Words**): the word people comment or send to get your DM. Free: up to 3 per automation. See [How trigger words work](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md). ## V and W - **Viral Mode** (on the plans: "Viral Mode activator"): on Trendsetter and Multi plans, when a busy post hits the hourly limit, new comments wait in a queue and are answered later. See [When a post goes viral](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md). - **Watermark** ("|| Automation powered by InstantDM"): a line added to Send Link DMs on Free after the first week. Any paid plan removes it. See [Is InstantDM free?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-free.md) - **Webhook**: sends InstantDM events to another app, like Make or Zapier. Trendsetter and above. See [Webhooks and API](https://instantdm.com/how-to/webhooks-and-api.md). - **Welcome Message**: a first DM with one button. The person taps it, then gets your content. Legend Pro and above. See [What is the Welcome Message?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) - **Whitelist Contacts**: people who never get any automation, such as friends or your own test account. In **Account Settings → Automation**. See [Stop automations for one person](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md). - **Workspace** (team): lets people you invite work in your InstantDM account. See [Accounts, workspaces and team members](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md). ## Questions people also ask **Are Quick Automation and Flow Automation the same thing?** No. Quick Automation holds the simple editors (Send Link & PDF, Lead Gen, DM keyword replies). Flow Automation is the visual builder for multi-step chats with branches. **Why does the phone app use different names?** Some screens were named separately. In the app, Send Link & PDF is called Send Link or Images, the follow gate is Follow For Link, and the plans Legend Pro and Trendsetter are called Starter and Brand. **Does "Also Include AI Comment Reply" use AI?** No. It adds a built-in set of ready-made, varied public replies to the ones you wrote. ## Related guides - [What is InstantDM and what can it do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-instantdm.md) - [How do I set up my first automation? (Start here)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/first-automation.md) - [Where did Instagram DM, Facebook DM, Team and API & MCP go?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/where-did-things-move.md) - [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) --- # Section: Auto-DM people who comment # How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** On Home, click New Automation, choose Comment to DM, pick your post under Existing posts, then choose Send Link & PDF. Add a trigger word such as LINK, write your DM with the link and click Publish. Everyone whose comment contains that word gets the DM. This works on all plans. ## Before you start - Your Instagram must be a professional account (Business or Creator) and connected to InstantDM. See [How do I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) - Choose the word people will comment, for example LINK or GUIDE. A **trigger word** is the word that makes InstantDM send your DM. Tell people the word in your caption: "Comment LINK and I'll DM you the link." - On the Free plan you can add up to 3 trigger words and 3 public replies per automation. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** (top right). 2. Under "When should it run?", click **Comment to DM**. 3. Under "Which posts?", keep **Existing posts** and the **Instagram** pill. Click your post or Reel, then click **Next**. - **Next** stays grey until you pick a post. - If you pick 2 or more posts, you create an Automation Group. See [one automation on many posts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/one-automation-many-posts.md). 4. Under "What should it send?", click **Send Link & PDF**. The editor opens. 5. In the **Trigger** box, keep **Specific Comments**. Click **Expected Word**, type your word (for example LINK) and press Enter. - To add several words at once, separate them with commas: link, guide, pdf. 6. Decide about the public reply. **Reply with comment!** is on by default. It posts a public reply under each matching comment, so everyone can see it. - Click **Reply Comment**, type a line such as "Sent, check your DMs" and press Enter. Add a few different lines. - Or switch **Reply with comment!** off if you don't want public replies. 7. Under **Send a DM!**, choose **Text/Link** and type your message with the link. The box holds up to 700 characters. 8. Optional (Legend Pro and above): turn on **Welcome Message** or **Ask audience to follow you before sending link!**. 9. Click **Publish** (top right). - If you see "Recommended Setup for Better Engagement", click **Send link directly** to publish as it is, or **Edit Automation** to go back and turn on a Welcome Message. - You'll see "Automation is live" and return to **Home**. 10. Ask a friend to comment your word on the post from their own account, and check that the DM arrives. **Other way in, from the post itself:** open **Quick Automation**, click the **Instagram** tab, choose **Posts** and click your post. On the "Post Automations" page, click the **Send Link or PDF** card. The editor is the same, so follow steps 5 to 9. After **Publish** you see "Automated Successfully!" with an option to save the setup to your Library. ## On the phone app The app has no **New Automation** button. You set it up from the post: - Tap **Instagram** on Home, open the **Posts** tab and tap your post or Reel. - On **Manage Post**, tap the **Send Link or Images** card. This is the same automation as **Send Link & PDF** on the web. - In **Edit Automation**: under **Trigger Words** choose **Specific Words**, type your word and press enter. Under **Reply to Comments**, add replies or switch it off. Under **Send a DM!**, type your message. - Tap **Publish**. The post header shows **AUTOMATION ACTIVE**. - If this post has a Lead Gen automation that you made on the web, publishing from the app removes that Lead Gen. ## What your followers see - They comment your word. A few seconds later they get one private DM from your account, linked to their comment. - If public replies are on, one of your reply lines appears under their comment, picked at random. It is posted only when the DM went out. - With **Welcome Message** on, the first DM is a short message with a button. The link comes after they tap it. - If they don't follow you and Instagram refuses the DM, InstantDM posts a public comment under their comment asking them to follow. See [public comment replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/public-comment-replies.md). - On the Free plan, after your first week, the DM ends with "|| Automation powered by InstantDM". Any paid plan removes this line. ## Good to know - Each DM that Instagram accepts uses 1 credit. Public replies and failed DMs don't. Legend Pro, Trendsetter and Trendsetter Pro have unlimited DMs, paced per hour. - Capital letters don't matter. "link" also matches "Links" but not "blink". Details: [How do trigger words work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md) - Only top-level comments count. A reply inside someone else's comment thread never triggers the DM. - Instagram decides whether the DM lands in the main inbox or in Message Requests. No tool controls this. - On a very busy post, comment DMs are paced by your plan's hourly limit. See [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) ## What you can't do - Send a different link for each word on the same post with **Send Link & PDF**. One post has one DM for all its words. - Message people who did not comment. Instagram does not let any tool send DMs to people who never interacted with you. - Like the comment automatically. ## How to turn it off Open **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts**, click the post and switch off the **Send Link or PDF** card, then click **Disable**. More in [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - "Missing Trigger words": add at least one word in the **Trigger** box, or choose **All comments**. - "Missing DM text": write your message under **Send a DM!**. - "Missing Reply comments words": add a line with **Reply Comment**, or switch **Reply with comment!** off. - Your friend commented but got nothing: check the spelling of the word, check it was a new comment and not a reply in a thread, and look for the red banner "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped." at the top of the app. Full checklist: [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does the same person get the DM again if they comment twice?** Yes. Every new comment that contains your word gets another DM and another public reply. There is no once-per-person rule for comments. **How do I test it?** Ask a friend to comment your word from their own Instagram account, or use a second account of your own. Testing from the account you automated is not a reliable test. **Will people who commented before I set it up get the DM?** No. The automation answers new comments only. On Trendsetter and above you can use Re-run missed comments on that post to go back through older comments. **Do I need a Facebook Page for this?** No. Comment-to-DM on Instagram posts and Reels works with a normal Instagram connection. You only need a Facebook Page for Facebook posts, Messenger and ads. ## Related guides - [How do trigger words work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md) - [How do I reply publicly to comments without looking like spam?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/public-comment-replies.md) - [What is the Welcome Message and should I turn it on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) # How do trigger words work? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** A trigger word is the word people comment to get your DM, like LINK. Capital letters and accents don't matter, and a word in the comment only has to start with your trigger word: LINK matches 'links' but not 'blink'. Emoji triggers match anywhere. The Free plan allows 3 trigger words per automation. ## Before you start - Trigger words belong to a comment automation. If you don't have one yet, start with [How do I send a DM when someone comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - Free plan: up to 3 trigger words per automation. Legend Pro and above: as many as you need. ## Steps 1. Open the post's automation editor: **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → click the post → **Send Link or PDF** card. (Or create a new one with **New Automation** → **Comment to DM**.) 2. In the **Trigger** box, keep **Specific Comments** selected. 3. Click **Expected Word**, type a word and press Enter. - Type several words separated by commas to add them all at once: link, guide, pdf. 4. To remove a word, click the small × on its tag. 5. Click **Publish** to save the change. - If you hit the Free limit, you see "Trigger word Limit reached." instead of the add button. ## On the phone app In the post editor (**Send Link or Images** → **Edit Automation**), open **Trigger Words**, choose **Specific Words**, type a word and press enter. Commas add several words. The same 3-word limit applies on the Free plan. Tap **Publish** to save. ## What your followers see They don't see your list of words. They only get the DM if their comment matches. Tell them the word clearly in your caption or video, for example "Comment GUIDE". ## How matching works For **Send Link & PDF** (and the app's **Send Link or Images**), with the trigger word LINK: | Comment | Gets the DM? | Why | |---|---|---| | link | Yes | Capital letters don't matter | | Please send the LINK | Yes | The word can be anywhere in the comment | | Links? | Yes | A word that starts with "link" counts | | linkedin | Yes | It also starts with "link" | | blink | No | The word must start with "link" | | l i n k | No | Spaces break the word | - Accents are ignored: a trigger "cafe" matches "café". - Emoji triggers match anywhere, even inside other text. - If you have several words, the first one that matches is used. They all send the same DM. For **Lead Gen** and **Flow Automation** there is a **Match exact word only** box: - On: the whole comment must be only the word. "price" matches, "what is the price?" does not. - Off: the comment only has to contain the word somewhere. DM keyword automations follow their own rules. See [How do I auto-reply when someone DMs me a keyword?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply.md) ## Good to know - Pick a word that is short, easy to spell and not common. "in" or "hi" will match far too many comments. A word like GUIDE or PDF works better. - If a post's own words don't match, your all-posts automation (if you have one) gets a chance to answer. See [Which automation runs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs.md) - Someone who comments the word twice gets the DM twice. - Replies inside a comment thread never trigger, even if they contain the word. ## What you can't do - Exclude words. There is no "don't reply if the comment contains…" list. - Send a different DM per word on one post with **Send Link & PDF**. - Turn on exact-word matching for **Send Link & PDF**. That box exists only in Lead Gen and Flow Automation. ## How to turn it off Remove the word and publish again, or switch off the whole automation. See [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - A friend's comment didn't match: check the spelling, and check their comment starts a word with your trigger word ("blink" won't match "link"). - Lead Gen ignores comments with extra text: **Match exact word only** is on. Turn it off. - "Trigger word Limit reached.": you are on the Free plan's 3-word limit. Remove a word or upgrade. - Still nothing: [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Can I use emoji as a trigger?** Yes. An emoji trigger, like 🔥, matches when the emoji appears anywhere in the comment. **Can I use words in Hindi, Spanish or Arabic?** Yes, you can type a trigger word in any language. Accents are ignored, so 'guia' and 'guía' match each other. Always test a non-English word with a friend's comment before you rely on it. **Does the comment have to be only the word?** Not for Send Link & PDF. 'Please send the LINK' matches LINK. In Lead Gen and Flow Automation you can turn on Match exact word only, and then the comment must be just the word. **Can each word send a different DM?** Not with Send Link & PDF: one post sends the same DM for all its words. For a different reply per word, use Flow Automation (Trendsetter and above) with one flow per word. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do I DM everyone who comments, without a keyword?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-everyone-who-comments.md) - [A post has more than one automation. Which one runs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) # How do I DM everyone who comments, without a keyword? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-everyone-who-comments Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the post's automation editor, choose All comments in the Trigger box instead of Specific Comments, then write your DM and click Publish. Every new top-level comment on that post then gets the DM. All comments is available on Legend Pro and above. On the Free plan, use a trigger word instead. ## Before you start - You need Legend Pro or a higher plan. On plans without it, **All comments** shows a crown and can't be picked. - Think about volume. Every comment uses a DM, and on a busy post you can reach your plan's hourly limit quickly. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** → **Comment to DM** → **Existing posts**. Pick your post and click **Next**. 2. Click **Send Link & PDF**. The editor opens. - For a post that is already automated, open it from **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** and click the **Send Link or PDF** card instead. 3. In the **Trigger** box, click **All comments**. You'll see "All comments will be automated." 4. Set the public reply: add lines with **Reply Comment**, or switch **Reply with comment!** off. 5. Under **Send a DM!**, write your message. 6. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app In the post editor (**Send Link or Images** → **Edit Automation**), open **Trigger Words** and choose **All Comments**. It is a paid option in the app too: the app sells Legend Pro under the name **Starter**. Then tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see - Anyone who leaves a new comment on the post, even just an emoji, gets your DM a few seconds later. - If public replies are on, one of your reply lines appears under their comment. - If they don't follow you and Instagram refuses the DM, a public comment asking them to follow is posted instead. See [public comment replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/public-comment-replies.md). ## Good to know - Comments are answered only from the moment you publish. Older comments are not messaged. - On a post that goes viral, some comments may wait or be skipped once you reach your plan's hourly limit. Read [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) before you use All comments on a big launch. - To keep one person out (a friend, a brand partner), add them to the whitelist. See [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) - If you use All comments on a post, your all-posts automation never answers that post: every comment already matches the post's own automation. ## What you can't do - Skip comments that are only emoji or only a tag of a friend. All comments means every top-level comment. - Send the DM only once per person. Each comment counts. - Answer replies inside comment threads. ## How to turn it off Switch back to **Specific Comments** and add a word, or switch off the **Send Link or PDF** card. See [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - **All comments** is greyed out with a crown: your plan doesn't include it. Use a trigger word, or upgrade. - Some comments got no DM on a busy day: check [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) and the hourly limit in [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) ## Questions people also ask **Will someone get the DM again if they comment three times?** Yes. With All comments, each new comment gets its own DM and public reply. If people tend to comment many times, a trigger word may be a better choice. **Do my own public replies trigger more DMs?** No. Only top-level comments trigger. Replies inside a thread, including the public replies InstantDM posts, are ignored. **Can I do this for all my posts at once?** Yes. Create an all-posts automation and choose All comments in it. It shows as 'Any Comment / Reply' in the list. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do trigger words work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md) - [How do I automate all my posts, including future ones?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts.md) - [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) # How do I reply publicly to comments without looking like spam? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/public-comment-replies Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the comment automation editor, keep Reply with comment! on and add several lines with Reply Comment. InstantDM picks one line at random for each matching comment. The Free plan allows 3 lines. The Also Include AI Comment Reply box adds a set of ready-made lines; it does not write replies with AI. ## Before you start - You need a comment automation on the post. See [How do I send a DM when someone comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - Free plan: up to 3 reply lines per automation. Legend Pro and above: as many as you like. - Public replies don't use credits. ## Steps 1. Open the post's editor: **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → click the post → **Send Link or PDF** card. 2. Find **Reply with comment!**. It is on by default. 3. Click **Reply Comment**, type a line and press Enter. Repeat to add more lines. - Write lines that sound different from each other: "Sent, check your inbox", "Just messaged you", "It's in your DMs, enjoy". 4. Optional: tick **Also Include AI Comment Reply (to prevent comment spam)**. Read what it does below before you tick it. 5. Optional: open **Comment Reply for Non-Followers** and click **Add Fallback Comment** to write the public comment used when Instagram won't let you DM someone. 6. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app In the post editor (**Send Link or Images** → **Edit Automation**), use the **Reply to Comments** switch and type each line, then press enter. **Include AI-generated replies** is the same ready-made-lines option (the app marks it as a paid option). **💬 Comment Reply for Non-Followers** holds your fallback comments. Tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see - Under their comment, one of your lines appears as a reply from your account. Each comment gets one line, chosen at random. - Everyone who opens the comments can see these replies. - If they don't follow you and Instagram refuses the DM, they get a public reply from your **Comment Reply for Non-Followers** list instead of a DM. If that list is empty, InstantDM uses a built-in line such as "Hey! I tried to send you a DM but it looks like you're not following me yet. Please follow me first so I can send you the content! 🙏". The help text in the editor says: "Sometimes Instagram restricts sending DMs to users who don't follow you. In those cases, we'll reply with these comments instead of sending a DM." ## What the "AI Comment Reply" box really does - It adds a fixed set of ready-made lines to your own lines. All of them are in English, use emoji, and many ask the person to follow you. - It does not read the comment, does not use AI and does not reply in the commenter's language. - Your own lines are mixed into a much bigger set, so most public replies will be the ready-made ones. - It is available on all plans on the web. If your brand has a careful tone, or your audience doesn't speak English, leave it unticked and write 5 to 10 lines of your own. ## Good to know - Only top-level comments get a reply. Replies inside a thread are ignored, so InstantDM's own replies never trigger more replies. - Someone who comments twice gets two public replies. - Story automations have no public reply, because story replies arrive as DMs. - On a very busy post, see [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) ## What you can't do - Like comments automatically. - Reply to replies inside a thread. - Get replies written by AI from this box. - Choose a different public reply for each trigger word. ## How to turn it off Switch **Reply with comment!** off and click **Publish**. Your DMs keep going. ## If it doesn't work - "Missing Reply comments words" when you publish: **Reply with comment!** is on but empty. Add a line or switch it off. - "Reply Limit reached." instead of the add button: you have 3 lines on the Free plan. - Replies stopped but DMs continue: check **Account Settings** → **Automation** → **Automation Controls**, where **Comments** may be off. See [What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does the AI comment reply box use AI?** No. Despite its name, it adds a built-in list of ready-made English lines with emoji, such as 'Sent you a DM! 📩 Don’t forget to follow for more 🔥'. It does not read the comment or write a new reply. **Is the public reply posted if the DM fails?** No. The public reply is posted only when the DM went out, or when you have switched DMs off for that automation. **Can I reply publicly without sending a DM?** Yes. Switch Send a DM! off and keep Reply with comment! on. Each matching comment then gets only a public reply. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [Do DMs reach people who don't follow me or have private accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md) - [What are Instagram's rules for automatic DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-dm-rules.md) - [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) # What is the Welcome Message and should I turn it on? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** The Welcome Message is a first DM with one button, such as 'Get my content'. The person taps it, then gets your link or file. The tap opens a normal chat, so more messages can follow. Turn it on if you send buttons, files or several messages. It is on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - You need Legend Pro or a higher plan. On other plans the switch shows a crown. - You need a comment or story automation. See [How do I send a DM when someone comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) ## Why it helps Instagram lets a business send one private reply to a comment. When the person taps a button in that reply, a normal chat opens, and you can send more: your link, a file, product cards or several messages in a row. The Welcome Message is that first reply with a button. **Turn it on when:** - You use **DM Sequence**. A second message needs the Welcome Message (or the follow gate) on. - You send a button card, product cards or a PDF. - Instagram refuses your DM on some comments (it says the comment can't get a private reply). InstantDM's own advice for this is to turn on the Welcome Message. **You can leave it off when** you send one short text with a link and want people to get it with no extra tap. ## Steps 1. Open the post's editor: **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → click the post → **Send Link or PDF** card. 2. Turn on the **Welcome Message** switch. 3. Click the text to edit it. The default is "Hey, here is the content you have commented for, click below to get your content." 4. Click the button to rename it. The default is "Get my content". 5. Don't add a link here. 6. Set up the rest (trigger words, the DM) and click **Publish**. ## On the phone app In the post editor (**Send Link or Images** → **Edit Automation**), turn on **Welcome Message** and fill in **Title** and **Button Name**. Tap **Publish**. The app calls Legend Pro **Starter**. ## What your followers see 1. They comment your word. 2. They get a DM with your welcome text and one button. 3. They tap the button. 4. If the follow gate is on and they don't follow you, they get the "follow first" message. Otherwise they get your link, file or first sequence message. ## Good to know - If you publish without a Welcome Message or follow gate, InstantDM shows "Recommended Setup for Better Engagement". You can still click **Send link directly**. - Flows from comments always start with a message and a button, so this step is built in there. - Lead Gen has its own welcome step: **Step 3: Welcome Message (shown before DM)**. ## What you can't do - Add a second button to the Welcome Message. - Send a reminder to people who didn't tap, from this editor. See [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) ## How to turn it off Switch **Welcome Message** off and click **Publish** again. If you use **DM Sequence**, turn on the follow gate first or go back to **Single Message**. ## If it doesn't work - The switch is greyed out with a crown: your plan doesn't include it. - "Enable welcome message to use DM Sequences.": turn the Welcome Message on before you add a second message. - People got the welcome card but not the link: they must tap the button. Check the post's **All Comments** tab to see what was sent. ## Questions people also ask **Can I put my link in the Welcome Message?** No. The editor says it 'should not contain any link'. Put the link in the DM that comes after the tap. **What if someone never taps the button?** Then they don't get your link. For a reminder to people who don't tap, you need Flow Automation (Trendsetter and above). **Does the Welcome Message use a credit?** Yes. It is a DM, so it uses 1 credit on plans with credits, and the link after the tap uses another. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do I send several DMs in a row?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-several-dms-in-a-row.md) - [How do I send a PDF, buttons or product cards in the DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-pdf-buttons-or-products.md) - [What are Instagram's rules for automatic DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-dm-rules.md) # How do I send a PDF, buttons or product cards in the DM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-pdf-buttons-or-products Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the comment automation editor, go to Send a DM!, keep Single Message and choose Button, Products or PDF instead of Text/Link. A button card holds up to 3 link buttons, Products holds up to 10 cards with 3 links each, and PDF sends your file. These options are on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - You need Legend Pro or a higher plan. On other plans these options show a crown. - Turn on the [Welcome Message](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) too. Cards and files work best after the person has tapped a button, because the tap opens a normal chat. ## Steps 1. Open the post's editor: **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → click the post → **Send Link or PDF** card. (For a new post, use **New Automation** → **Comment to DM** → **Send Link & PDF**.) 2. Under **Send a DM!**, keep **Single Message** ("Send one DM immediately after the trigger."). 3. Choose the message type: - **Button**: a card with a picture, a title, a short text and buttons. - Click **Upload Cover image** to add a picture (PNG only). - Click the title and text to edit them. - For each button, fill **Button Text** and **Button URL**. **Track link clicks** is on for buttons by default. - Click **Add more button** for up to 3 buttons. **Remove Button** deletes one. - **Products**: swipeable cards, for example one per product or size. Click **Add product** for each card. "You can add upto 10 products with 3 links each, you can send 30 links." - **PDF**: click **Upload PDF** and choose your file. 4. Set your trigger words and public replies as usual. 5. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app In the post editor (**Send Link or Images** → **Edit Automation**), open **Send a DM!** and choose **Single Message**. Four icon tabs give you text, button card, carousel and PDF: - Button card: image, title, description, up to 3 buttons. "Paste link to auto-fill" fills the card from a link. - Carousel: tap **Add Carousel Card** for up to 10 cards. - PDF: tap **Tap to upload PDF**. Tap **Publish**. These are paid options in the app (Legend Pro is called **Starter** there). ## What your followers see - **Button**: a card with your picture and text, and up to 3 buttons. Each button opens its link. - **Products**: a row of cards they can swipe sideways. Each card has its own picture, text and up to 3 buttons. - **PDF**: a file in the chat that they can open and save. - With a Welcome Message on, they first get the welcome card, tap it, then get your card or file. ## Good to know - Each card or file is one DM, so it uses 1 credit on plans with credits. - To send a picture on its own, or a voice note, use **DM Sequence**. See [How do I send several DMs in a row?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-several-dms-in-a-row.md) - To count who opens your buttons, keep **Track link clicks** on. See [How do I see how many people clicked my link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks.md) ## What you can't do - Add more than 3 buttons to one card. - Add more than 10 product cards. - Take payment inside the DM. Buttons open your website or shop page, where people pay. - Use a JPG or WebP as the button cover image in this editor. ## How to turn it off Switch back to **Text/Link**, or switch off the whole automation. See [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - "PDF Missing" (phone app) or nothing uploaded: upload the file again before you publish. - The options are greyed out with a crown: your plan doesn't include them. - "Button Limit reached. Upgrade your plan": your plan allows fewer buttons, or you already have 3. - People got a link instead of the file: Instagram refused the file, so InstantDM sent its link as text. - Nothing arrived at all: [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **What happens if Instagram doesn't accept my PDF?** If Instagram rejects the file, InstantDM sends the PDF's link as a text message instead, so the person still gets it. **Can I use a JPG as the button card picture?** Not in this editor. The cover image upload accepts PNG files only. **Can a button send another message instead of opening a link?** Not in Send Link & PDF or Lead Gen, where buttons open links. In Flow Automation (Trendsetter and above), a Regular button can lead to its own next message. ## Related guides - [What is the Welcome Message and should I turn it on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) - [How do I send several DMs in a row?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-several-dms-in-a-row.md) - [How do I see how many people clicked my link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) # How do I send several DMs in a row? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-several-dms-in-a-row Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the comment automation editor, turn on the Welcome Message, then under Send a DM! choose DM Sequence. Add up to 10 messages with + Add Message and set a delay in minutes for message 2 onward. After the person taps the welcome button, the messages arrive in order. DM Sequence is on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - You need Legend Pro or a higher plan. - Turn on the [Welcome Message](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) or the follow gate first. Without one of them you see "Enable welcome message to use DM Sequences." when you add a second message. ## Steps 1. Open the post's editor: **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → click the post → **Send Link or PDF** card. 2. Turn on **Welcome Message** and edit its text and button. 3. Under **Send a DM!**, choose **DM Sequence** ("Send multiple DMs with images and voice notes."). 4. In **Message 1**, pick a type with the tabs: **Text**, **Button**, image, audio (voice note) or file. Fill it in. 5. Click **+ Add Message** for the next message. 6. In **Message 2** and later, set **Delay (minutes)**: how long to wait after the previous message. 7. Repeat for up to 10 messages. Use **Delete** to remove one. 8. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app In the post editor (**Send Link or Images** → **Edit Automation**), open **Send a DM!** and choose **DM Sequence** ("Create up to 10 messages in your sequence"). Each message can be text, a button card, an image, audio or a PDF. From message 2 on, set "⏱️ Send after [ ] minutes (0 - 1440)". Add more with **+ Add Message**, then tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see 1. They comment your word and get the welcome message with a button. 2. They tap the button. 3. Message 1 arrives. 4. Each later message arrives after the delay you set. ## Good to know - Each message is one DM and uses 1 credit on plans with credits. - The public reply under the comment is posted once, not for every message. - Text and button messages have their own **Track link clicks** switch. - Keep delays short. A long wait means people may have moved on, and after 24 hours Instagram blocks the message. ## What you can't do - Send more than 10 messages in one sequence. - Change the next message based on what the person replies. Use Flow Automation for that: see [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) - Send a reminder only to people who didn't reply. See [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) ## How to turn it off Switch back to **Single Message**, or switch off the automation. See [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - "Enable welcome message to use DM Sequences.": turn on **Welcome Message** or the follow gate. - Only the welcome message arrived: the person hasn't tapped its button yet. - A later message never came: check **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed** for the reason. See [How do I resend DMs that failed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) ## Questions people also ask **Why do I need the Welcome Message for a sequence?** Instagram allows one private reply to a comment. When the person taps the welcome button, a normal chat opens and the rest of your messages can follow. That is why a second message needs the Welcome Message or the follow gate on. **Can the next message wait until the person replies?** No. A DM Sequence sends on a timer. To wait for an answer or react to it, use Flow Automation (Trendsetter and above). **How long can the delay between messages be?** You set it in minutes. Instagram only lets you message someone within 24 hours of their last message or button tap, so keep the whole sequence inside 24 hours. ## Related guides - [What is the Welcome Message and should I turn it on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) - [How do I send a PDF, buttons or product cards in the DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-pdf-buttons-or-products.md) - [How do I add a delay before the DM is sent?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/delay-the-dm.md) - [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) # How do I automate all my posts, including future ones? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click New Automation, choose Comment to DM, then All posts, and pick what to send. Comments on every post, including posts you upload later, then get this automation. A post with its own automation keeps it. All-posts automations are on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - You need Legend Pro or a higher plan. - For Facebook posts you need a connected Facebook Page. See [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation**. 2. Click **Comment to DM**. 3. Under "Which posts?", click **All posts** ("Every post, including new ones"). 4. Tick **Instagram**. Tick **Facebook** too if you want the same automation on your Page ("Pick both platforms to set it up for Instagram and Facebook together."). - You'll see: "Comments on every Instagram post get this automation, including posts you upload later. A post with its own automation keeps it." 5. Click **Next**, then choose what to send: **Send Link & PDF**, **Lead Gen** or **Flow Automation**. - **Flow Automation** is hidden when both platforms are ticked. 6. In the editor, add trigger words (or choose **All comments**), set the public reply and write the DM. - With both platforms ticked, the editor shows "Publishing saves this for all posts on both Instagram and Facebook." 7. Click **Publish**. **Other way in:** open **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** and expand **Global Posts Automation** ("Automate all posts in one go"). Click **Create First Automation**, or **+ Add New** if you already have one. Each existing all-posts automation is listed with its trigger words ("Any Comment / Reply" for the catch-all) and an **Edit** button. ## On the phone app Tap **Instagram** on Home, open the **Posts** tab and tap **Quick Global Automation** ("Automate all posts & stories at once"). Under **Posts Automation**, tap **+ Add Posts Automation**, or **Edit ›** on an existing one. Build it in the usual editor and tap **Publish**. The Facebook screen has its own **Quick Global Automation** for Page posts. ## What your followers see The same as on a single post: a DM after they comment your word, and a public reply if you turned it on. They can't tell whether the automation is on that post only or on all posts. ## Good to know - In the posts grid, posts covered only by your all-posts automation show the tag **Global Automated**. Posts with their own automation show **Automated**. - A post's own automation always comes first. If its trigger words don't match a comment, the all-posts automation gets a chance. Details: [Which automation runs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs.md) - Give each all-posts automation its own trigger words. Don't use the same word in two of them. - Stories work the same way: **Story to DM** → **All stories**. See [How do I auto-reply when someone replies to my story?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-story-replies.md) - **Re-run missed comments** works only on a single post, not on an all-posts automation. ## What you can't do - Leave out certain posts, except by giving those posts their own automation. - Use Flow Automation on Instagram and Facebook in one automation. - Put an all-posts automation into an Automation Group. ## How to turn it off In **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts**, expand **Global Posts Automation**, click **Edit** on the automation, switch off its **Send Link or PDF** card (or **Lead Gen** card) and click **Disable**. ## If it doesn't work - "Saved for Instagram, but Facebook failed…": the Instagram part is live. Check your Facebook Page connection, then set up the Facebook side again. - A post answers with its own DM instead: that post has its own automation, which comes first. - New posts get nothing: check the comment contains one of the all-posts trigger words, then see [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **What happens to posts that already have their own automation?** They keep it. The all-posts automation only answers a post that has no automation of its own, or a comment that doesn't match the post's own trigger words. **Can I have more than one all-posts automation?** Yes. Each one can have its own trigger words, so GUIDE can send one DM and PRICE another. One of them can use All comments as a catch-all. **Can I set it up for Instagram and Facebook together?** Yes, in New Automation tick both Instagram and Facebook. One automation is saved for each platform. You need a connected Facebook Page, and Flow Automation can't be used for both at once. ## Related guides - [A post has more than one automation. Which one runs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs.md) - [How do I set up an automation before I post? (caption code)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do I auto-reply when someone replies to my Instagram story?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-story-replies.md) # How do I set up an automation before I post? (caption code) Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click New Automation, choose Comment to DM, then Next post, and build the DM as usual. InstantDM gives you a caption code such as SUMMERDROP. Paste the code anywhere in your caption when you upload. When the first comment arrives, the automation attaches to that post. Next post is on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - You need Legend Pro or a higher plan. - A **caption code** is a short word you put in your caption so InstantDM knows which new post the automation belongs to. Rules: 3 to 30 characters, only letters, numbers, _ or -. - Each waiting automation needs its own code. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** → **Comment to DM**. 2. Under "Which posts?", click **Next post** ("A post you haven't uploaded yet"). 3. Tick **Instagram**, **Facebook** or both, then click **Next**. 4. Click **Send Link & PDF** (the only option for a next post). 5. On "Configure your Next Post automation", look at **Caption code**. It is filled with a suggestion such as IDM1. Type your own if you like, for example SUMMERDROP. - With both platforms ticked, you get one code box per platform. The codes must be different. 6. Set your trigger words, public reply and DM as for any post. 7. Click **Publish**. You'll see "Next post automation saved" with your code and a **Copy** button. 8. When you upload the post, paste the code anywhere in the caption. **Other way in:** **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** (or **Facebook**) → **Next Post Automation** → **Create next post** ("Get a caption code for your upcoming post"). Waiting automations are listed there with "Code: …" and "Paste this code in your post caption". Click one to edit it. ## On the phone app Tap **Instagram** on Home, open **Posts** and tap **Next Post Automation**. Tap **+ Create New Next Post Automation**, build it and tap **Publish**. You'll see "Next Post Automation setup done". The app has no caption code. An automation made in the app attaches to your next new post whose caption has none of your caption codes. If you mix app and web next-post automations, use codes for all the web ones. ## What your followers see Nothing special. They comment on your new post and get the DM, as on any automated post. The caption code is just a word in your caption, so pick one that looks natural, like #SUMMERDROP. ## Good to know - The automation attaches when the first comment arrives on the new post. InstantDM reads the caption at that moment and answers that first comment a few seconds later. - The code must appear as a whole word. Extra letters glued to it, like SUMMERDROPsale, won't match. - If a caption contains two of your codes, the longer code wins. - After it attaches, the automation becomes that post's own automation. You'll find it under **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts**. - With both platforms, the second code is filled with your code plus FB or IG. You can change it. ## What you can't do - Use Lead Gen or Flow Automation on a next post from New Automation. - Attach by anything other than the caption code (for example by date or by post type). - Reuse a code that another waiting automation already has. ## How to turn it off Open the waiting automation from **Quick Automation** → **Next Post Automation** and change it, or leave the code out of your caption so it never attaches. Once attached, turn it off like any post: see [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - "Caption code must be 3-30 characters: letters, numbers, _ or - only.": shorten the code or remove spaces and symbols. - "Use a different caption code for each platform.": give Instagram and Facebook different codes. - "Caption code … is already used by another next-post automation. Pick a different code.": choose a new code. - **Next** stays grey after choosing **Next post**: you may have used all next-post automations on your plan ("See plans"). - The automation didn't start on the new post: see [Why didn't my next-post automation start on my new post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/next-post-did-not-attach.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does the caption code have to be in capital letters?** No. The code is not case-sensitive, and a # in front is optional. SUMMERDROP, summerdrop and #SummerDrop all match. **What happens to posts without the code?** They are left alone. The automation waits for a post whose caption contains its code. **Can I use Lead Gen or a flow on the next post?** Not from New Automation. Next post offers only Send Link & PDF. After the automation attaches, the post is a normal automated post and you can change it like any other. **How many next-post automations can I have waiting?** The pricing page lists 10 on Legend Pro, 25 on Trendsetter and unlimited on Trendsetter Pro. ## Related guides - [Why didn't my next-post automation start on my new post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/next-post-did-not-attach.md) - [How do I schedule a post with comment-to-DM already set up?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/schedule-post-with-auto-dm.md) - [How do I automate all my posts, including future ones?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) # How do I put one automation on many posts at once? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/one-automation-many-posts Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click New Automation, choose Comment to DM, keep Existing posts and pick 2 or more posts. Choose what to send, name the group and click Publish Setup, which opens the editor. Set it up once and click Publish: every post in the group gets the same automation. Manage groups in Quick Automation, Group Automation tab. ## Before you start - An **Automation Group** is one automation applied to several posts together. It is new and marked **Beta**. - The plan you need depends on what you send: Send Link & PDF works on all plans, Lead Gen is Legend Pro and above, Flow Automation is Trendsetter and above. - Groups can also hold ads (choose **Ads** instead of **Existing posts**). Ads need Facebook Login. See [How do I auto-reply to comments on my Instagram ads?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md) ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** → **Comment to DM**. 2. Keep **Existing posts**. Use the **Instagram** and **Facebook** pills to switch platform, and click 2 or more posts. The footer shows "N posts selected". 3. Click **Next**. 4. Choose **Send Link & PDF**, **Lead Gen** or **Flow Automation**. 5. Under "Name your group", type a **Group name** (up to 80 characters), or leave it blank to use "Automation Group (N posts)". 6. Click **Publish Setup**. This does not publish yet. It opens the editor. 7. In the editor, check the "Selected posts (N)" strip. Click a thumbnail to preview that post, click **+** to add posts, or hover over a thumbnail to remove it. 8. Set up the trigger words, reply and DM once. 9. Click **Publish** (for Lead Gen: **Save** → **Publish & Activate**; for Flow: **Set Live**). - You return to **Home**, and New Automation opens again at "What should it send?" in case you want another type. Close it if you are done. **Shortcut:** **Quick Automation** → the **Group Automation** tab → **New group** ("Pick posts, give them one automation"). ## Edit or manage a group - Open **Quick Automation** → **Group Automation**. Your groups are under **My Automation Groups**. - **Edit** opens the editor with all the group's posts. Change the setup and click **Publish**. - The menu on a group card has **View**, **Rename** and **Delete group**. - **View** shows the posts, the trigger words and "What they get in the DM". Add or remove posts there, click **Apply changes**, then click **Publish** in the editor. > Removing a post from a Send Link & PDF group does not switch off that post's automation. To stop it, open the post in **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** and switch off its **Send Link or PDF** card. ## On the phone app The app has no Automation Groups. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## What your followers see The same as on a single automated post. Each post in the group answers comments with the same trigger words, public reply and DM. ## Good to know - **Send Link & PDF:** each post gets its own copy of the setup. If some fail, you see how many worked, for example "Automated X of N posts". - **Lead Gen:** one Lead Gen automation covers all the posts in the group. Removing a post from a Lead Gen group does stop it on that post. - **Flow Automation:** the flow builder opens with the posts already picked. Flows are listed under **Flow Automation**, not under Automation Groups. - Don't put a Send Link & PDF and a Lead Gen setup on the same posts. Only the one saved last runs. See [Which automation runs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs.md) ## What you can't do - Give one post in the group a different setup. - Make a group from **All posts** or **Next post**. - See Flow groups in **My Automation Groups**. ## How to turn it off Switch off each post's **Send Link or PDF** card (or the **Lead Gen** switch). Deleting the group alone does not stop the posts. See [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - "Group published but couldn't be saved to your groups list.": your posts are automated, but the group card is missing. Manage those posts one by one. - **Next** stays grey: pick at least one post. - **Flow Automation** is missing: you picked both Instagram and Facebook posts ("Flow Automation runs on one platform. Pick only Instagram or only Facebook to use it."). ## Questions people also ask **Can each post in a group have a different DM?** No. A group has one setup for all its posts. For a different DM on one post, take it out of the group and switch its own automation off, then set it up separately. **If I delete a group, do my posts stop?** No. The app says: 'This removes the saved group only. Your posts stay automated.' Switch each post off yourself if you want it to stop. **Can I mix Instagram and Facebook posts in one group?** Yes, for Send Link & PDF and Lead Gen. Flow Automation runs on one platform, so it is hidden when you mix them. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do I save an automation and reuse it on other posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/save-and-reuse-automation.md) - [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) - [How do I auto-reply to comments on my Instagram ads and boosted posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md) # How do I add a delay before the DM is sent? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/delay-the-dm Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the comment automation editor, open Additional Settings and pick a Reply Delay: Immediate, 10 Sec, 30 Sec or 1 Min. The DM and the public reply then wait about that long, with a few random seconds added. Reply Delay is on Legend Pro and above. For longer waits between messages, use DM Sequence. ## Before you start - Reply Delay needs Legend Pro or a higher plan. On other plans it shows a crown. - It applies to one automation at a time. Set it on each post where you want it. ## Steps 1. Open the post's editor: **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → click the post → **Send Link or PDF** card. 2. Scroll to **Additional Settings**. 3. Under **Reply Delay**, click **Immediate**, **10 Sec**, **30 Sec** or **1 Min**. - You'll see a note such as "DM & Comment automation will be delayed by 30 Seconds". 4. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app The app's post editor has no Reply Delay. Set it on the web at app.instantdm.com. In the app you can add waits in two other places: - **DM Sequence**: "⏱️ Send after [ ] minutes (0 - 1440)" on message 2 and later. - **DM** tab automations: the **Add Delay** step ("Delay Duration (Minutes)"). ## What your followers see They comment, and the DM and public reply arrive after the wait instead of right away. When they tap a button in your DM, the next message comes without the delay. ## Other kinds of delay - **Between messages in a DM Sequence:** **Delay (minutes)** on message 2 and later. See [How do I send several DMs in a row?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-several-dms-in-a-row.md) - **In Lead Gen and DM automations:** add a **Smart Delay** step between steps. - **In Flow Automation** (Trendsetter and above): the Delay step waits up to 24 hours. See [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) ## Good to know - 10 Sec arrives after roughly 10 to 20 seconds, and 1 Min after roughly 50 to 70 seconds. - Delays don't change your hourly limit or how many DMs are sent. ## What you can't do - Wait longer than 1 minute before the first DM after a comment. - Choose your own number of seconds. - Delay only the public reply and not the DM. ## How to turn it off Set **Reply Delay** back to **Immediate** and click **Publish**. ## If it doesn't work - The options are greyed out with a crown: your plan doesn't include Reply Delay. - The DM still arrives instantly: check you clicked **Publish** after changing the delay. ## Questions people also ask **Is the delay exact?** No. A few random seconds are added so replies don't arrive at identical times. For example, 1 Min arrives after roughly 50 to 70 seconds. **Does a delay keep my account safe?** No tool can promise that. A short delay can make replies feel less instant, but Instagram decides about restrictions. See Is InstantDM safe for my Instagram account? **Can I wait hours before the DM?** Not for the first DM after a comment: the longest Reply Delay is 1 Min. Longer waits are possible between messages in a DM Sequence or in a flow. ## Related guides - [How do I send several DMs in a row?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-several-dms-in-a-row.md) - [Is InstantDM safe for my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-safe.md) - [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) - [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) # How do I see how many people clicked my link? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Trendsetter and above (link-open analytics) Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Turn on Track link clicks under your DM text or on each button, then publish. InstantDM swaps your link for a short tracking link. You then see Link Opened next to each person in the post's All Comments tab, and total clicks, unique clickers and top posts in Insights, Link Clicks tab. ## Before you start - Only links sent by InstantDM with tracking turned on are counted. - Tracking is **off** by default for links in text messages and **on** by default for buttons. ## Steps 1. Open the post's editor: **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → click the post → **Send Link or PDF** card. 2. Turn on **Track link clicks**: - For **Text/Link**: the switch is under the message box. You'll see "Your URLs will be replaced by InstantDM tracking links". - For **Button**: each button has its own **Track link clicks** switch. - In **DM Sequence**: text and button messages each have the switch. 3. Click **Publish**. 4. To see clicks for one post: open the post and go to the **All Comments** tab. People who opened the link show **Link Opened**. Expand a row to see the time. 5. To download them: click **View Summary** and then **Download CSV**. The file has a Link Opened column. 6. To see your whole account: click **Insights** in the sidebar and open the **Link Clicks** tab. Lead Gen, DM automations and flow message steps have the same **Track link clicks** switch. ## On the phone app - See clicks: **Dashboard** tab on Home → **Link Clicks** (Total Clicks, Unique Clickers, top location and platform, top buttons and posts). - Per person: on **Manage Post**, the **Contacts** tab shows a **Link Opened** badge. - Turn tracking on: the app's post editor (**Send Link or Images**) has no tracking switch, so turn it on from the web. In **DM** tab automations, the **Text Message** step has **Track link clicks**. ## What your followers see A short InstantDM link instead of your original long link. When they tap it, they go straight to your page. ## What the Link Clicks numbers mean - **Total Clicks**: every click, including repeat clicks by the same person. - **Unique Clickers**: how many different people clicked. - **Top Location** and **Top Platform**: where the clicks came from (city or country, and android, ios or desktop). - **Top CTA Buttons**: your buttons with the most clicks, by button text. - **Top Posts by Clicks**: the posts whose DMs got the most clicks. ## Good to know - Location comes from the click, not from the person's profile. - Insights days follow UTC time, not your local time. See [What do the numbers in Insights mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/insights-explained.md) - With tracking off, your original link is sent and no clicks are counted. ## What you can't do - Count clicks on links sent before you turned tracking on. - Count clicks on links you send yourself from the Instagram app. - See purchases or revenue. ## How to turn it off Switch **Track link clicks** off and click **Publish**. Your original link is sent from then on. ## If it doesn't work - No **Link Opened** tags: tracking was off when the DM was sent, or nobody has tapped the link yet. - Clicks look higher than people: **Total Clicks** counts repeat taps. Use **Unique Clickers** for people. ## Questions people also ask **Why are my link clicks zero?** Tracking is off by default for links in text messages. Turn on Track link clicks under the text and publish again. Only links sent after that are counted. **What does CTR mean in Insights?** Link clicks divided by DMs sent, as a percent. If clicks are higher than DMs, it shows clicks per DM instead, for example 1.4x. **Can I see sales from my DMs?** No. InstantDM shows link clicks, not sales. Use your shop's own reports for sales. ## Related guides - [What do the numbers in Insights mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/insights-explained.md) - [How do I see who got my DM and what happened to each comment?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/see-who-got-my-dm.md) - [How do I send a PDF, buttons or product cards in the DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-pdf-buttons-or-products.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) # How do I save an automation and reuse it on other posts? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/save-and-reuse-automation Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** After you publish from a post's page, type a name under Save to Library and click Save to Library. To reuse it, open another post's editor and use Copy Automation, From Library, or go to Quick Automation, Saved Libraries tab, pick the setup and click Use this. Copying is on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - Copying from your previous post or from the Library needs Legend Pro or a higher plan. - The **Library** is your list of saved setups (trigger words, replies and DM) that you can copy onto other posts. ## Steps 1. Open a post from **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts**, click its **Send Link or PDF** card, set it up and click **Publish**. 2. In the "Automated Successfully!" window, type a **Configuration Name**, for example "Summer sale". 3. Click **Save to Library**. - If you set the post up with **New Automation**, you return to Home instead of seeing this window. Open the post from **Quick Automation** and click **Publish** again to get it. 4. To reuse it, open another post's **Send Link or PDF** editor. 5. Under **Copy Automation**, next to **From Library**, click **Browse Library**. In "Saved Automations", click **Apply** on the setup you want. - Or turn on **From previous post** to copy the setup you last published in this browser. 6. Check the words and links, then click **Publish**. **Apply to many posts at once:** open **Quick Automation** → the **Saved Libraries** tab ("Your saved Lead Gen and Send Link & PDF automations…"). Pick a setup on the left to preview it, click **Use this**, tick the posts or stories in "Use this automation", and click **Apply to N**. ## Manage your Library - Filter by type (**All**, **Send Link & PDF**, **Lead Gen**) and by **Platform** (Instagram or Facebook). - **Edit** changes the whole saved setup ("Edit Library Automation"). **Rename** changes its name. - Tick 2 or more items and click **Delete (N)** to remove them. - In the Lead Gen editor, use **Copy Previous** or **Browse Library** ("Lead Gen Library"). ## On the phone app - Save: after you tap **Publish**, the success window offers **Save to Library**. Type a **Configuration Name** and tap **Save to Library**. - Reuse: at the top of the editor, under **Copy Automation**, tap **Browse Library** ("Automation Library") and tap a saved name, then **Publish**. - **Previous Automation** copies the last automation you published on this phone. - Delete a saved item with its trash icon. ## What your followers see Nothing different. A post set up from the Library works exactly like one you set up by hand. ## Good to know - Applying a setup makes a copy on each post. You can then change one post without touching the others. - Check links and trigger words after copying, especially if the new post is about a different product. - Applying to Facebook posts needs a plan with Facebook automation. Otherwise you see "Upgrade required". - For the same setup on many posts that you want to manage together, an Automation Group may suit you better. See [How do I put one automation on many posts at once?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/one-automation-many-posts.md) ## What you can't do - Save a Flow Automation to the Library. Use **Duplicate** or **Share** in the flow list instead. See [How do I organize, duplicate or copy a flow?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/organize-and-copy-flows.md) - Apply a Library item as an Automation Group. - Save DM keyword automations to the app's Library. ## How to turn it off A Library item doesn't run on its own. To stop a post that used it, switch off that post's automation. See [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - **From Library** or **From previous post** shows a crown: your plan doesn't include copying. - "Upgrade required" when applying to Facebook posts: your plan doesn't include Facebook automation. - The Library is empty: you haven't saved anything yet. Publish a post from its own page and use **Save to Library**. ## Questions people also ask **Can I save a flow to the Library?** No. The Library holds Send Link & PDF and Lead Gen setups. To copy a flow, duplicate it or share it from the Flow Automation list. **If I change a saved Library item, do posts that used it change too?** No. Applying copies the setup onto each post. Later changes to the Library item only affect posts you apply it to after that. **Can I use my Library on another InstantDM account?** Library items are shared across the Instagram accounts you have connected to InstantDM. See How do I reuse an automation or flow on another account? ## Related guides - [How do I put one automation on many posts at once?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/one-automation-many-posts.md) - [How do I reuse an automation or flow on another InstantDM account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/copy-automation-to-another-account.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do I organize, duplicate or copy a flow to Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/organize-and-copy-flows.md) # How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** For a post, open Quick Automation, Instagram, Posts, click the post and switch off the Send Link or PDF card (or the Lead Gen switch), then click Disable. Click the card instead to edit it, then Publish. Post automations can't be deleted, only switched off. DM automations and flows are switched off from their own lists. ## Before you start - In the posts grid, each post shows a tag: **Automated** (its own automation), **Flow Editor** (a flow), **Global Automated** (only your all-posts automation) or **Not Automated**. - If you have an all-posts automation, switching off a post's own automation means the all-posts one answers that post from then on. ## Steps 1. Open **Quick Automation** and click the **Instagram** tab (or **Facebook** for Page posts). 2. Choose **Posts** (or **Stories**) and click the post. 3. On "Post Automations", find the **Send Link or PDF** card. 4. To edit: click the card, make your changes and click **Publish**. You'll see "Automated Successfully!". 5. To turn it off: click the switch on the card. In "Are you sure want to disable Auto Reply?", click **Disable**. You'll see "Automation Updated". 6. For Lead Gen on the same page: click the **Lead Gen** switch, then **Disable** in "Are you sure want to disable Lead Gen?". You'll see "Lead Gen disabled". ## Other kinds of automation - **DM keyword automations:** **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** (or **Facebook**) → switch to **DM Automation**. Turn the switch on a row off ("Automation deactivated (Draft Mode)"). To turn it back on, open it and publish ("Please go inside the configuration to activate it."). Delete with the bin icon ("Delete this automation?"). - **All-posts automations:** **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** → expand **Global Posts Automation** → **Edit**, then switch off its card as in step 5. - **Automation Groups:** **Quick Automation** → **Group Automation** → **My Automation Groups**. **Edit** changes all posts in the group. **Delete group** removes only the group: "Your posts stay automated." Switch each post off as in step 5. - **Next post (not attached yet):** **Quick Automation** → **Next Post Automation**, click it to edit. - **Flows:** **Flow Automation** in the sidebar, then turn the row's switch off: "Unpublish this automation? This will stop the automation." The flow moves to Draft. See [How do I turn a flow on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) - **Everything at once:** **Account Settings** → **Automation** → **Automation Controls** → set **Global** to **Off** → **Save**. See [What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md) ## On the phone app - **Post or story:** on **Manage Post**, flip the **Send Link or Images** switch off. You'll see "Automation is Stopped!" and the header shows **AUTOMATION OFF**. Flipping it back on opens the editor, and you must tap **Publish** again. - **Edit:** tap the **Send Link or Images** card, change it and tap **Publish**. - **DM tab automations:** flip the switch off and confirm **Deactivate**. Delete with the trash icon. - **Pause everything:** profile photo → **Settings** → **Automation** → **Global Automation** off → **Save Changes**. - Don't edit a post in the app if it has a Lead Gen automation from the web. Publishing from the app removes that Lead Gen. - Turn flows off from the web app. ## What your followers see Nothing. After you switch an automation off, new comments or messages simply get no automatic reply. Messages already sent stay in their inbox. ## Good to know - Post, story and all-posts automations have no delete button. Switch them off instead. Your setup is kept. - Send Link or PDF and Lead Gen can both look on for one post, but only the one you saved last runs. See [Which automation runs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs.md) - Removing a post from a Send Link & PDF group does not switch that post off. Switch it off on the post itself. ## What you can't do - Delete a post automation completely. You can only switch it off. - Schedule an automation to switch off at a certain time. - Undo a published change. Edit it again and publish. ## How to turn it off That is this guide. For a short pause of everything, use **Global** in Automation Controls. ## If it doesn't work - Switched off but people still get DMs: your all-posts automation may be answering that post. Check for the **Global Automated** tag and switch off the all-posts automation too. - DM automation won't switch on from the list ("Please go inside the configuration to activate it."): open it and publish. - Still getting replies after Global Off: make sure you clicked **Save** in Account Settings. ## Questions people also ask **Do I lose my setup when I switch an automation off?** No. The confirmation says 'You can enable at anytime with current configuration.' Switch it back on, check it and publish. **How do I stop everything at once?** Go to Account Settings, Automation tab, Automation Controls, set Global to Off and click Save. All automations stop until you turn it back on. **I changed the message. Why do people still get the old one?** Changes only count after you click Publish (Set Live for flows). Open the automation again and publish. ## Related guides - [A post has more than one automation. Which one runs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs.md) - [What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md) - [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) # A post has more than one automation. Which one runs? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-automation-runs Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** A post's own automation comes first. If its trigger words don't match the comment, or it is switched off, your all-posts automation answers instead. On one post, Send Link or PDF and Lead Gen can both look switched on, but only the one you saved last runs. Each comment gets one automation, not several. ## Before you start - **Own automation**: set up on one post (Send Link or PDF, Lead Gen, or a flow that picked that post). - **All-posts automation**: set up for every post (**Global Posts Automation**). See [How do I automate all my posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts.md) ## Steps Use these steps to check which automation a post will use: 1. Open **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** and look at the post's tag. - **Automated**: it has its own Send Link or PDF or Lead Gen automation. - **Flow Editor**: a flow is set on it. - **Global Automated**: only your all-posts automation covers it. - **Not Automated**: nothing answers its comments. 2. Click the post. On "Post Automations", see which cards are switched on. 3. If both **Send Link or PDF** and **Lead Gen** look on, switch off the one you don't want and click **Disable**. 4. Open the one you want to keep and save it again (**Publish**, or **Save** → **Publish & Activate** for Lead Gen), so it is the last one saved. 5. Test with a comment from a friend's account. ## The order InstantDM follows for each comment 1. **The post's own automation.** If the comment matches its trigger words (or it uses All comments), it answers and nothing else runs. 2. **No match on the post.** If the post's own Send Link or PDF automation has trigger words and the comment matches none of them, InstantDM checks your all-posts Send Link & PDF automations. If the post's own automation is Lead Gen or a flow, only your all-posts Lead Gen and flow automations are checked. 3. **No own automation, or it is switched off.** Your all-posts automations answer the post. 4. **Inside your all-posts automations,** a keyword automation that matches is used first. If no keyword matches, your catch-all ("Any Comment / Reply") is used, if you have one. 5. **Nothing matches.** No reply is sent. Stories follow the same order, with your all-stories automation in place of all-posts. ## Two setups on the same post - **Send Link or PDF and Lead Gen:** both cards can look switched on, but only the one saved last runs. - **Two flows with the same trigger word:** only the most recently published flow runs. - **Two all-posts automations with the same word:** only one of them can answer that word. Give each one different words. ## On the phone app The app follows the same order. One extra rule: publishing a post's automation from the app removes any Lead Gen on that post that you made on the web. If a post uses Lead Gen, edit it only on the web. ## What your followers see One reply per comment: one DM and, if switched on, one public reply. They never get two automations for the same comment. ## Good to know - Lead Gen on a post works a little differently: if none of its words match, only your all-posts Lead Gen and flow automations are checked, not your all-posts Send Link & PDF ones. - Automation Groups don't change the order. Each post in a group counts as having its own automation. - A new comment from the same person is a new chance to match, so they can get the DM again. ## What you can't do - Run two automations on one comment. - Set a priority number between automations. - Make a post skip your all-posts automation, except by giving that post an All comments automation of its own. ## How to turn it off Switch off the automation you don't want to run. See [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) ## If it doesn't work - The wrong DM arrives: check for an all-posts automation with a matching word, and for Send Link or PDF and Lead Gen both looking on. - A post you switched off still answers: your all-posts automation is covering it (tag **Global Automated**). - Lead Gen stopped after you edited the post on your phone: the app removed it. Set the Lead Gen up again on the web. ## Questions people also ask **Can a comment trigger two automations and get two DMs?** No. InstantDM picks one automation per comment, following the order on this page. **How do I stop my all-posts automation from answering one post?** Give that post its own automation with All comments as the trigger. Then every comment on it matches the post's own automation, and the all-posts automation never gets a turn. **Two of my flows use the same trigger word. Which one runs?** Only the one you published most recently. Give each flow its own word. ## Related guides - [How do I automate all my posts, including future ones?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts.md) - [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) - [How do trigger words work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md) - [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) # Can I automate a collab post? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-collab-post Section: Auto-DM people who comment Works on: Web app Plan: Separate purchase (Collab Post Add-ons) Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Yes, on Instagram. Collab posts you're tagged in are under Quick Automation, Instagram tab, Collabs. Each post must be unlocked with Collab Post Add-ons, a separate purchase from your plan, and the post owner must approve your access. Then you set it up like any comment-to-DM automation. ## Before you start - A **collab post** is one Instagram post shared by two accounts, for example a brand and a creator. - The account that wants to run the automation needs an unlock for that post (a **Collab Post Add-ons** purchase). - The account that owns the post must approve the access in InstantDM. ## Steps 1. Open **Quick Automation**, click the **Instagram** tab and choose **Collabs**. Posts you are tagged in show **Unlock to Automate**. 2. Click the post. The **Collab Post Automation** window explains the steps. 3. Unlock the post: - If you have unlocks left, click **Unlock & Automate This Post**. - If not, click **Unlock This Post** and choose a pack in **Collab Post Add-ons**. 4. In the editor, if you see "Permission Error" ("Looks like @name has not given access to you."), click **Request Access** (the owner uses InstantDM) or **Invite to InstantDM** (they don't). 5. Click **Copy Message** and send the message and link to the post owner, for example in Instagram DMs or WhatsApp. 6. When the owner has approved, open the post again and set up trigger words, the public reply and the DM as usual. 7. Under **Automation Credits**, choose whose credits pay in **Use credits from:**. 8. Click **Publish**. ## If you own the post (approving a request) - Open the link you received. It shows the request and "Manage automation for a collab post". - Log in as the Instagram account that owns the post. If you are logged in as another account, click **Logout & Switch Account**. - Click **Review Request**, choose what the other account may do, and accept. You'll see **Invitation Accepted**, then **Go to Dashboard**. - Later, open the post and use its **Collaborators** tab to change permissions: **View Automation Configuration**, **Edit Automation** and **View Comments (Public Data)**. ## On the phone app The app has no **Collabs** list, so you can't unlock or set up someone else's collab post from your phone. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com. If you own the post, you can answer requests in the app: open the post's **Manage Post** → **Collaborators** tab, tap the request, choose **View Automation** or **Edit Automation** (**View Contacts** is always on), and tap **Approve** or **Decline**. The **Automation Credits** section lets you pick **My Credits** or the brand's. Request links open in the browser, not in the app. ## What your followers see The same as any comment automation: people who comment your word on the collab post get the DM, and a public reply if you turned it on. ## Good to know - Each unlock is for one post. - Until the owner approves, the editor shows the permission error and nothing is sent. - Collab posts are not in **New Automation**. Start from **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Collabs**. - The unlock window may say "You've used your free unlock. Upgrade for more." Plan on buying an unlock for each collab post. ## What you can't do - Automate a collab post without the owner's approval. - Use your plan instead of an unlock for collab posts. - Automate collab posts on Facebook. ## How to turn it off Open the post from **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Collabs** and switch off its **Send Link or PDF** card. See [turn off, edit or delete an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - "Permission Error": the owner hasn't approved yet. Send the request link again. - The owner sees "Brand is out of collaboration credits. Please inform the brand to purchase more credits." when approving: the account that asked for access needs another unlock before the approval can go through. - "Please login as @owner to approve access.": the owner is not logged in. Click **Continue With Instagram** and log in as the post's owner. - "Account Mismatch": the owner is logged in with a different account. Use **Logout & Switch Account**. ## Questions people also ask **Is unlocking a collab post part of my plan?** No. Collab unlocks are a separate Collab Post Add-ons purchase. The prices are shown in the app when you click Unlock This Post. **Does the post owner need InstantDM?** Yes, to approve your access. If they don't use InstantDM yet, the Invite to InstantDM button gives you a message and link to send them. Signing up is free for them. **Who pays the credits for the DMs?** You choose under Automation Credits, Use credits from:, once the owner has approved. The owner can see and change this too. **Can I automate a collab post on Facebook?** No. Collabs are an Instagram feature in InstantDM. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do credits work in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) - [What is the difference between accounts, workspaces and team members in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md) - [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) --- # Section: Story replies and DM keywords # How do I auto-reply when someone replies to my Instagram story? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-story-replies Section: Story replies and DM keywords Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click New Automation, choose Story to DM, then pick Current stories or All stories and choose what to send. When someone replies to that story with a text message, InstantDM sends your DM in the same chat. Stickers, photos and reactions do not trigger it. It works on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - Your Instagram account must be connected to InstantDM. - Story automation is on **Legend Pro and above**. - Decide which you need: one story that is up now (**Current stories**) or every story, including ones you post later (**All stories**). ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** (top right). (The **Story to DM** card on Home opens the same window with step 2 already done.) 2. On "When should it run?", choose **Story to DM** ("Someone replies to your story, they get a DM."). 3. On "Which stories?", choose one: - **Current stories**: click one or more stories that are live now. - **All stories**: every story, including stories you post later. 4. Click **Next**. 5. On "What should it send?", click **Send Link & PDF** for one reply for everyone. (Pick **Lead Gen** if you want to ask for an email or phone number. See [collect emails in DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/collect-emails-in-instagram-dms.md).) - If you picked 2 or more stories, type a **Group name** (optional) and click **Publish Setup**. This only opens the editor. Nothing is live yet. 6. In the editor, under the trigger, choose: - **Specific DM Word**: click **Expected Word**, type a word (for example "LINK") and press Enter. - **All DM for this story**: every text reply gets the DM. 7. Under **Send a DM!**, write your message or add your link (up to 700 characters). 8. Optional: turn on **Welcome Message** or **Ask audience to follow you before sending link!**. 9. Click **Publish**. You'll see "Automated Successfully!" or "Automation is live". ## On the phone app 1. Open **Instagram** and tap the **Stories** tab. 2. Tap a story, then tap the **Send Link or Images** card. 3. Under **Trigger Words**, choose **Specific Words** or **All Replies**. 4. Fill in **Send a DM!** and tap **Publish**. For every story, tap **Quick Global Automation**, then **+ Add Stories Automation**. ## What your followers see They reply to your story with a message, for example "link". The DM arrives in the same chat with you. If you turned on **Welcome Message**, they first get a message with one button, and your link comes after they tap it. Story replies get no public comment. ## Good to know - Capital letters and accents don't matter. The reply must contain a word that starts with your keyword: "link" matches "links" but not "blink". - A story that has its own automation keeps it, even when an **All stories** automation exists. - Only stories that are still up show under **Current stories**. If you see "No active stories right now", use **All stories**. ## What you can't do - Reply to stickers, photos, quick reactions or likes on a story. - Automate Facebook stories. - Reply when someone mentions you in their story. See [story mentions](https://instantdm.com/how-to/story-mentions.md). ## How to turn it off Open the story in **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Stories** and switch the **Send Link or PDF** card off. More in [turn off or edit an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - **Nobody got the DM**: check the keyword spelling, and test from a second Instagram account with a typed reply, not an emoji. - **You were chatting with that person**: if the story automation uses Lead Gen, **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** may have skipped it. See [stop automations while chatting](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md). - Still nothing: see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Does it work when someone reacts to my story with an emoji?** No. Only text replies start the automation. Quick reactions, stickers and photos are ignored. **What happens when my story expires after 24 hours?** People can no longer reply to it, so the automation has nothing to answer. Use All stories if you want every new story covered without setting it up each time. **Can I do this for Facebook stories?** No. Story automation is for Instagram only. **Will the same person get the DM twice if they reply twice?** Yes. Each new reply that matches gets the DM again. There is no once-per-person rule for story replies. ## Related guides - [How do I auto-reply when someone DMs me a keyword on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply.md) - [Can InstantDM reply when someone mentions me in their story?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/story-mentions.md) - [How do I make people follow me before they get the link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/make-people-follow-before-link.md) - [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) # How do I auto-reply when someone DMs me a keyword on Instagram? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply Section: Story replies and DM keywords Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click New Automation, choose DM Automation, pick Instagram DMs, then choose Lead Gen. Under ENTRY POINT pick Custom Keywords, add your words, add a Text Message step with your reply, and click Save, then Publish & Activate. It works on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - Your Instagram account must be connected to InstantDM. - DM keyword automation is on **Legend Pro and above**. - This guide is for Instagram DMs. For your Facebook Page, see [Messenger keyword replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/messenger-keyword-replies.md). ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** (top right). (The **DM Automation** card on Home opens the same window with step 2 already done.) 2. On "When should it run?", choose **DM Automation** ("Someone messages you a keyword, or anything at all."). 3. On "Which inbox?", click **Instagram DMs**, then click **Next**. 4. On "What should it send?", click **Lead Gen**. The step editor opens. (Pick **Flow Automation** instead if you need branches or reminders. That needs Trendsetter and above.) 5. Type a name for the automation at the top. 6. Under **ENTRY POINT**, choose **Custom Keywords**. 7. Type a keyword in "Add trigger keyword and Press Enter" and press Enter. Add more the same way, or type several separated by commas. 8. Optional: tick **Match exact word only**. - On: only a message that is just the word triggers it. "price" triggers, "what is the price?" does not. - Off: any message that contains the word triggers it. 9. Click **Add Step** and choose **Text Message**. Type your reply, including any link. You can also add **Image**, **PDF** or **Button Template** steps. 10. Click **Save**, then **Publish & Activate**. Click **Save to Draft** instead if you're not ready. ## On the phone app 1. Open **Instagram** and tap the **DM** tab. 2. Tap **Create New**. The editor "Edit Quick DM" opens. 3. Fill in **Automation Name**. 4. Under **Trigger**, add your words under **Keywords**. Optionally turn on **Match exact word only**. 5. Tap **Add Next Step** and add a **Text Message**. 6. Tap **Publish** and confirm. The phone app can't create Facebook Messenger keyword replies. ## What your followers see They send you a DM such as "PRICE". Your reply arrives right away in the same chat. There is no extra button to tap first, unlike comment automations. ## Good to know - Capital letters don't matter. - If a person is in the middle of one of your automations (for example, answering a question), their next message within 1 hour is treated as their answer, not as a new keyword. - If you reply to people yourself, consider turning on [Prevent In-Chat Trigger](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) so the automation stays quiet during your chats. - To reply to every message, not just keywords, see [auto-reply to everyone who messages me](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-every-message.md). ## What you can't do - Use Instagram's Ice Breaker or Get Started buttons as keywords. Taps on those are not triggers. - Send a message to someone who hasn't messaged you first. ## How to turn it off Go to **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → switch to **DM Automation**. Flip the automation's switch off. You'll see "Automation deactivated (Draft Mode)". To turn it back on, open it and publish again. See [turn off or edit an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"Please go inside the configuration to activate it."**: you can't switch a draft on from the list. Open it and click **Save** → **Publish & Activate**. - **No reply with exact match on**: the person typed more than the keyword. Turn **Match exact word only** off. - **No reply while you were chatting**: check **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** in **Account Settings** → **Automation**. - See [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Why is there no Send Link option for DMs?** For DM automations the wizard offers only Lead Gen and Flow Automation. To send a link, pick Lead Gen and add a Text Message or Button Template step with your link. You don't have to ask any questions. **What if two DM automations use the same keyword?** Only one runs: the one you saved most recently. Give each automation its own keywords. **Does the reply go out every time they send the keyword?** Yes. Keyword replies have no once-per-person limit. Only the Any Message trigger has First time only and Once a day. **Can I do this for Facebook Messenger?** Yes, on the web. Pick Facebook Messenger instead of Instagram DMs. See the Messenger keyword guide. ## Related guides - [How do I auto-reply to everyone who messages me on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-every-message.md) - [How do I auto-reply to Messenger keywords?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/messenger-keyword-replies.md) - [How do I collect emails and phone numbers in Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/collect-emails-in-instagram-dms.md) - [How do I stop automations from interrupting when I'm chatting with someone?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) # How do I auto-reply to everyone who messages me on Instagram? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-every-message Section: Story replies and DM keywords Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Create a DM Automation for Instagram DMs with Lead Gen, and under ENTRY POINT choose Any Message. Then pick First time only (once per person, ever) or Once a day (at most once every 24 hours). You can have only one Any Message automation per account. It works on Legend Pro and above. ## Before you start - Your Instagram account must be connected to InstantDM. - This is on **Legend Pro and above**. - You can have **only one** Any Message automation per account. Keep one "answer everything" rule only, across DM automations and flows. If several exist, only one of them runs. - It answers everyone, including friends, brands and customers you're already talking to. Read [stop automations while chatting](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) first. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation**. (The **DM Automation** card on Home skips the next choice.) 2. Choose **DM Automation**, then click **Instagram DMs** and **Next**. 3. On "What should it send?", click **Lead Gen**. The step editor opens. 4. Type a name for the automation at the top. 5. Under **ENTRY POINT**, choose **Any Message**. 6. Under **⏱️ Select Interval**, choose one: - **First time only**: each person gets the reply once, ever. - **Once a day**: each person gets it at most once every 24 hours. 7. Click **Add Step** and choose **Text Message**. Write your reply. For example: "Hi, thanks for your message. I reply to DMs every evening. For prices, see the link in my bio." 8. Click **Save**, then **Publish & Activate**. You'll see the error "An "Any Message" trigger flow already exists. Only one can be created per account." if one already exists. Edit that one instead. ## On the phone app 1. Open **Instagram** and tap the **DM** tab. 2. Tap **Create New**. 3. Under **Trigger**, choose **Automate All Messages**. 4. Under **⏱️ Select Interval**, pick **First time only** or **Once a day**. 5. Tap **Add Next Step**, add a **Text Message**, then tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see They send you any message. Your reply arrives in the same chat a moment later. With **First time only**, they never get it again. With **Once a day**, they may get it again if they write the next day. ## Good to know - If a message matches one of your keyword automations, the keyword automation answers it instead. - A keyword automation has no such limit: it answers every time the keyword is sent. Only Any Message has **First time only** and **Once a day**. - Rarely, the same person can still get the reply twice, for example when they share a post with a note (Instagram sends two messages a second apart). - If you also reply to people by hand, turn on [Prevent In-Chat Trigger](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md). - To keep certain people out completely, [exclude them](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md). ## What you can't do - Set office hours (for example, reply only at night). - Have more than one Any Message automation on the same account. - Reset **First time only** for one person so they get it again. Deleting and re-creating the automation doesn't reset it either. ## How to turn it off Go to **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → switch to **DM Automation**, and flip the automation's switch off. See [turn off or edit an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - **Someone got nothing**: with **First time only**, they may have received it before. With **Once a day**, it may already have gone out in the last 24 hours. - **It stays quiet in some chats**: **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** saw a recent message from your account in that chat. - See [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Can I have two Any Message automations, one for new people and one for daily replies?** No. The editor allows only one Any Message automation per account and shows an error if you try to add a second. **Will it reply to my friends and clients too?** Yes, it replies to anyone who messages you. Exclude people you don't want it to answer, and turn on Prevent In-Chat Trigger so it stays quiet while you are chatting. **Can it reply only to people who have never messaged me before?** First time only means once per person, counted from when InstantDM first answered them, not from their first ever message to you. In Flow Automation, the DM Reply trigger also has an If only first message option that skips people your account has already replied to in that chat. ## Related guides - [How do I auto-reply when someone DMs me a keyword on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply.md) - [Can an automation reply only once per person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reply-only-once-per-person.md) - [How do I stop automations from interrupting when I'm chatting with someone?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) - [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) # How do I auto-reply when someone shares my post to my DMs? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/reply-when-post-shared-to-dm Section: Story replies and DM keywords Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open the post's Send Link or PDF automation, open Advanced Settings and turn on Automate Post sent to your DM, then click Publish. When someone sends that post into a chat with your account, they get the same DM. It does not see shares between other people. Legend Pro and above, Instagram Login only. ## Before you start - This is on **Legend Pro and above**. - Your account must be connected with **Instagram Login** (not through a Facebook Page). If it isn't, the editor shows "To use this Post sent to your DM feature please reconnect your IG account." See [Instagram Login or Facebook Login](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md). - The switch lives in the **Send Link or PDF** automation of the post. Set that up first: [send a DM when someone comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md). ## Steps 1. Go to **Quick Automation**, open the **Instagram** tab and choose **Posts**. 2. Click the post or Reel, then click the **Send Link or PDF** card. (New post? Use **New Automation** → **Comment to DM** → **Existing posts**, pick it, click **Next** and choose **Send Link & PDF**.) 3. In the trigger section, click **Advanced Settings**. 4. Turn on **Automate Post sent to your DM**. 5. Check the message under **Send a DM!**. This is what people get when they send you the post. 6. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app 1. Open **Instagram** → **Posts** and tap the post. 2. Tap the **Send Link or Images** card. 3. Under **Trigger Words**, turn on **Automate post sent to your DM**. 4. Tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see A follower taps the share button on your Reel and sends it to you. Your DM arrives in that same chat, with your link or message. Nothing is posted publicly. ## Good to know - It works for each post where you turn the switch on. Turn it on for every post you want covered. - If someone sends you the post twice, they get the DM twice. - If they add a note when sharing, Instagram sends two messages. Rarely, this can lead to two replies. ## What you can't do - React to shares between other people. - Use this on Facebook posts. - Use it with accounts connected through a Facebook Page. ## How to turn it off Open the post's **Send Link or PDF** card, turn off **Automate Post sent to your DM** and click **Publish**. To stop the whole automation, see [turn off or edit an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"To use this Post sent to your DM feature please reconnect your IG account."**: click **Re-connect your IG** and connect with Instagram Login. - **The switch has a crown**: your plan doesn't include it. - **Shared, but no reply**: test by sending the post from a second Instagram account straight to your account's chat. See [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Will it message people who share my Reel with their friends?** No. Instagram does not tell any tool about shares between other people. It only works when someone sends your post into a chat with your own account. **Do they need to type a keyword?** No. Sending the post to you is enough. Your trigger words are for comments only. **Does it work if someone sends me another creator's post?** No. It only matches posts that belong to your account and have this switch turned on. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [InstantDM asks me to reconnect. How do I fix it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) - [How do I automate all my posts, including future ones?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts.md) # Can InstantDM reply when someone mentions me in their story? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/story-mentions Section: Story replies and DM keywords Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** No. InstantDM has no trigger for story mentions, so it can't send an automatic thank-you when someone tags you in their story. It can auto-reply when people reply to your own stories, with Story to DM. Answer mentions yourself in the Instagram app. ## Before you start - A **story mention** is when someone tags @you in their own story. Instagram then shows it in your DMs. - A **story reply** is when someone answers one of your stories with a message. InstantDM can automate story replies, not story mentions. ## Steps There is no setting for story mentions. If what you want is "send something to people who interact with my stories", use a story reply automation instead: 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** and choose **Story to DM**. 2. Choose **All stories** so every story you post is covered, then click **Next**. 3. Choose **Send Link & PDF**. 4. Pick **All DM for this story** or add a keyword under **Specific DM Word**. 5. Write your DM under **Send a DM!** and click **Publish**. Then ask people in your story to reply with a word, for example "Reply YES and I'll send you the guide". Full guide: [auto-reply to story replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-story-replies.md). ## On the phone app The phone app can't reply to story mentions either. For story replies, open **Instagram** → **Stories** → **Quick Global Automation** → **+ Add Stories Automation**. ## What your followers see If someone mentions you in their story, they get no automatic message. You see the mention in your Instagram DMs and can answer it yourself. ## Good to know - Story reply automation answers text replies only. Stickers, photos and quick reactions are ignored. - Story automation is on **Legend Pro and above**, and Instagram only. ## What you can't do - Auto-reply or auto-thank people who mention you in their story. - Repost or react to mentions automatically. - Automate Facebook stories. ## If it doesn't work If your story reply automation doesn't answer, see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Some InstantDM screens say story automation answers mentions. Is that true?** No. Some descriptions in the app mention story mentions, but story automation only answers replies to your own stories. Don't rely on any setting to answer mentions. **Will a story mention start my Any Message or keyword automation?** Don't count on it. There is no mention trigger, so you can't choose what a mention gets. Plan to answer mentions by hand. ## Related guides - [How do I auto-reply when someone replies to my Instagram story?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-story-replies.md) - [How do I auto-reply to everyone who messages me on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-every-message.md) - [How do I auto-reply when someone DMs me a keyword on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply.md) - [What is InstantDM and what can it do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-instantdm.md) # How do I stop automations from interrupting when I'm chatting with someone? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting Section: Story replies and DM keywords Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Go to Account Settings, open the Automation tab and set Prevent In-Chat Trigger to Yes, then Save. If your account sent a message in that chat within the Active window (default 10 minutes), new DM keyword and Any Message triggers, and story replies handled by Lead Gen or a flow, are skipped. It does not affect comments. ## Before you start - **Global** must be **On** in **Automation Controls**. When Global is Off, this setting is greyed out ("Enable global first"). - It's off by default. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the sidebar. 2. Open the **Automation** tab. 3. Find **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** ("Skip triggers when you're actively chatting with someone.") and click **Yes**. 4. Set **Messages to check** ("Recent messages to scan for active chat."): any number from 1 to 50. The default is 5. 5. Set **Active window** ("Skip trigger if you messaged within this window."): 1 to 60 minutes. The default is 10. 6. Click **Save** at the top of Settings. ## On the phone app 1. Tap your profile photo, then **Settings**. 2. Tap **Automation** ("Controls, in-chat, whitelist"). 3. Set **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** to **Yes** and adjust **Messages to check** and **Active window**. 4. Tap **Save Changes**. ## What your followers see If you're chatting with someone and they send a keyword, they get no automatic reply. They only see your own messages. Once the window has passed with no message from you, automations can answer them again. ## Good to know How the check works, each time a DM trigger (or a Lead Gen or flow story-reply trigger) matches: - InstantDM looks at the last few messages in that chat (your **Messages to check** number). - If one of them was sent from your account within the **Active window**, the trigger is skipped. Nothing is sent and nothing is logged for you to resend. - Messages your automations sent count as "from your account" too. So with the defaults: if you replied to someone 6 minutes ago, their keyword is skipped. If you replied 15 minutes ago, it runs. If they've sent more than 5 messages since your last reply, your reply is out of view and the trigger runs. It only checks new triggers. It doesn't stop: - comment-to-DM automations and public comment replies, - story replies and shared posts answered by a **Send Link or PDF** automation, - a person tapping a button in a message they already got, - reminders and follow-ups already scheduled. ## What you can't do - Use it for comments. - Set it per automation. It's one setting for the whole account. - Use it as the way to pause an AI conversation. Use [human takeover](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md) for that. ## How to turn it off Go to **Account Settings** → **Automation**, set **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** to **No** and click **Save**. ## If it doesn't work - **Automations still interrupt**: raise **Messages to check** (for example to 10) or lengthen **Active window**. - **Automations stopped answering people they should answer**: your automatic replies count too. Shorten **Active window** or set the setting to **No**. - **You never want a person to get automations**: [exclude them](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) instead. - More causes: [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Do messages sent by my automations count as me chatting?** Yes. Any message sent from your account counts, including automatic ones. So if an automation replied to someone 2 minutes ago, a second keyword from them inside the window is skipped too. **Does it stop comment automations?** No. Comments on your posts still get the DM and public reply. It only checks DM triggers, and story-reply triggers in Lead Gen or flows. **Does it stop an AI reply that is already talking to someone?** Don't rely on it for that. To silence the AI for one person, switch them to human takeover. See the take-over guide. ## Related guides - [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) - [How do I take over a chat from the AI?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md) - [What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md) - [How do I auto-reply to everyone who messages me on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-every-message.md) # Can an automation reply only once per person? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/reply-only-once-per-person Section: Story replies and DM keywords Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Only partly. The Any Message DM trigger has First time only, which replies once per person, ever, and Once a day. Comment, story-reply and keyword automations answer every matching message, so someone who comments twice gets the DM twice. In a flow you can use a tag to skip people who already got it. ## Before you start Here is what each automation does when the same person triggers it again: | Automation | Same person again | |---|---| | Comment to DM (any type) | Gets the DM and public reply again, every time | | Story to DM | Gets the DM again, every time | | DM keyword | Gets the reply again, every time | | DM **Any Message** + **First time only** | Never again | | DM **Any Message** + **Once a day** | Again after 24 hours | ## Steps For DMs, use **Any Message** with **First time only**: 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** and choose **DM Automation**. 2. Click **Instagram DMs**, then **Next**, then **Lead Gen**. 3. Under **ENTRY POINT**, choose **Any Message**. 4. Under **⏱️ Select Interval**, choose **First time only**. 5. Add your reply with **Add Step** → **Text Message**. 6. Click **Save**, then **Publish & Activate**. Full guide: [auto-reply to everyone who messages me](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-every-message.md). ### In Flow Automation: skip people with a tag This needs Trendsetter and above. It works best for keyword DMs. - Right after the trigger, add a **Condition** step with the rule **Tag** → **doesn't have tag** → for example `got-guide`. - Connect **True** to your messages. Leave **False** empty, or connect a short "You already have it" message. - After your messages, add a **Tag Contact** step that applies `got-guide`. - Click **Set Live**. For comment flows, the welcome message and public reply still go out each time. The tag check only stops the steps after the person taps the welcome button. See [tag contacts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts.md) and [different messages by answer or tag](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md). ## On the phone app In the **DM** tab, tap **Create New**, choose **Automate All Messages** and set **⏱️ Select Interval** to **First time only**. Flows with tag checks can only be built on the web. ## What your followers see With **First time only**, a person gets your reply on their first message and never again. With a comment automation, they get the DM each time they comment your keyword. ## Good to know - Rarely, the same person can get a DM twice even with **First time only**, for example when Instagram sends two messages a second apart. - In flows, **Ask only if unknown** on a question skips it when the person already answered it in any flow on your account. That avoids asking twice, but the flow still runs. ## What you can't do - Limit comment or story-reply automations to once per person. - Skip the public comment reply for repeat commenters. - Use **First time only** on keyword DMs. ## How to turn it off To let people get the reply again, switch **⏱️ Select Interval** to **Once a day**, or remove the tag condition from your flow and click **Set Live**. See [turn off or edit an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). ## If it doesn't work - **Someone got the DM twice**: see [why did someone get my DM twice?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-sent-twice.md). - **Nobody gets the Any Message reply any more**: with **First time only**, everyone who already got it once is skipped. ## Questions people also ask **Someone commented twice and got my link twice. Is that a bug?** No, that is how comment automations work. Each new matching comment gets another DM and another public reply. **Can I stop the public comment reply for people who already got the link?** No. Every matching comment gets a public reply. Even in a flow, the first welcome message and public reply go out before any check can run. **Does First time only work for comments?** No. It is only on the Any Message trigger for DMs. ## Related guides - [How do I auto-reply to everyone who messages me on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-every-message.md) - [Why did someone get my DM twice?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-sent-twice.md) - [How do I tag contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts.md) - [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) --- # Section: Collect leads and grow followers # How do I make people follow me before they get the link? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/make-people-follow-before-link Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the post's Send Link or PDF automation, turn on Ask audience to follow you before sending link! and click Publish. People who already follow you get the link. Others get a Follow to Unlock card with Open Profile and Started following you! 👍 buttons, and get the link after they follow and tap. Legend Pro and above, Instagram only. ## Before you start - The follow gate is on **Legend Pro and above**. - Set up a comment or story automation with **Send Link or PDF** first: [send a DM when someone comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md). - It works on Instagram posts, Reels and stories. It is not available on Facebook. ## Steps 1. Go to **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** (or **Stories**) and click the post. Click the **Send Link or PDF** card. - For a new automation: **New Automation** → **Comment to DM** → **Existing posts** → pick the post → **Next** → **Send Link & PDF**. 2. Turn on **Ask audience to follow you before sending link!**. - You'll see the tag "Will send this only to non-followers." on the follow card, and "Will send this only to followers." on your DM. 3. Edit the follow card if you like. Click its text to change it. The default is: - Title: "🔓 Follow to Unlock Exclusive Content" - Description: "👋 Looks like you haven't followed me yet! 🤔 Follow to unlock exclusive content! 🔓" - Buttons: **Open Profile** and **Started following you! 👍** 4. Check your link under **Send a DM!**. 5. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app 1. Open **Instagram** → **Posts** (or **Stories**) and tap the post. 2. Tap the **Send Link or Images** card. 3. Turn on **Follow For Link** ("Ask audience to follow you before sending links."). 4. Edit **Title**, **Description** and the two button texts, then tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see 1. They comment your keyword. 2. If they already follow you, they get your link. 3. If not, they get the follow card. **Open Profile** opens your Instagram profile. 4. After following, they tap **Started following you! 👍**. InstantDM checks again and sends the link. 5. If they still don't follow, the same card comes back. ## Good to know - The follow gate can also be a step in other editors: - In a **Lead Gen** or DM automation, add a **Followers Only** step. It has an option **Move to next step if not followed**. - In **Flow Automation** (Trendsetter and above), add a **Followers only** step and connect **Follows you** and **Doesn't follow you** to different messages. - If Instagram refuses a DM because the person doesn't follow you, InstantDM posts a public reply under their comment instead, using your **Comment Reply for Non-Followers** text. See [DMs to non-followers](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md). ## What you can't do - Limit how many times someone can tap **Started following you! 👍**. - Send a different message on the second try. - Use the follow gate on Facebook posts. - Guarantee that only followers get the link. ## How to turn it off Open the post's **Send Link or PDF** card, turn off **Ask audience to follow you before sending link!** and click **Publish**. ## If it doesn't work - **The switch has a crown**: your plan doesn't include it. - **The follow card keeps coming**: see [why does the follow message keep coming?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-message-keeps-coming.md). - **Nobody gets anything**: see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Someone followed but still got the follow message. Why?** Instagram can take a moment to report a new follow. Ask them to tap Started following you! 👍 again. They can tap it as many times as needed. **Can someone get the link without following?** Sometimes. If Instagram can't answer the follow check (for example when it is busy), InstantDM treats the person as a follower and sends the link. Don't use it as a hard lock. **Does it work on Facebook posts?** No. The follow gate is for Instagram only. **Can I change the text on the follow card?** Yes. Click the card's title, description or button text in the editor and type your own. ## Related guides - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [What is the Welcome Message and should I turn it on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) - [Why does the follow message keep coming after someone followed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-message-keeps-coming.md) - [Do DMs reach people who don't follow me or have private accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md) # How do I collect emails and phone numbers in Instagram DMs? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/collect-emails-in-instagram-dms Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Create a New Automation, pick the posts, stories or inbox, and choose Lead Gen. Add Capture Email, Capture Phone or Capture Name steps, then click Save and Publish & Activate. Answers appear in the post's Lead Gen Contacts tab and in Contacts. Lead Gen is on Legend Pro and above and does not sync to email tools; use a Flow for that. ## Before you start - **Lead Gen** means asking people questions (name, email, phone) inside the DM and saving their answers. It is on **Legend Pro and above**. - Pick the right tool: | You need | Use | |---|---| | Ask for an email or phone in a straight line, see answers in InstantDM | **Lead Gen** (this guide) | | Send the email to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo | **Flow Automation** with an Email question (Trendsetter and above) | | Different messages per answer, reminders if no reply, AI replies | **Flow Automation** | - Don't edit a Lead Gen post in the phone app. Publishing that post from the app removes its Lead Gen. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation**. 2. Choose when it runs: **Comment to DM**, **Story to DM** or **DM Automation**. 3. Pick the posts, stories or inbox (**Instagram DMs**), then click **Next**. 4. Click **Lead Gen**. If you picked 2 or more posts, name the group and click **Publish Setup**. The Lead Gen editor opens. 5. For comments, fill in: - **Step 1: Trigger Keywords**: **Custom Keywords** (add words) or **All Comments**. - **Step 2: Reply to Comment (optional)**: public replies under the comment. - **Step 3: Welcome Message (shown before DM)**: the first message with a button, for example "Send me the link". - For DMs, choose **Custom Keywords** or **Any Message** under **ENTRY POINT**. 6. Click **Add Step** and choose **Capture Email**. Repeat for **Capture Phone** or **Capture Name** if needed. 7. In each question, set: - **Question Text**, for example "What's your email? I'll send the guide there." - **Invalid Response Message**, for example "That doesn't look like an email. Please try again." - **Retry Attempts** (3 is a good default). - **Variable Name (Optional)** if you want your own field name. 8. Add a **Text Message** step at the end with your link or a thank-you. 9. Click **Save**, then **Publish & Activate**. The badge shows **● LIVE**. ## On the phone app Lead Gen on posts and stories is web only. In the app you can collect answers in a DM keyword automation: 1. Open **Instagram** → **DM** tab → **Create New**. 2. Add keywords, then tap **Add Next Step** → **Ask Question** and pick **Email**, **Phone**, **Name** or **Text**. 3. Tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see They comment your keyword and get the welcome message with a button. After they tap it, each question arrives as a DM. If an answer doesn't fit the format, they get your invalid-response message and can try again. ## Good to know - Answers show in the post's **Lead Gen Contacts** tab (with **Download CSV**) and on the **Contacts** page. See [download collected leads](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads.md). - Typed answers must come within 1 hour of the question. - Check which answers each question accepts: [answer rules](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). ## What you can't do - Sync Lead Gen answers to email tools or webhooks. - Branch to different messages based on an answer. - Use Lead Gen on a **Next post** automation. ## How to turn it off Open the post and switch the **Lead Gen** card off. Confirm "Are you sure want to disable Lead Gen?". For DM automations, switch it off in **Quick Automation** → **DM Automation**. ## If it doesn't work - **Lead Gen and Send Link both look on**: only the last saved runs. Switch the other off. - **People are stuck on the phone question**: tell them "type digits only, like +14155550123". - See [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md). ## Questions people also ask **Can Lead Gen send emails to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo?** No. The Lead Gen card says No integrations. To send leads to an email tool, build a Flow Automation with an Email question (Trendsetter and above). **Why does it say a phone number is invalid?** Phone answers must be digits only, with an optional + in front, for example +919876543210. Spaces and dashes are rejected. Say this in your question. **Can I use Send Link and Lead Gen on the same post?** No. Both switches can look on, but only the one you saved last runs. Use one or the other on each post. **Can I set up Lead Gen in the phone app?** Not on posts or stories. In the app you can ask questions inside a DM keyword automation (DM tab, Ask Question). ## Related guides - [Which answers will the email, phone and name questions accept?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md) - [Where do I find and download the leads I collected?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads.md) - [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Kit (ConvertKit)?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit.md) # Which answers will the email, phone and name questions accept? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Email must look like name@domain.com. Phone must be 7 to 15 digits with an optional +, with no spaces or dashes. Name and Custom Input accept anything. Text (Free Text) accepts only English letters, numbers, spaces and . , ! ? -. Typed answers must arrive within 1 hour of the question. ## Before you start These rules apply to question steps in **Lead Gen**, DM automations and **Flow Automation**. In Lead Gen the types are called **Name, Email, Phone, Address, Free Text, Custom Input, Number, Date**. In Flow Automation they are **Name, Email, Phone, Text, Address, Yes/No, Number, Date, Star Rating**. ## Steps Use this table to pick the right question type and write the question so people answer in a format that passes. 1. Find the type you want in the table below. 2. Put the "write in your question" hint into your question text. 3. Write an **Invalid Response Message** (Lead Gen) or **Wrong input message** (flows) that repeats the format. Lead Gen doesn't show this box for **Free Text** and **Custom Input**. | Type | Accepted | Rejected | Write in your question | |---|---|---|---| | **Email** | name@domain.com | spaces, missing @ or dot | "Type your email, like name@gmail.com" | | **Phone** | + (optional) and 7 to 15 digits: +919876543210, 4155550123 | spaces, dashes, brackets: +91 98765 43210, (415) 555-0123 | "Type your number with no spaces, like +919876543210" | | **Name** | anything | nothing | "What's your first name?" | | **Custom Input** (Lead Gen) | anything | nothing | any open question | | **Text** / **Free Text** | English letters, numbers, spaces and . , ! ? - | apostrophes, @, $, emoji, accents, other scripts (हिंदी, العربية) | better to use **Name** (flows) or **Custom Input** (Lead Gen) | | **Address** | text that ends with a 5 or 6 digit postal code: "12 MG Road, Pune 411001" | postcodes with letters (UK, Canada), no postcode at the end | "Your address, ending with your PIN code" | | **Number** | 500, 2.5 | 1,000, $500, "five" | "Type a number only, like 500" | | **Date** | most readable dates: 16 May 1999, 1999-05-16 | text that isn't a date | "Your date of birth, like 16 May 1999" | | **Yes/No**, **Star Rating**, choices (flows) | a tap on a choice | typed answers | "Tap one of the buttons below" | ## On the phone app The same rules apply to **Ask Question** steps in the app's **DM** tab (types **Text**, **Email**, **Phone**, **Name**). Set **Invalid Response Message** and **Retry Attempts** in the step. ## What your followers see If their answer doesn't pass, they get your invalid-response message and can answer again. After the last try, the automation moves on without saving that answer. ## Good to know **Retries** - Lead Gen offers **No retry**, **1 attempt**, **2 attempts**, **3 attempts** and **Until valid**. Flows offer 1 to 10 (default 3). - With 3 attempts, the person gets 2 correction messages. After the third wrong answer, the automation moves on and saves nothing. - **No retry**: one wrong answer and it moves on. - **Until valid**: it keeps asking until the answer passes. **The 1-hour window** Typed answers must arrive within 1 hour of the question. A later reply is treated as a new message, so it can start a different automation instead. Tapping a choice button still works later. **Skip button** If you turn on **Allow Skip** (Lead Gen) or **Allow skip** (flows) and someone taps the skip button the first time a question is asked, the skip text (for example "Skip") may be saved as their answer. Because of this: - Don't turn on skip for a question whose answer goes to an email tool. - **Ask only if unknown** may treat that person as "already answered" and never ask again. - In exports, look for your skip text in the answer column. **Wording tips** - Ask one thing per question. - Show an example in the format you need. - For open answers ("What's your biggest challenge?"), use **Name** in flows or **Custom Input** in Lead Gen, not Text. ## What you can't do - Add your own format rules. - Accept phone numbers with spaces. - Collect a photo or file as an answer. ## If it doesn't work - **Everyone fails the phone question**: add "no spaces" and an example to the question text. - **Answers are missing in the export**: the person ran out of retries, or answered after 1 hour. - **Email didn't reach your email tool**: only the **Email** question type is sent. See [send leads to Kit](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit.md). ## Questions people also ask **Why is a correct Indian or US phone number rejected?** Because it has spaces, dashes or brackets. +91 98765 43210 and (415) 555-0123 fail. +919876543210 and 4155550123 pass. **Why are names in Hindi, Arabic or with accents rejected?** You probably used the Text (Free Text) type, which accepts English letters only. Use the Name type, or Custom Input in Lead Gen, which accept anything. **What happens after the last wrong answer?** The automation moves on to the next step and saves nothing for that question. **Can I change the 1-hour window?** No. It is fixed. ## Related guides - [How do I collect emails and phone numbers in Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/collect-emails-in-instagram-dms.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [Where do I find and download the leads I collected?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Kit (ConvertKit)?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit.md) # Where do I find and download the leads I collected? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** For Lead Gen on a post, open the post and use the Lead Gen Contacts tab, then Download CSV. For flows and Lead Gen, open Contacts and click Export. For a Send Link post, open All Comments, then View Summary and Download CSV. Downloads are on the web only, and a flow filter limits the export to the 200 most recent people. ## Before you start Where your leads are depends on how you collected them: | You collected them with | Download from | |---|---| | **Lead Gen** on a post or story | The post's **Lead Gen Contacts** tab | | **Flow Automation** or Lead Gen (all of them together) | **Contacts** → **Export** | | **Send Link or PDF** (no questions) | The post's **All Comments** → **View Summary** | ## Steps To download every lead from your flows and Lead Gen automations at once: 1. Click **Contacts** in the sidebar. 2. Choose **Instagram** or **Facebook** at the top. Each one exports separately. 3. Optional: pick a tag in **Filter by tag**. Leave **Filter by flow** empty if you want everyone. 4. Click **Export**. You'll see "Exported N contacts." and get a file like `contacts-2026-10-24.csv`. The file has contact_id, username, tags, human_takeover, created_at, then one column per saved field, such as email and phone. ### Lead Gen on one post - Go to **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Posts** and click the post. - Open the **Lead Gen Contacts** tab and click **Download CSV**. - You get one row per person: Username, Name, Instagram profile link, one column per question (the answer, or "Skipped"), Tags, Status (Completed or In Progress) and Date. ### Send Link post (who got your DM) - Open the post and stay on the **All Comments** tab. - Click **View Summary**, then **Download CSV**. It includes up to 20,000 people, with their comment, whether the DM and public reply were sent, and link opens. There are no emails in this file. ## On the phone app The app can't download CSV files. You can look at people per automation: a post's **Contacts** tab, the **Contacts** button on a DM automation, or **Flows** → tap a flow. ## Good to know - **Contacts** shows people added from 25 Aug 2026 onward. Older leads are not lost: open the flow in **Flow Automation**, click the people icon (**View contacts**) and use the download icon. That export is limited to the 200 most recent people. - To export more than 200 people from one flow, add a **Tag Contact** step to the flow, then export **Contacts** filtered by that tag. - The **Contacts** search box only searches the 25 rows on the screen. - "Completed" and "In Progress" are approximate. Flows that end on a button or link message often stay "In Progress" even when the person finished. - The file opens in Excel and Google Sheets. ## What you can't do - Export Instagram and Facebook contacts in one file. - Schedule automatic exports. To send leads somewhere as they arrive, use [Mailchimp](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp.md), Kit or Klaviyo from a flow. - Import contacts. ## If it doesn't work - **No Lead Gen Contacts tab**: the post uses **Send Link or PDF**, not Lead Gen. Use **View Summary**. - **An email column is missing**: nobody in that export answered an Email question, or they ran out of retries. See [answer rules](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). - **Someone is missing from Contacts**: they got only a plain DM, or came before 25 Aug 2026. Check the flow's own contact list. ## Questions people also ask **Why are people from my Send Link automation not in Contacts?** Contacts lists people from Flow Automation and Lead Gen only. For a Send Link post, use All Comments, then View Summary, then Download CSV. That file has who commented and got the DM, not emails. **Why did my export stop at 200 people?** Exports with a flow filter, or from a flow's contact list, include only the 200 most recent people. Export from Contacts with no flow filter, or with a tag filter, to get everyone. **Can I export from the phone app?** No. The app shows contacts per post, per DM automation and per flow, but CSV downloads are web only. **Can I import contacts from a CSV?** No. InstantDM has no contact import. ## Related guides - [How do I collect emails and phone numbers in Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/collect-emails-in-instagram-dms.md) - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) - [How do I see who went through a flow and what they answered?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Mailchimp?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp.md) # How do I send Instagram leads to Mailchimp? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Add your Mailchimp API Key and Server Prefix in Account Settings, Integrations, and click Save. Then, in a Flow Automation with an Email question, open Integrations, switch on Mailchimp, choose On every answer and click Set Live. New leads join your audience as subscribed. Trendsetter and above. ## Before you start - This needs **Trendsetter and above**. It works only through **Flow Automation** (a multi-step chat you build on the web). **Lead Gen** does not sync. - Your flow must ask with an **Email** question. An email asked with a Text question is not sent. - In Mailchimp, create an API key. The **How to get your API key** link in InstantDM opens Mailchimp's help page for this. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the sidebar and open the **Integrations** tab. 2. Under "Available", click **Mailchimp**. 3. Paste your key into **API Key**. 4. Type the **Server Prefix**: the letters and number at the end of your key, after the dash (for example `us1`). If you leave it empty, InstantDM reads it from the key. 5. Optional: type your **Audience / List ID (optional)**. If it is empty, the first audience in your Mailchimp account is used. 6. Click **Save** at the top of Settings. The tag changes to **Connected**. 7. Open **Flow Automation** and click your flow (or click **New Flow Automation** → **Instagram**). 8. Make sure the flow has an **Email** question (**Collect Email** in the bottom toolbar). Add **Name** and **Phone** questions if you want those in Mailchimp too. 9. Click **Integrations** (top right) and switch on **Mailchimp**. 10. Under **When to push data**, choose **On every answer**, then click **Done**. 11. Click **Set Live**. ## On the phone app Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. The phone app can't edit flows or integration keys. ## What your followers see Nothing changes for them. They answer your questions in the DM. What Mailchimp sends afterwards depends on your Mailchimp settings. ## Good to know - **What Mailchimp gets**: the email, the first name (from a **Name** question) and the phone (from a **Phone** question). New contacts are added as subscribed, with the tag `instantdm`. - **Why On every answer**: with **On flow completion**, Mailchimp only gets the lead when the flow fully ends. Flows that end on a button or link message never count as finished, so nothing is sent. - If you ask the name after the email, **On every answer** sends the contact again with the name. Mailchimp updates the same contact. - There is no test button and no delivery log for Mailchimp. Test from a second Instagram account and check your audience. ## What you can't do - Choose a different audience per flow. The audience is set once for the account. - Send other answers (for example budget or city) to Mailchimp fields. - Sync Lead Gen or Send Link automations. ## How to turn it off Open the flow, click **Integrations**, switch off **Mailchimp**, click **Done** and **Set Live**. ## If it doesn't work - **Leads land in the wrong audience**: fill in **Audience / List ID (optional)** and click **Save**. - **Nothing arrives**: check that the question type is **Email**, that **Mailchimp** is on in this flow, and that **When to push data** is **On every answer**. Click **Set Live** after any change. - **Some people are missing**: their email failed the format check. See [answer rules](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). ## Questions people also ask **Which Mailchimp audience do leads go to?** The one in Audience / List ID. If you leave it empty, InstantDM uses the first audience in your account. If you have more than one audience, fill it in. **Will people already in my audience be changed?** Their name and phone are updated if your flow asked for them. Their subscription status is not changed. Only new contacts are added as subscribed. **Can Lead Gen send to Mailchimp?** No. Only Flow Automation syncs. The Lead Gen card says No integrations. ## Related guides - [How do I send Instagram leads to Kit (ConvertKit)?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Klaviyo?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-klaviyo.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [Where do I find and download the leads I collected?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads.md) # How do I send Instagram leads to Kit (ConvertKit)? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Add your Kit API Key (V3) and API Secret (V3) in Account Settings, Integrations, and click Save. Then, in a Flow Automation that asks an Email question, open Integrations, switch on Kit (ConvertKit), choose On every answer and click Set Live. Kit gets the email and first name. Trendsetter and above. ## Before you start - This needs **Trendsetter and above**. It works only through **Flow Automation** (a multi-step chat you build on the web). **Lead Gen** does not sync. - Your flow must ask with an **Email** question. An email asked with a Text question is not sent. - In Kit, open your developer settings and copy your v3 API key and v3 API secret. The **How to get your API key** link in InstantDM opens that page. > Fill in **both** API Key (V3) and API Secret (V3). Kit shows **Connected** with only the key, but nothing reaches Kit without the secret. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the sidebar and open the **Integrations** tab. 2. Under "Available", click **Kit (ConvertKit)**. 3. Paste your key into **API Key (V3)** and your secret into **API Secret (V3)**. 4. Optional: type a **Form ID (optional)** to subscribe people to that Kit form. 5. Click **Save** at the top of Settings. The tag changes to **Connected**. 6. Open **Flow Automation** and click your flow (or click **New Flow Automation** → **Instagram** to make one). 7. Make sure the flow has an **Email** question. Add one with **Collect Email** in the bottom toolbar if needed. Add a **Name** question too if you want the first name in Kit. 8. Click **Integrations** (top right) and switch on **Kit (ConvertKit)**. 9. Under **When to push data**, choose **On every answer**, then click **Done**. 10. Click **Set Live**. You'll see "Changes Published." ## On the phone app Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. The phone app can't edit flows or integration keys. ## What your followers see Nothing changes for them. They answer your email question in the DM as usual. Anything Kit sends after that, such as a confirmation or welcome email, depends on your Kit form and automation settings. ## Good to know - **Why On every answer**: with **On flow completion**, Kit only gets the lead when the flow fully ends. Flows that end on a button or link message (for example a download or booking link) never count as finished, so Kit gets nothing. - With **On every answer**, InstantDM sends the lead as soon as the email is answered, and again after later answers. Kit just updates the same subscriber. - Kit gets: email and first name (from your **Name** question). Phone numbers and other answers are not sent. - There is no test button and no delivery log for Kit. Test from a second Instagram account and check your Kit subscribers. - The Kit settings are for the whole account. Every flow with Kit switched on uses the same form or tag. ## What you can't do - Send answers other than email and first name to Kit custom fields. - Use a different Kit form per flow. - Sync Lead Gen or Send Link automations to Kit. ## How to turn it off Open the flow, click **Integrations**, switch off **Kit (ConvertKit)**, click **Done** and **Set Live**. ## If it doesn't work - **Connected, but nothing in Kit**: fill in **API Secret (V3)** and click **Save**. - **Still nothing**: check that the question type is **Email**, that **Kit (ConvertKit)** is on in this flow, and that you clicked **Set Live** after changing it. - **Set to On flow completion**: switch to **On every answer**. - **Some people are missing**: their email failed the format check and they ran out of retries. See [answer rules](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). ## Questions people also ask **Kit shows Connected but no subscribers arrive. Why?** The Connected tag only checks the API Key, but syncing uses the API Secret (V3). Fill in the API Secret, click Save, and test again. **Which Kit form or tag do new subscribers get?** If you fill in Form ID, they subscribe to that form. If you leave it empty, they get a tag named instantdm. **Does Kit get my other answers, like phone or budget?** No. Kit gets the email and the first name only. **Can Lead Gen send to Kit?** No. Only Flow Automation syncs to Kit. The Lead Gen card says No integrations. ## Related guides - [How do I send Instagram leads to Mailchimp?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Klaviyo?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-klaviyo.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [How do I book calls from Instagram comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/book-calls-from-instagram.md) # How do I send Instagram leads to Klaviyo? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-klaviyo Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Add your Klaviyo Private API Key (pk_...) and an optional List ID in Account Settings, Integrations, and click Save. Then, in a Flow Automation with an Email question, open Integrations, switch on Klaviyo, choose On every answer and click Set Live. Klaviyo gets the email, name, phone and Instagram username. Trendsetter and above. ## Before you start - This needs **Trendsetter and above**. It works only through **Flow Automation** (a multi-step chat you build on the web). **Lead Gen** does not sync. - Your flow must ask with an **Email** question. An email asked with a Text question is not sent. - In Klaviyo, create a **private** API key (it starts with `pk_`). If you limit its access, it must be able to write profiles, lists and subscriptions. The **How to get your API key** link in InstantDM opens Klaviyo's guide. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the sidebar and open the **Integrations** tab. 2. Under "Available", click **Klaviyo**. 3. Paste your key into **Private API Key**. 4. Optional: type your **List ID (optional)** to add every lead to that list. 5. Click **Save** at the top of Settings. The tag changes to **Connected**. 6. Open **Flow Automation** and click your flow (or click **New Flow Automation** → **Instagram**). 7. Make sure the flow has an **Email** question (**Collect Email** in the bottom toolbar). Add **Name** and **Phone** questions if you want them in Klaviyo. 8. Click **Integrations** (top right) and switch on **Klaviyo**. 9. Under **When to push data**, choose **On every answer**, then click **Done**. 10. Click **Set Live**. ## On the phone app Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. The phone app can't edit flows or integration keys. ## What your followers see Nothing changes for them. They answer your questions in the DM. What Klaviyo sends afterwards depends on your Klaviyo flows. ## Good to know - **What Klaviyo gets**: email, first name (from a **Name** question), phone (from a **Phone** question), and the properties `source` = instantdm, `ig_username`, and one named after your flow set to true. - The email is subscribed to email marketing. If you set a **List ID**, the profile is also added to that list. - If the profile already exists, InstantDM updates its name, phone and properties. - **Phone numbers**: ask people to include the country code, for example "+14155550123" or "+919876543210". Phone answers must be digits with no spaces. - **Why On every answer**: with **On flow completion**, Klaviyo only gets the lead when the flow fully ends. Flows that end on a button or link message never count as finished, so nothing is sent. - There is no test button and no delivery log for Klaviyo. Test from a second Instagram account and check your profiles. ## What you can't do - Choose a different list per flow. The list is set once for the account. - Send other answers to Klaviyo profile properties. - Sync Lead Gen or Send Link automations. ## How to turn it off Open the flow, click **Integrations**, switch off **Klaviyo**, click **Done** and **Set Live**. ## If it doesn't work - **Profiles arrive but aren't in your list**: fill in **List ID (optional)** and click **Save**. - **Nothing arrives**: check the key starts with `pk_`, the question type is **Email**, **Klaviyo** is on in this flow and **When to push data** is **On every answer**. Click **Set Live** after any change. - **Some people are missing**: their email failed the format check. See [answer rules](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). ## Questions people also ask **Will leads be added to a Klaviyo list?** Only if you fill in List ID. Without it, InstantDM creates or updates the profile and subscribes the email, but doesn't add it to a list. **How can I see which flow a lead came from?** Each profile gets a property named after the flow (for example lead_magnet_flow set to true), plus source instantdm and ig_username. **Can Lead Gen send to Klaviyo?** No. Only Flow Automation syncs. The Lead Gen card says No integrations. ## Related guides - [How do I send Instagram leads to Mailchimp?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Kit (ConvertKit)?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [Which answers will the email, phone and name questions accept?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md) # How do I book calls from Instagram comments? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/book-calls-from-instagram Section: Collect leads and grow followers Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Build a Flow Automation: a Comment Reply trigger on your Reel, Name and Email questions, then a button message with your calendar link and an I booked it button, plus a reminder if they don't tap. Send emails to Kit or Mailchimp with On every answer. InstantDM can't see whether someone actually booked. Trendsetter and above. ## Before you start - This uses **Flow Automation**, a multi-step chat you build on a computer. It needs **Trendsetter and above**. - Have your booking link ready (Calendly, Cal.com, Google Calendar or any other). - InstantDM can't see your calendar. It never knows for sure who booked. - Optional: connect [Kit](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit.md) or [Mailchimp](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp.md) in **Account Settings** → **Integrations** first. ## Steps 1. Click **Flow Automation** in the sidebar, then **New Flow Automation**, then **Instagram**. 2. Under **Or start from a template**, click **Link Delivery + Reminder** (in **Engagement**), then **Use this template**. It already has a button message and a 30-minute reminder. 3. Click the **Trigger** card. Under **Comment Reply**: - **Step 1 · Select the posts**: choose **IG Posts** and click your Reel. - **Step 2 · Trigger word**: remove the template's words "link" and "guide". Keep **Custom Word**, type `CALL` and click **Add**. - **Step 3 · Welcome message**: delete the sample sentence that is already there and type your own, for example "Want a free 20-minute call? Tap below." Set the button text, for example "Yes, show me". - **Step 4 · Reply to comment**: add 2 or 3 public replies, like "Sent you a DM". 4. Click **+**, choose **Question**, then **Name**. Then add a **Collect Email** step from the bottom toolbar. 5. Right-click the line from the trigger to the button message and choose **Delete connection**. Then connect the steps in order: the trigger's dot → Name question → Email question → the button message. 6. Click the button message. Change the title, for example "Pick a time that works for you". 7. Click its **Open Link** button. Keep the type **URL**, rename it "Book a call" and replace `https://example.com/replace-me` with your booking link. 8. Click **Add Button**, choose type **Regular**, and name it "I booked it". 9. Add a **DM Reply** step that says "Thanks, see you on the call." Connect the "I booked it" button's dot to it. 10. Under **Follow Up** on the button message, set the wait, for example 3 **Hour** (24 hours at most). Edit the reminder step the template connected to "If no reply in …". 11. Optional: click **Integrations**, switch on **Kit (ConvertKit)** or **Mailchimp**, choose **On every answer** and click **Done**. 12. Click **Preview** to check the main path, then **Set Live**. ## On the phone app You can't build or edit flows in the app. To see who went through the flow and what they answered, tap **Flows** on the app's Home and tap the flow. ## What your followers see 1. They comment "CALL" on your Reel. A public reply appears under their comment. 2. They get a DM with your welcome text and one button. Nothing else happens until they tap it. 3. They're asked for their name, then their email. 4. They get a card with **Book a call** (opens your calendar) and **I booked it**. 5. If they don't reply or tap **I booked it** within your wait time, they get your reminder. ## Good to know - **Use On every answer** for Kit or Mailchimp. This flow ends on a button message, so it never counts as "completed" and **On flow completion** would send nothing. - Typed answers must come within 1 hour of the question. Write your questions so people answer quickly. - To send the link only to good fits, add a question with choices and a **Condition** step. See [different messages by answer](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md). - Link taps show in **Insights** → **Link Clicks**. A tap is not a booking. - Who entered the flow and their answers: [flow results](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results.md). ## What you can't do - See or confirm real bookings. - Send reminders more than 24 hours later, or message people who never replied. - Cancel the reminder when someone taps a link button. Only a reply or a **Regular** button tap cancels it. ## How to turn it off In **Flow Automation**, flip the flow's switch off and confirm "Unpublish this automation?". It moves to Draft. ## If it doesn't work - **"Comment Reply: A welcome message title is required."** or **"At least one comment response word is required."**: fill in Step 3 and Step 4 of the trigger. - **People get the first DM and nothing else**: they didn't tap the welcome button. Make the welcome text ask them to tap. - **The phone or name answer is rejected**: see [answer rules](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). - More help: [set a flow live](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) and [reminders if no reply](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md). ## Questions people also ask **Will InstantDM know who booked a call?** No. InstantDM has no calendar connection. It can show who tapped your link (Insights, Link Clicks) and who tapped I booked it, but not real bookings. **Can I remind them 2 or 3 days later?** No. Reminders and delays are limited to 24 hours, because Instagram only allows replies within 24 hours of the person's last message. **Can I only send the calendar link to good fits?** Yes. Ask a question with choices (for example budget) and add a Condition step that sends the link only for some answers. **Why did people who tapped my calendar link still get the reminder?** Tapping a link button sends nothing back to InstantDM, so the reminder still goes out. Only a reply or a tap on a Regular button cancels it. ## Related guides - [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) - [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Kit (ConvertKit)?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-kit.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) --- # Section: Multi-step flows # What is Flow Automation and when do I need it? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Flow Automation is InstantDM's drawing board for DM conversations with more than one step. You connect steps such as messages, questions, conditions and AI replies, and each person's taps and answers decide what they get next. You build flows in the web app on a computer, on Trendsetter and above. A **flow** is a conversation you draw on a canvas. Each box is a step: send a message, ask a question, check something, wait, tag the person, or let AI reply. Lines between the boxes decide what happens next. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above**. On lower plans, **New Flow Automation** shows "Upgrade to unlock the Flow Editor" with **See plans** and **Not now**. New accounts can try it during their first-week trial. - Use a laptop or computer. On a narrow screen the flow list shows "Please open on a laptop or computer for the best experience." - Your Instagram account must be connected. For Facebook flows you also need a connected Facebook Page (see [connect your Facebook Page](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md)). ## When to use a flow | You want to... | Use | |---|---| | Send the same link, text or PDF to everyone who comments | **Send Link & PDF** | | Ask for a name, email or phone in a straight line, no other apps | **Lead Gen** | | Ask questions and send different messages based on the answers | **Flow Automation** | | Remind people who don't reply | **Flow Automation** | | Let AI answer DMs with your own AI key | **Flow Automation** | | Send collected emails to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo | **Flow Automation** | More detail: [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) ## Steps 1. Click **Flow Automation** in the left sidebar. You'll see the page **Flow Automations** with your flows split into **Live** and **Drafts**. 2. Click **New Flow Automation**. 3. In the window "Which platform is this automation for?", click **Instagram** or **Facebook**. 4. Choose how to start: - Type what you want into the box at the top and click **Build with AI** (see [build a flow with AI](https://instantdm.com/how-to/build-flow-with-ai.md)). - Click **Start from scratch** for an empty canvas. - Pick a template under **Or start from a template** and click **Use this template** (see [create a flow from a template](https://instantdm.com/how-to/create-flow-from-template.md)). 5. Click the **Trigger** card and choose what starts the flow: **Comment Reply**, **DM Reply** or **Story Reply**. 6. Add steps from the toolbar at the bottom and connect them. You'll see each step as a card on the canvas. 7. Click **Set Live** at the top right. Until you do, nothing is sent. See [turn a flow on](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## On the phone app In the InstantDM app you can open **Flows** on Home to see your flows, the people in each flow and their answers. You can't create, edit or publish flows in the app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see - **Comment flows:** the person first gets one DM with your welcome text and a single button. Nothing else is sent until they tap that button. Then the rest of the flow runs. - **DM and story reply flows:** the first step is sent straight away, with no welcome button. - All messages come from your own Instagram account or Facebook Page. ## Good to know - Everything you change saves as a draft automatically. Drafts never reach your followers. - A flow has one **Trigger** card. You can't delete it, and you can't add a second one. - Waits and reminders inside a flow can't be longer than 24 hours. - Question answers are saved on the contact, so you can see them later in **Contacts** and reuse them in messages. - Folders, duplicates and sharing: see [organize and copy flows](https://instantdm.com/how-to/organize-and-copy-flows.md) and [share a flow](https://instantdm.com/how-to/share-a-flow.md). ## What you can't do - Build or edit flows in the phone app. - Send broadcasts or message people who never contacted you. - Wait more than 24 hours between steps. - Send video messages from a flow. ## How to turn it off Open **Flow Automation** and switch off the flow's row, then confirm **Yes, Unpublish**. Details in [turn a flow on or off](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"Upgrade to unlock the Flow Editor"** → your plan doesn't include flows. Click **See plans**, or see [which plan do I need](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md). - **The flow is live but nobody gets a DM** → see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - **People got the first DM but nothing after** → in comment flows they must tap the welcome button first. Make the welcome text tell them to tap it. ## Questions people also ask **Do I need a flow to send one link when people comment?** No. For one message with a link or PDF, use Send Link & PDF. Use a flow when you need questions, branches, reminders, AI replies or a connection to your email tool. **Can I build a flow on my phone?** No. The InstantDM phone app only shows your flows and the people in them. You create and edit flows in the web app on a laptop or computer. **Can one flow start from comments, story replies and DMs at the same time?** Yes. Each flow has one Trigger card, and that card can listen to comments, story replies and DMs together. Story replies are Instagram only. **What happens if two flows use the same trigger word?** Only one of them runs: the one you published most recently. Use different words, or keep only one of those flows live. ## Related guides - [Send Link, Lead Gen or Flow: which one should I pick?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-link-lead-gen-or-flow.md) - [How do I create a flow from a template?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/create-flow-from-template.md) - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) # How do I create a flow from a template? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/create-flow-from-template Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open Flow Automation, click New Flow Automation, pick Instagram or Facebook, choose a template and click Use this template. Before Set Live, replace every sample link, price and text. For comment templates, also write your welcome message title and add at least one public comment reply, or Set Live will refuse. A **template** is a ready-made flow with its steps already connected. You still need to put in your own words, links and prices. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above**. - Use a laptop or computer. - The **AI Receptionist (Claude)** template needs your own Anthropic API key. See [add an AI key](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key.md). ## Steps 1. Click **Flow Automation** in the left sidebar, then **New Flow Automation**. 2. Click **Instagram** or **Facebook**. You'll see "Create a new Instagram flow automation" (or Facebook). 3. Under **Or start from a template**, click a template in the left list. The right side shows a preview of its steps. 4. Click **Use this template**. You'll see "Template "" loaded successfully!" and the steps on the canvas. 5. Click the **Trigger** card and check what starts the flow. - Comment templates are set to any post. To use one Reel only, choose **IG Posts** under **Step 1 · Select the posts** and pick it. - Check the trigger words. Change them to the word you'll ask people to comment. 6. For a comment template, finish the two parts the template leaves empty: - **Step 3 · Welcome message:** click the sample sentence "Thanks for commenting — type {{ for variables" and replace it with your own title, for example "Tap below to get your free guide". The sample sentence looks like real text, but it is only a placeholder. - **Step 4 · Reply to comment:** add at least one public reply, for example "Sent you a DM, check your inbox". 7. Click every step and replace the sample content (see the table below). Change prices, links and wording to your own. 8. Click **Preview** at the top right to walk through the conversation. 9. Click **Set Live**. You'll see "Changes Published." ## The 8 templates | Template | Starts when | What it does | Replace before Set Live | |---|---|---|---| | **Lead Collection** (Leads) | Comment with "interested", "info" or "details" | Asks name, email and phone, then tags them `lead` | Welcome title, public reply | | **Link Delivery + Reminder** (Engagement) | Comment with "link" or "guide" | Sends a button with your link, reminds after 30 min if no reply | The button URL `https://example.com/replace-me`, welcome title, public reply | | **Story Email Collector** (Leads) | Story reply with "join" | Asks email (only if not known), tags `email-subscriber` | Message text. Instagram only | | **AI Receptionist (Claude)** (AI) | Every DM | AI replies to every incoming DM | The business description "Describe your business here..." | | **Event / Webinar Registration** (Leads) | Comment with "join" or "register" | Asks name and email, confirms, tags `registered` | Event details, welcome title, public reply | | **Price Inquiry** (Sales) | Comment with "price" or "cost" | Sends a price list, asks for a WhatsApp number | The `$XX` prices, welcome title, public reply | | **Followers-Only Giveaway** (Engagement) | Comment with "giveaway" or "win" | Followers get confirmed and tagged, others are asked to follow | Welcome title, public reply | | **Feedback & Rating** (Engagement) | DM with "feedback" | Star rating, asks permission to share, tags `reviewed` | Message text | ## On the phone app You can't create flows in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. The app can show your flows and the people in them under **Flows**. ## What your followers see - In comment templates, the first DM is your welcome title with one button. The rest only runs after they tap it. - Their comment gets one of your public replies, picked at random. - Anything you forgot to replace is sent as it is, for example `$XX` or the sample link. > The **AI Receptionist (Claude)** template answers every DM your account receives as soon as it's live. To test it first, change its trigger to a word like "test" and DM that word from another Instagram account. ## Good to know - Phone questions accept digits only, with an optional + (for example +919876543210 or +14155550123). Spaces or dashes are rejected. Tell people that in the question text. - If two live flows use the same trigger word, only the one published most recently runs. - The flow saves as a draft while you edit. Followers get nothing until **Set Live**. ## What you can't do - Save your own flows as templates or edit the template list. - Filter templates by platform. ## How to turn it off In **Flow Automation**, switch off the flow's row and click **Yes, Unpublish**. See [turn a flow on or off](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"Comment Reply: A welcome message title is required."** → write a title in **Step 3 · Welcome message**. Make sure you replaced the sample sentence "Thanks for commenting — type {{ for variables". - **"Comment Reply: At least one comment response word is required."** → add a public reply in **Step 4 · Reply to comment**. - **"AI API key missing"** → save your key in **Account Settings → AI Configuration**. See [add an AI key](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key.md). - **Story Email Collector on Facebook has no trigger** → Facebook has no story replies. Turn on **DM Reply** or **Comment Reply** in the Trigger card. - Other errors: see [what the Set Live errors mean](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## Questions people also ask **Can I save my own flow as a template?** No. The template list is fixed. To reuse your own flow, duplicate it or share it with a link. **Are the templates different for Facebook?** No, the same 8 templates show for Instagram and Facebook. Story Email Collector needs story replies, which Facebook doesn't have, so change its trigger to DM Reply or Comment Reply. **Why does my flow still have the template's name?** Template flows keep the template name. Click the pencil next to the name at the top left of the editor to rename it. ## Related guides - [What is Flow Automation and when do I need it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md) - [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) - [How do I build a flow by describing it to AI?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/build-flow-with-ai.md) - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) # How do I build a flow by describing it to AI? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/build-flow-with-ai Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Type what you want into the Build with AI box on Home, or click the AI button inside the flow editor, and the builder adds and connects the steps for you. It can't pick your posts or stories and it never publishes. Check every step, pick your posts in the Trigger card, then click Set Live. Trendsetter and above. The AI builder turns a sentence like "When someone comments price, send my price list and ask for their WhatsApp number" into flow steps on the canvas. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above**. On lower plans, **Build with AI** shows "Upgrade to unlock the Flow Editor". - Use a laptop or computer. - Have your real links, prices and coupon codes ready. The builder asks for them instead of making them up. ## Steps 1. Start from one of these places: - **Home:** type into the box at the top of the page and click **Build with AI** (or press Enter). - **Flow Automation → New Flow Automation:** choose **Instagram** or **Facebook**, then use the same box at the top of the window. - **Inside an open flow:** click **✨ AI** at the top right. The **AI Builder** panel opens. 2. Describe the flow in plain words. Say what starts it, what to send, what to ask and what to do if they don't reply. Example: "When someone comments GUIDE, send a button with my link and remind them after 1 hour if they don't tap." - You'll see the steps appear and connect on the canvas, with a short summary of what changed in the panel. - From Home, the flow gets a name from the first words of your description. 3. If the builder asks for a link, price, code or key, reply with the exact value. 4. To change only one step, click that step first. The panel shows **Editing:** with the step type, and the box says "Tell me what this ... node should do...". Click the × on that chip to go back to the whole flow. 5. Open the **Trigger** card and pick your posts or stories. The builder can't do this part. 6. Click each step and check the text. Use **Undo** at the left of the bottom toolbar to reverse an AI change. 7. Click **Preview** to walk through it, then click **Set Live**. ## On the phone app Build with AI isn't in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see Only what's in the flow after you click **Set Live**. The builder itself never sends anything to anyone. ## Good to know - The builder can add messages, buttons, cards, questions, follower checks, tags, delays, conditions, randomizers, Set Field, HTTP Request, AI Reply and notes. It can set trigger words and "if they don't reply" reminders. - It can fill an **AI Reply** step's Guided fields, but you choose the AI provider and model yourself, and that step needs your own AI key. See [AI replies to DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md). - If it set the wrong trigger, tell it, for example "only comments should trigger this". - The **AI Builder** panel can be moved, resized and minimized. - The chat with the builder is not kept after you reload the page. Your flow is kept, because the editor saves drafts automatically. ## What you can't do - Let the builder pick posts, stories or Reels. - Upload images or PDFs through the chat. Add them in the step yourself. - Let it choose which flow a **Trigger another Flow** step starts. - Publish from the chat. You always click **Set Live**. - Build Quick Automations (Send Link & PDF or Lead Gen) with it. ## How to turn it off A flow built with AI is a normal flow. Switch off its row in **Flow Automation** and click **Yes, Unpublish**. See [turn a flow on or off](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"The AI builder isn't reachable right now. Please try again in a moment."** → click **Retry** under the message. - **"The AI returned an unreadable response — please try again."** → click **Retry**. - **"The AI declined this request — try rephrasing it."** → write your request in different words. - **"Upgrade to unlock the Flow Editor"** → your plan doesn't include flows. See [which plan do I need](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md). - **Set Live shows errors** → see [what the Set Live errors mean](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## Questions people also ask **Do I need my own AI key for Build with AI?** No. The builder doesn't use your key. You only need your own key if the flow contains an AI Reply step that answers your followers. **Can the AI choose my latest Reel?** No. It can't select posts or stories. Open the Trigger card and pick them yourself. **Does the AI publish the flow?** No. Nothing goes live until you click Set Live. **Can I undo what the AI changed?** Yes. Each AI change is one Undo step. Click Undo at the left of the bottom toolbar. ## Related guides - [How do I create a flow from a template?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/create-flow-from-template.md) - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) - [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) - [How do I make AI reply to my Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md) # What does each step in a flow do? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** A flow is built from steps: DM Reply sends messages, Question steps ask and save answers, AI Reply lets AI chat, Followers only checks if they follow you, Tag Contact, Condition, Delay, Randomizer, Set Field and HTTP Request handle logic and data, and Trigger Flow starts another flow. Add them from the toolbar at the bottom of the editor or the + button. Each box on the canvas is a **step** (the editor also calls it a node). This page lists every step you can add and its limits. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above** and a laptop or computer. - Open a flow in the editor. New to flows? Start with [what is Flow Automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md). ## Steps 1. In the flow editor, click a circle in the toolbar at the bottom: **DM Reply**, **AI Reply**, **Ask a Question**, **Collect Email**, **Followers only**, **Tag Contact**, **Trigger another Flow** or **Notes**. 2. For any other step, click **+** and type the step name in **Search nodes...**. Hover a step to read what it does. 3. Or drag from a dot on a card and let go on empty canvas. The step list opens there, and the new step is connected for you. 4. Click the new card. Its settings open on the right, with **Duplicate node** and **Delete node**. 5. Connect it: drag from a dot (for example **Next Step**) to the next card. Each dot can connect to one next step only. ## Every step you can add | Step (toolbar or list name) | Card title | What it does | Limits | |---|---|---|---| | **Trigger** | Trigger | Decides what starts the flow: **Comment Reply**, **DM Reply** or **Story Reply** (Instagram only). | One per flow. It can't be deleted. | | **DM Reply** | Send Message | Sends messages: **Text**, **Button** (cards with buttons), **Image**, **Audio**, **File** (PDF). **Add Delay** waits between messages in the same step. | Text is sent up to 1,000 characters (no counter in the editor). Card text up to 640. Up to 10 **Add Smart Reply** chips per text. Up to 3 buttons per card, up to 10 cards. File = PDF only. In-step delay in seconds or minutes. | | **Ask a Question**, **Collect Email** (or **+** → Question) | Question | Asks one question and waits. Types: **Name**, **Email**, **Phone**, **Text**, **Address**, **Yes/No**, **Number**, **Date**, **Star Rating**. Saves the answer on the contact. | Typed answers must arrive within 1 hour. 1 to 10 tries (default 3). See [answer rules](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md). | | **AI Reply** | AI Reply | AI answers the person's messages using your own AI key. | Steps after it never run. See [AI replies](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md). | | **Followers only** | Followers Check | Splits people into **Follows you** and **Doesn't follow you**. Can send non-followers a card with an **Open Profile** button and a confirmation button (new steps start with "I started following you."). | On Facebook everyone counts as following. | | **Tag Contact** | Add Tag | Adds tags, and can remove tags (**Tags to remove**). | Invisible to the person. | | **Condition** | Condition | Sends people down **True** or **False** based on a saved field, a tag, whether they follow you, whether you follow them, or their follower count. | See [different messages by answer](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md). | | **Delay** | Delay | Everyone waits, then continues. **Seconds**, **Minutes** or **Hours**. | Up to 24 hours. A reply doesn't cancel it. | | **Randomizer** | Randomizer | Splits people across branches by percentage, for A/B tests. | Up to 4 branches (A to D). | | **Trigger Flow** (toolbar: **Trigger another Flow**) | Start another Flow | Starts another published flow for this person. This flow ends here. | Drafts can't be picked. | | **Set Field** | Set Field | Saves or clears a value on the contact without asking. | Values are saved as text. | | **HTTP Request** | HTTP Request | Sends data to another app's web address and can save parts of the reply. Goes to **Success** or **Failure**. | 10-second timeout, runs once, no retry. | | **Notes** | Notes | A sticky note for you and your team. | Never sent. | To send answers to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo, use the **Integrations** button at the top of the editor instead of a step. See [send flow data to another app](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-flow-data-to-another-app.md). ## On the phone app You can't add or edit steps in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see - Messages arrive in the order of the steps. Smart replies show as tappable chips, buttons show under each card. - A **URL** button opens a link. A **Regular** button sends the tap back to InstantDM, so it can lead to its own next step. - Tags, conditions, Set Field, HTTP Request and Notes are invisible to them. ## Good to know - Buttons and smart replies don't pause the flow. After the last message, the flow continues to **Next Step** right away. Only Question steps wait. - A card with only **URL** buttons can't continue the flow when tapped. Add a **Regular** button for that. - If a PDF can't be attached, the person gets the file link as text instead. - **Set Live** only checks the step directly after the Trigger. An empty text further down is sent as a single "." so check every step. - The **Delay** step and in-step **Add Delay** wait for everyone. For a reminder only to people who didn't reply, see [follow up if no reply](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md). ## What you can't do - Send video, GIFs or stickers. - Add more than 3 buttons to a card. - Wait more than 24 hours, or wait until a date and time. - Collect a photo or file as an answer. - Go back to the first flow after **Trigger another Flow**. ## If it doesn't work - **"DM Reply node: At least one message is required."** → add a message to the step after the Trigger. - **"More than one connection"** → a dot can only connect to one step. Delete the old line first: right-click it → **Delete connection**. - **Nothing happens after a button tap** → the button is a **URL** button, or its dot isn't connected. Use a **Regular** button and connect its dot. ## Questions people also ask **How many buttons can one message have?** Up to 3 buttons per card. A button message can have up to 10 cards, which are sent as a carousel the person swipes through. **Do buttons and quick replies pause the flow?** No. After the last message of a DM Reply step, the flow goes on to the next step straight away. Only Question steps wait for an answer. **How long can a Delay step wait?** Up to 24 hours. Longer values are cut to 24 hours. **Why do some steps have two names?** The toolbar name and the card title differ for a few steps. For example, the DM Reply step shows the title Send Message on the canvas, and Tag Contact shows Add Tag. ## Related guides - [What is Flow Automation and when do I need it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) - [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) # How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Add a Question step (Ask a Question, Collect Email, or + then Question), write your question, and optionally name the answer under Save answer as. The flow waits for the reply, checks its format, and saves it on the contact. Typed answers must arrive within 1 hour. Phone numbers must be digits only, with no spaces or dashes. A **Question step** sends one question, waits for the reply, checks it, and saves it on the person's contact record as a **field** (a saved piece of information like `email` or `budget`). ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above** and a flow open in the editor. - To send emails to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo, ask for them with the **Email** question type. A **Text** question that asks for an email is not sent. ## Steps 1. In the flow editor, click **Collect Email** or **Ask a Question** in the bottom toolbar. For other types, click **+**, then pick **Name**, **Email**, **Phone**, **Text**, **Address**, **Yes/No**, **Number**, **Date** or **Star Rating** under **Question**. 2. Connect the previous step's **Next Step** dot to the new question card. 3. Click the question card and edit the **Question** text. Say what format you expect, for example "What's your WhatsApp number? Digits only, like +919876543210". 4. Under **Save answer as**, type a short name for the answer, for example `budget`. Leave it empty to save it under the type name (`email`, `phone`, `name`...). 5. Set the options you need: - **Ask only if unknown:** skip the question if this person already answered it in any flow. - **Choices** and **Add choice:** tappable answers. **Yes/No** and **Star Rating** come with choices already. - **Allow skip:** adds a skip button with your text, for example "No thanks". - **Wrong input message** and **Retry attempts** (1 to 10, default 3). 6. Connect the question's **Next Step** dot to what should happen after a valid answer. 7. Optional: set a reminder with **Follow up if not answered**. See [follow up if no reply](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md). 8. Click **Set Live**. ## Which answers are accepted | Type | Accepted | |---|---| | **Name** | Anything | | **Email** | An address like name@domain.com | | **Phone** | 7 to 15 digits, optional + in front. No spaces, dashes or brackets | | **Text** | Only English letters, digits, spaces and `. , ! ? -`. No emoji, apostrophes, @, accents or other alphabets | | **Address** | Must end with a 5 or 6 digit postal code | | **Number** | Any number | | **Date** | Any readable date, like "16 May 1999" | | **Yes/No**, **Star Rating**, any question with choices | The person must tap a choice. Typed answers count as wrong | For open answers that may include emoji, apostrophes or another language (Hindi, Arabic, Spanish...), use the **Name** type and set **Save answer as** to your own name, for example `goal`. Full rules: [which answers are accepted](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md). ## On the phone app You can't add questions in the InstantDM app. In the app, open **Flows** and tap a flow to see each person's answers. ## What your followers see - The question arrives and the flow waits. - If the answer has the wrong format, they get your **Wrong input message** (with the choices again, if any). - With 3 retry attempts they get 2 corrections. After the third wrong answer the flow moves on and nothing is saved. - Typed answers must come within 1 hour of the question. A later typed reply is treated as a new message. Tapping a choice still works later. ## Good to know - Answers are saved on the contact. You can see them in **Contacts** and in the flow's contact list, and use them in later messages, like `{{email}}`. See [use names and answers in messages](https://instantdm.com/how-to/use-names-and-answers-in-messages.md). - **Ask only if unknown** looks at answers from any flow on the same account. - Don't count on a skipped question staying empty. When someone taps the skip button, its text (for example "No thanks") can be saved as the answer. Check answers before you export or sync them. - **Set Live** only checks the question right after the Trigger. Check every other question yourself with **Preview**. ## What you can't do - Write your own validation rules. - Ask more than one question in one step. - Collect a photo or file as an answer. - Change the 1-hour window for typed answers. ## How to turn it off To stop asking a question, delete the step (**Delete node**) and click **Set Live** again. To stop the whole flow, see [turn a flow on or off](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"Question node: At least one question must be configured."** → the question right after the Trigger has no text. Type the question. - **A good phone number is rejected** → it has spaces or dashes. Ask for digits only in the question and in the **Wrong input message**. - **Text answers keep failing** → they contain emoji, apostrophes or non-English letters. Use the **Name** type with **Save answer as** instead. - **Emails don't reach Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo** → use the **Email** question type, and see [send flow data to another app](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-flow-data-to-another-app.md). ## Questions people also ask **Will people who already gave their email be asked again?** Not if you switch on Ask only if unknown. If the contact already has that field from any flow on this account, the question is skipped. **Why was a correct-looking phone number rejected?** It had spaces, dashes or brackets. Phone answers must be 7 to 15 digits with an optional + in front, like +919876543210 or +14155550123. **Can I ask several questions in one step?** No. Each Question step asks one question. Add one step per question and connect them. **Where do I see the answers?** In Contacts (the Fields column) and in the flow's contact list. Open Flow Automation and click the people icon on the flow. ## Related guides - [Which answers will the email, phone and name questions accept?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md) - [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) - [How do I put someone's name or answer into a message?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/use-names-and-answers-in-messages.md) - [How do I see who went through a flow and what they answered?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results.md) # How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** On a Button message, a Question step or a Followers only step, set the follow-up wait (up to 24 hours), then connect the 'If contact has not responded' dot to a DM Reply step with your reminder. It is sent only if they don't tap a Regular button or answer. Tapping a link (URL) button does not cancel the reminder. A **follow-up** is a reminder that goes only to people who didn't respond. It's different from a **Delay**, which makes everyone wait. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above** and a flow open in the editor. - Follow-ups work on three kinds of steps: a **DM Reply** step with a **Button** message, a **Question** step, and a **Followers only** step. ## Steps 1. Click the step that should get a reminder. 2. Set the wait: - **DM Reply** with a Button message: under **Follow Up**, type a number and pick **Seconds**, **Minutes** or **Hour**. - **Question:** under **Follow up if not answered**, type a number and pick a unit. - **Followers only:** under **Follow up after**. 3. Look at the card. You'll see a dot labelled "If no reply in 30 min" (or your wait), or "If contact has not responded". 4. Add a new **DM Reply** step and write the reminder, for example "Hi {{username|there}}, did you see the guide? Tap below to get it." 5. Drag from the follow-up dot to the reminder step. 6. Click **Set Live**. ## On the phone app You can't set reminders in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see - If they tap a **Regular** button, answer the question, or tap the "Started Following you" button in time, they never see the reminder. - If they don't, the reminder arrives after your wait. - Tapping a **URL** button (a link) sends nothing back, so they still get the reminder. > Reminders can't wait longer than 24 hours. Even if you choose days, InstantDM cuts the wait to 24 hours. ## Good to know - The default wait is 30 minutes. To stop a reminder, delete the line from the follow-up dot. Don't rely on a wait of 0: while the dot is connected, the reminder can still go out right away. - Link taps don't cancel reminders. Add a **Regular** button such as "Got it" or "I booked" next to your link so people can stop the reminder. - A **Text** message with smart replies shows **Follow Up** settings, but its card has no follow-up dot, so nothing is sent. Use a Button message or a Question instead. - Each dot leads to one reminder. For a second reminder, give the reminder step its own Button or Question with a follow-up. - An **AI Reply** step sends its own follow-ups. The AI decides when, at most 2 per conversation, each within 24 hours. There is no setting for them. - Reminders, like all flow messages, are normal DMs from your account. ## What you can't do - Wait more than 24 hours. - Run a multi-day sequence or broadcast to people who never replied. - Use a **Delay** step as a reminder. A Delay sends to everyone. ## How to turn it off Delete the line from the follow-up dot. Then click **Set Live** again. ## If it doesn't work - **The reminder never goes out** → nothing is connected to the follow-up dot, or the step is a Text message with smart replies. Connect the dot from a Button message or Question. - **People who clicked still got it** → they tapped a URL button. Add a **Regular** button. - **The reminder came a day early** → waits over 24 hours are cut to 24 hours. ## Questions people also ask **Can I send a reminder after 2 or 3 days?** No. The longest wait is 24 hours. If you pick days, it is cut to 24 hours. **Why did someone get the reminder after they clicked my link?** A URL button opens the link but sends nothing back to InstantDM, so it can't cancel the reminder. Add a Regular button such as 'Got it' next to the link. Tapping that cancels it. **Can I send a second reminder?** Yes. Put a Button message or a Question in the reminder step and give that step its own follow-up. ## Related guides - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [How do I see how many people clicked my link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks.md) - [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) # How do I put someone's name or answer into a message? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/use-names-and-answers-in-messages Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In any flow text box that says 'type {{ for variables', type {{ and pick a variable, such as {{username}} or {{email}}. Add a fallback after a pipe, like {{username|there}}, so the message still reads well when the value is unknown. On Facebook, {{username}} gives the person's display name. A **variable** is a placeholder in curly brackets, like `{{username}}`. When the message is sent, InstantDM replaces it with that person's value. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above** and a flow open in the editor. - Answers you want to reuse must be saved first, for example with a Question step. See [ask questions in a flow](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md). ## Steps 1. Click a text box that shows "type {{ for variables", for example a message in a **DM Reply** step. 2. Type `{{`. A list opens with three groups: **Built-in**, **Collected in this flow** and **Standard**. 3. Click a variable. It's added to your text, for example `{{username}}`. 4. Add a fallback word after a pipe `|` and before the closing brackets: `{{username|there}}`. 5. Click **Preview** to read the message, then **Set Live**. ## Variables you can use | Variable | What it inserts | |---|---| | `{{username}}` | Their Instagram username. On Facebook: their display name (Facebook has no username) | | `{{full_name}}` | Their display name | | `{{follower_count}}` | Their follower count (Instagram only; on Facebook the fallback is used) | | `{{id}}` | Their Instagram or Facebook ID number | | Your **Save answer as** names, for example `{{budget}}` | The answer from a Question, Set Field or HTTP Request step in this flow (group **Collected in this flow**) | | `{{name}}`, `{{email}}`, `{{phone}}`, `{{text}}`, `{{address}}`, `{{bool}}`, `{{number}}`, `{{date}}`, `{{rating}}` | Answers already collected by InstantDM in any flow on this account (group **Standard**) | Examples: - "Hey {{username|there}}, here's your guide." - "Thanks {{name|friend}}! We'll write to {{email}} soon." - "Your order total starts at ₹999 / $12. Reply here, {{full_name|there}}, if you have questions." ## Where variables work Message text, smart replies, button names, button links (URLs), question text, choices, skip text, the welcome message description and button text, public comment replies, HTTP Request URL, headers and body, and Set Field values. ## On the phone app You can't edit flow messages in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see The real value, not the brackets. With `{{username|there}}`, a person without a known username reads "Hey there". ## Good to know - Values come from this account's contacts only. An answer collected on one Instagram account is not available on another. - Answers are saved as text, exactly as the person typed them. - If you see a variable in the list but the person never answered that question, the fallback is used. - On Facebook flows, `{{username}}` and `{{full_name}}` both give the display name. ## What you can't do - Change formatting (uppercase, first name only). - Do math, or insert today's date. - Use answers from a different InstantDM account. ## If it doesn't work - **The message shows a blank space** → the value was missing and there was no fallback. Add one: `{{name|there}}`. - **It's blank even though they answered** → the variable name doesn't match the **Save answer as** name exactly. Type `{{` and pick it from the list instead of typing it. - **The list doesn't open** → that box doesn't support variables. Use them in the message text instead. ## Questions people also ask **What happens if the value is missing and I didn't add a fallback?** The variable is left blank. 'Hi {{full_name}}!' becomes 'Hi !'. Add a fallback, like {{full_name|there}}. **Can I use an answer from another flow?** Yes, if it was collected on the same InstantDM account. The Standard group in the list says 'Filled if already collected via InstantDM — any flow.' **Can I show only the first name?** No. Variables are inserted exactly as saved. There is no first-name-only or uppercase option. ## Related guides - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) - [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) # How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Use a Condition step: add a rule such as 'Custom field goal equals weight loss' or 'Tag has tag vip', then connect the True and False dots to different messages. For simple choices, give each Regular button or smart reply its own next step. A Randomizer step splits people at random for A/B tests. A **branch** is a fork in the flow: one group of people goes one way, everyone else goes another. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above** and a flow open in the editor. - To branch on an answer, save it first with a Question step and a **Save answer as** name, for example `goal`. See [ask questions in a flow](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md). ## Steps 1. Add a Question step, for example "What's your main goal?" with the choices "Weight loss" and "Muscle gain", and set **Save answer as** to `goal`. 2. Click **+** and pick **Condition** (in the **Logic** group). Connect the question's **Next Step** dot to it. 3. Click the Condition card. Under **Match**, choose **All rules (AND)** or **Any rule (OR)**. 4. Click **Add rule** and set it up, for example **Custom field** · `goal` · **equals** · `Weight loss`. 5. Connect the **True** dot to the message for people who match. 6. Connect the **False** dot to the message for everyone else. 7. Click **Preview** to check the main path, then **Set Live**. ## Rules you can use in a Condition | Source | Options | |---|---| | **Custom field** (a saved answer or Set Field value) | exists, doesn't exist, equals, doesn't equal, contains, greater than, less than | | **Tag** | has tag, doesn't have tag (type the tag name) | | **They follow you** | is following, is not following | | **You follow them** | you follow them, you don't follow them | | **Follower count** | greater than, less than, equals | ## Other ways to branch - **Buttons and smart replies:** in a **DM Reply** step, each **Regular** button and each smart reply chip has its own dot. Connect each one to a different next step. **URL** buttons only open a link and can't lead anywhere. - **Tags:** add a **Tag Contact** step on one path (for example tag `hot-lead`), then check that tag with a Condition later, in this flow or another one. See [tag contacts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts.md). - **Followers only:** sends people down **Follows you** or **Doesn't follow you**. - **Randomizer:** splits people by percentage. It starts with two branches at 50% each. Click **Add branch** for up to 4 (A to D), and make the weights add up to 100%. Use it to test two offers. ## On the phone app You can't add branches in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see Nothing about the branching. They just get the message for their branch. ## Good to know - Text comparisons ignore capital letters. - A Condition with no rules sends everyone down **False**. - A useful pattern: **Custom field** `email` **exists** → **True** skips the email question. The **Ask only if unknown** switch on a question does the same thing more simply. - On Facebook, follow rules always count as "following". - The Randomizer takes turns (A, B, A, B...), so a 50/50 split looks exactly even. Each person's branch is saved on their contact as `ab_` plus the step ID. - **Preview** follows only the main path. It doesn't walk through Condition or Randomizer branches, so test each branch with a real DM from another account. ## What you can't do - Compare two fields with each other. - Compare dates. - Branch on something the AI tagged within the same flow (nothing runs after an AI Reply step). - Get automatic A/B winner stats in the editor. ## If it doesn't work - **Everyone goes down False** → the field name or value doesn't match. Check the exact **Save answer as** name and the choice text, or use **contains** instead of **equals**. - **A choice leads nowhere** → its dot isn't connected, or it's a **URL** button. - **"More than one connection"** → each dot connects to one step only. Delete the old line first. ## Questions people also ask **Does a Condition care about capital letters?** No. Text comparisons ignore upper and lower case, so 'Yes' and 'yes' match. **What happens if a Condition has no rules?** Everyone goes down the False branch. **Can I branch on tags the AI added?** Not in the same flow. Steps after an AI Reply step never run. Another flow can check those tags with a Condition. **Can I see which Randomizer branch won?** No. There are no winner stats in the editor. Each person's branch is saved on their contact as a field, so you can see it in their contact details or route them with a Condition later. ## Related guides - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) - [How do I tag contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts.md) - [How do I put someone's name or answer into a message?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/use-names-and-answers-in-messages.md) # How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click Set Live at the top right of the flow editor. InstantDM checks the name, the trigger, the first step and your AI key, then shows 'Changes Published.' If it lists errors, fix each one and click Set Live again. After any later edit, click Set Live again. To turn a flow off, switch off its row in Flow Automation. **Set Live** is the publish button of the flow editor. Until you click it, the flow is a **Draft** and sends nothing. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above**. - If the flow has an **AI Reply** step, save your AI key first in **Account Settings → AI Configuration**. See [add an AI key](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key.md). ## Steps 1. Finish your edits. The top right shows "Draft Saving..." then "Draft Saved...". Drafts never reach your followers. 2. For a comment flow, open the **Trigger** card and check two things: - **Step 3 · Welcome message** has your own title. If you see the sentence "Thanks for commenting — type {{ for variables", it is only a placeholder that looks like real text. Click it and type your own title. If you only click in and out, that sample sentence is saved as your real welcome message. - **Step 4 · Reply to comment** has at least one public reply. 3. Click **Preview** to walk through the main path of the conversation. 4. Click **Set Live** at the top right. 5. If you see "Please give your automation a name before publishing.", type a name in **Name your automation**, save it, and click **Set Live** again. 6. If you see a list titled "Please fix the following before publishing:", fix each item (see the table below) and click **Set Live** again. 7. You'll see "Changes Published." and the tag at the top left changes from **Draft** to **Live**. ## What the Set Live errors mean | Message | What to do | |---|---| | "At least one trigger type must be enabled (DM Reply, Story Reply, or Comment Reply)." | Open the Trigger card and switch on at least one of them. | | "Trigger must be connected to at least one node." | Drag from the Trigger card's **Then** dot to your first step. | | "Comment Reply: At least one post, ad, or live must be selected." | Pick posts in **Step 1 · Select the posts**, or choose an "Any" option. | | "Comment Reply: At least one trigger word is required when using Custom Word mode." | Add a word under **Custom Word** and click **Add**, or choose **All Comment**. | | "Comment Reply: A welcome message title is required." | Write a title in **Step 3 · Welcome message**. | | "Comment Reply: At least one comment response word is required." | Add a public reply in **Step 4 · Reply to comment**. | | "DM Reply: At least one trigger word is required when using Custom Word mode." | Add a DM keyword, or choose **All Message**. | | "DM Reply: Please select an interval — 'For the first time' or 'Once in a Day'." | With **All Message**, pick **For the first time** or **Once in a day**. | | "Story Reply: At least one story must be selected." | Pick a story under **Select Stories**, or choose **Any Stories**. | | "Story Reply: At least one trigger word is required when using Custom Word mode." | Add a word, or choose **All Message**. | | "DM Reply node: At least one message is required." | Add a message to the step after the Trigger. | | "Question node: At least one question must be configured." | Type the question text. | | "Followers Only: A message title is required when 'Send a message' is selected." | Write the title of the card non-followers get. | | "Tag Contact: At least one tag must be selected." | Pick or create a tag. | | "Trigger Flow: A published flow must be selected." | Pick a live flow. Drafts can't be chosen. | | "AI Reply: Business description is required in Guided mode." | Fill **What does your business do?** | | "AI Reply: Custom prompt is required in Custom mode." | Write your instructions in **Custom prompt**. | | "AI API key missing" | Save the key for that AI provider in **Account Settings → AI Configuration**, then click **Save**. | ## On the phone app You can't publish or edit flows in the InstantDM app. Turn flows on and off from the web app at app.instantdm.com. The app's **Flows** screen shows your flows and the people in them. ## What your followers see - Nothing changes for them until **Changes Published.** appears. - People already in the middle of the flow keep going. Their next step comes from the version that is published at that moment, so check your changes before you click **Set Live**. ## Good to know - After editing a live flow, click **Set Live** again. Until then the old version keeps running. - The **⋮** menu next to **Set Live** has **Discard changes** (go back to the published version) and **Data Missing?** (reload the last published version if steps look missing). Both work after the flow has been published once. - **Undo** and **Redo** are at the left of the bottom toolbar. They are cleared when you reload the page. - Set Live only checks the step connected directly to the Trigger. An empty message further down is sent as a single "." so click through every step before you publish. - If two live flows use the same trigger word, only the most recently published one runs. ## What you can't do - Schedule a flow to go live later. - Go back to older versions than the last published one. - Publish from the flow list or from the phone app. ## How to turn it off 1. Open **Flow Automation** in the sidebar. 2. Switch off the flow's row. You'll see "Unpublish this automation?" and "This will stop the automation." 3. Click **Yes, Unpublish**. You'll see "Automation unpublished (moved to Draft)". To delete a flow instead: click **⋮** on its row → **Delete** → **Yes, Delete**. A deleted flow can't be restored. ## If it doesn't work - **Set Live does nothing and asks for a name** → type a name, save, click **Set Live** again. - **The flow is Live but nobody gets a DM** → see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - **Followers got "Thanks for commenting — type {{ for variables" as the first DM** → replace the welcome title with your own words and click **Set Live** again. - **People got the first DM but nothing after** → in comment flows they must tap the welcome button. Make the welcome title ask them to tap it. ## Questions people also ask **I edited a live flow. Do I need to publish again?** Yes. Edits save as a draft. Followers keep getting the last published version until you click Set Live again. **What happens to people in the middle of a flow when I edit it?** They keep going. Your edits reach them only after you click Set Live, because their next step always comes from the published version. If you unpublish or delete the flow, their next reply doesn't continue it. **Can I go back to the live version after messing up my draft?** Yes. Open the ⋮ menu at the top right and click Discard changes. It reverts the editor to the published version. **Can I turn a draft on from the list?** No. The list switch can only turn a flow off. Open the flow and click Set Live to publish it. ## Related guides - [How do I create a flow from a template?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/create-flow-from-template.md) - [What is Flow Automation and when do I need it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [How do I organize, duplicate or copy a flow to Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/organize-and-copy-flows.md) # How do I organize, duplicate or copy a flow to Facebook? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/organize-and-copy-flows Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In Flow Automation, click New Folder to make folders, then drag flows onto them or tick flows and use Move to folder. To copy a flow, open the ⋮ menu on its row, click Duplicate and choose To Instagram, To Facebook or Both platforms. The copy is a draft. A copy to the other platform needs its posts picked again. Then click Set Live. The **Flow Automation** page lists all your Instagram and Facebook flows together, with folders on the left. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above**. - To copy a flow to Facebook, your Facebook Page must be connected. See [connect your Facebook Page](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md). ## Steps 1. Click **Flow Automation** in the left sidebar. You'll see **Flow Automations**, with folders on the left and your flows split into **Live** and **Drafts**. 2. To make a folder, click **New Folder**, type a name, pick an emoji and click **Create**. - For a folder inside a folder, click the **+** next to a folder ("New subfolder"). - The folder's menu has **New subfolder**, **Rename**, **Change emoji** and **Delete folder**. 3. To move flows, drag a row onto a folder. Or tick several rows and click **Move to folder**. You'll see "Moved N flows to ...". 4. To find a flow, use **Search all Automations**, the trigger filter (**Any trigger**, **Comments**, **DMs**, **Story replies**) and the status filter (**Any status**, **Live**, **Draft**). **All flows** and **Uncategorized** are on the left. 5. To copy a flow, click **⋮** on its row, then **Duplicate**, and choose: - **To Instagram:** a copy on Instagram. - **To Facebook:** a copy for your Facebook Page. - **Both platforms:** one copy on each. 6. Find the copy in **Drafts**. It's named " (Copy)", or " (Copy – Facebook)" when copied to the other platform (or "(Copy – Instagram)" the other way round). 7. Open the copy and check each step. If you copied to the other platform, click the **Trigger** card and pick the posts again. 8. Click **Set Live**. ## On the phone app You can't make folders or duplicate flows in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see Nothing changes until you click **Set Live** on the copy. The original flow keeps running as before. ## Good to know - Folders are per account and hold both Instagram and Facebook flows. - Delete folder asks first and says "Flows are never deleted." The flows move to **Uncategorized**. - A copy includes all steps, texts, buttons, connections and trigger words. - Copying to the other platform clears the selected posts, so pick them again. - Copying to Facebook turns off story reply triggers, because Facebook has no story automations. - On Facebook, `{{username}}` gives the display name and follower checks always pass. See [what works differently on Facebook](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-vs-instagram.md). - If the original and the copy are both live with the same trigger word on the same platform, only the one published last runs. Change the word or switch one off. - Rows that still need a trigger show a "Needs a trigger" badge. ## What you can't do - Use folders in the phone app. - Share a whole folder. - Delete several flows at once. - Duplicate a flow straight into another InstantDM account. Use [share a flow](https://instantdm.com/how-to/share-a-flow.md) instead. ## How to turn it off Switch off the flow's row and click **Yes, Unpublish**. To remove a flow: **⋮** → **Delete** → **Yes, Delete**. A deleted flow can't be restored. See [turn a flow on or off](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"Failed to duplicate."** → reload the page and try again. - **The Facebook copy won't publish** → check that your Facebook Page is connected and that you picked Facebook posts in the Trigger card. - **Only one of the two flows answers** → the copy and the original share a trigger word. Only the one published last runs. Change the word or switch one off. ## Questions people also ask **Does deleting a folder delete my flows?** No. Flows in it move to Uncategorized and subfolders move up a level. Flows are never deleted with a folder. **Do folders change how my flows run?** No. Folders only help you find flows. They have no effect on what is sent. **Does the copy include my unpublished edits?** Yes. Duplicate copies the latest draft, including changes you haven't published yet. **Can I copy a flow to another Instagram account I manage?** Not with Duplicate. Use a share link, then switch to the other account and import it. See the guide on reusing a flow on another account. ## Related guides - [How do I share a flow or import one someone shared?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/share-a-flow.md) - [How do I reuse an automation or flow on another InstantDM account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/copy-automation-to-another-account.md) - [What works differently on Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-vs-instagram.md) - [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) # How do I share a flow or import one someone shared? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/share-a-flow Section: Multi-step flows Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open the flow, click the ⋮ menu at the top right and choose Share. A link is copied, and anyone with that link can import a copy of the flow. To import, open a link you were sent and click Copy as New Automation (or Login to Copy). The copy is a draft: pick your own posts and click Set Live. A **share link** lets someone else, or you on another account, import a copy of your flow. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above** to build and publish flows. - Remove anything private from the flow before you share it. Links, coupon codes, prices, AI instructions and **HTTP Request** headers (which may hold a secret key) all go with the copy. ## Steps 1. Click **Flow Automation** in the left sidebar and open the flow. 2. Click the **⋮** menu at the top right of the editor and choose **Share**. 3. You'll see "Share link copied" and "Anyone with this link can import a copy of this flow:" with the link. It's already copied. 4. Send the link to the person. 5. **If someone sent you a link:** open it in your browser. You'll see the flow name, "Shared by" and the sharer's name. 6. Click **Copy as New Automation**. If you're not logged in, click **Login to Copy** (or "Don't have an account? Sign up"). After you log in, Home shows **Pending Shared Automation**: click **Copy Now**. 7. The copy opens in an older-style editor, named " - from - ". Go back to **Flow Automation** and open the copy from the list. 8. Click the **Trigger** card, pick your own posts or stories, and check every step's text and links. 9. Click **Set Live**. ## On the phone app You can't share or import flows in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see Nothing until you click **Set Live** on the imported copy. > Anyone who gets the link can import a copy, and links don't expire. Share links only with people you trust, and don't post them publicly unless you want anyone to copy the flow. ## Good to know - The link is a snapshot. Later edits to your flow are not in it. Click **Share** again for a new link. - Each click on **Share** makes a new link. Older links keep working. - The sharer's selected posts don't exist on your account. Always pick your own in the Trigger card. - The list may show an imported copy as **Live** before you've published it. Open it and click **Set Live** anyway so it really runs. - To reuse a flow on another account you manage, share it, switch accounts, and import it. See [reuse a flow on another account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/copy-automation-to-another-account.md). ## What you can't do - Share with only one specific person. - Make a view-only link. - Share a whole folder. - Switch off or delete a share link in the app. ## How to turn it off Imported flows are normal flows. Switch off the row in **Flow Automation** and click **Yes, Unpublish**. See [turn a flow on or off](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"Failed to create share link"** → reload the page and try **Share** again. - **I logged in but nothing was copied** → go to **Home** and look for **Pending Shared Automation**, then click **Copy Now**. Or open the link again while logged in. - **The imported flow sends to nobody** → it has no posts selected or wasn't published. Pick posts in the Trigger card and click **Set Live**. ## Questions people also ask **If I change my flow later, does the shared link update?** No. The link is a copy of the flow at the moment you clicked Share. Click Share again to make a new link with your changes. **Can I stop a link from working?** Treat every share link as permanent. There is no way to switch a link off in the app, and links don't expire, so only share flows you're happy for anyone to copy. **Does the other person get my posts, contacts or AI key?** No. They get the steps and their content. Your posts won't exist on their account, so they must pick their own. Contacts and the keys in Account Settings stay with you. **Can I use this to copy a flow to another account I manage?** Yes. Make a share link, switch to the other account, then open the link and copy it. ## Related guides - [How do I organize, duplicate or copy a flow to Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/organize-and-copy-flows.md) - [How do I reuse an automation or flow on another InstantDM account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/copy-automation-to-another-account.md) - [How do I create a flow from a template?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/create-flow-from-template.md) - [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) --- # Section: AI replies # How do I make AI reply to my Instagram DMs? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms Section: AI replies Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Add an AI Reply step to a Flow Automation, pick an AI provider and model, write instructions about your business, and click Set Live. It runs on your own API key from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini or DeepSeek, which you pay for. Needs Trendsetter and above. Once someone reaches the AI step, the AI keeps the chat and steps after it never run. The **AI Reply** step is a step inside a flow. When a person reaches it, AI answers their messages for you, based on instructions you write. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above** and a laptop or computer. - You need your own API key from **OpenAI**, **Anthropic** (Claude), **Google (Gemini)** or **DeepSeek**, with billing set up at that provider. Save it first: [add an AI key](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key.md). - Write down your prices, links, opening hours and policies. The AI only knows what you tell it. ## Steps 1. Save your API key in **Account Settings → AI Configuration** and click **Save**. 2. Click **Flow Automation** in the sidebar, then **New Flow Automation**, then **Instagram**. 3. Choose a start: - The template **AI Receptionist (Claude)** in the **AI** group, then **Use this template**. It uses your Anthropic key. - Or **Start from scratch**. 4. If you started from scratch, click the purple **AI Reply** circle in the bottom toolbar. Connect the Trigger card (or a message before it) to the AI Reply card. 5. Click the AI Reply card. Choose the **Provider** and **Model**. The icons next to each model show whether it understands images and voice notes. 6. Under **Prompt**, write your instructions in the **Guided** fields, or switch to **Custom** and write a **Custom prompt**. If you used the template, replace "Describe your business here..." with your own text. Tips: [control what the AI says](https://instantdm.com/how-to/control-what-ai-says.md). 7. Decide on **Human takeover**: On lets the AI hand difficult chats to you. See [take over from the AI](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md). 8. Click the **Trigger** card. To test safely, use **DM Reply** with **Custom Word** and a word like "test". Later you can switch to **All Message**. 9. Click **Set Live**, then DM your test word from a different Instagram account. ## On the phone app You can't add or set up AI replies in the InstantDM app. In the app, **Flows** → a flow → a contact shows the AI's activity and the details it collected. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com to build and change the AI. ## What your followers see - A few seconds after their message, one or more short DMs, in their own language. - Links you put in the instructions arrive as tappable buttons (with **Rich Text** output). - Every later message they send gets an AI answer, with no time limit, until a human takes over. - If the chat goes quiet, the AI may send up to 2 short follow-ups, each within 24 hours. - With **Human takeover** on, the AI can say it's connecting them with your team and then go silent. > Steps after an AI Reply step never run. The AI keeps the conversation. Put welcome messages, questions and tags before the AI step. ## Good to know - What the AI can read: your instructions, the recent messages in that chat, and the person's saved answers and tags. It can see photos they send. Voice notes are turned into text with your OpenAI or Gemini key. Only Gemini models can watch videos. - Two bills: your AI provider charges your key for every reply, follow-up and voice-note transcription. InstantDM counts each AI message as a normal DM. - "Active" in **Check Status** for OpenAI, Gemini or DeepSeek means the key is valid, not that it has credit. - **Preview** stops at the AI step. It doesn't call the AI. Test with a real DM from another account. - The **AI Receptionist (Claude)** template answers every DM your account gets as soon as it's live. - To see what the AI did for one person, open **Contacts**, click the person and read the **AI timeline**. - With an AI Reply step, flow integrations (Mailchimp, Kit, Klaviyo, webhook) push data on every answer. ## What you can't do - Use AI replies without a flow, or inside a Send Link & PDF or Lead Gen automation. - Use InstantDM's own AI key for replies. You always use yours. - Upload files, link your website or train the AI on past DMs. - Continue to other steps after the AI step. - Get a notification when the AI hands a chat to you. ## How to turn it off - For everyone: switch off the flow in **Flow Automation** and click **Yes, Unpublish**. - For one person: switch them to **Human** in **Contacts**. See [take over from the AI](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md). ## If it doesn't work - **"AI API key missing"** at Set Live → the key for that provider isn't saved. Add it in **Account Settings → AI Configuration** and click **Save**. - **"AI Reply: Business description is required in Guided mode."** → fill **What does your business do?** - **The AI doesn't answer** → check in this order: the key has credit with the provider, the flow is **Live**, the person isn't set to **Human** or excluded, you're testing from a different account, and the **AI timeline** doesn't show "AI error". - **The AI said "I don't have that info"** → add that fact to the instructions. - **Nothing after the AI step happens** → that's how it works. Move those steps before the AI step. ## Questions people also ask **Do I need my own API key?** Yes. AI replies run on your own key from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini or DeepSeek. A ChatGPT Plus subscription is not an API key. See the guide on adding an AI key. **What does it cost?** Your AI provider bills your key for every reply. InstantDM also counts each AI message as a normal DM. InstantDM can't show your AI spend, so check your provider's billing page. **Can the AI read my website or a PDF about my business?** No. It only knows what you write in its instructions, the recent messages in that chat, and that person's saved answers and tags. **Does the AI reply in the customer's language?** Yes. It answers in the language the person writes in, unless your instructions say otherwise. **Will the AI stop if I reply from Instagram myself?** No. Switch that person to Human in Contacts first. See the guide on taking over from the AI. ## Related guides - [Which AI key do I need, and where do I add it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key.md) - [How do I control what the AI says?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/control-what-ai-says.md) - [How do I take over a chat from the AI?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md) - [What is Flow Automation and when do I need it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/what-is-flow-automation.md) # Which AI key do I need, and where do I add it? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key Section: AI replies Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Get an API key from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google (Gemini) or DeepSeek, then open Account Settings, go to the AI Configuration tab, paste it into that provider's card and click Save. Check Status only tests the key, it doesn't save it. You pay the AI provider for usage. The key is used by the AI Reply step in flows, on Trendsetter and above. An **API key** is a long code from your AI provider that lets InstantDM send your followers' messages to that AI and get answers back, billed to your provider account. ## Before you start - Create an API key in your AI provider's developer account and add billing there. - Supported providers: **OpenAI**, **Anthropic** (Claude), **Google (Gemini)** and **DeepSeek**. - The key is used by the **AI Reply** step in Flow Automation, which needs **Trendsetter and above**. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** at the bottom of the left sidebar. 2. Click the **AI Configuration** tab. It says "API keys for AI providers used by the AI Reply node in your flows." 3. Paste your key into the card for your provider: - **OpenAI** (key starts with `sk-...`) - **Anthropic** (starts with `sk-ant-...`) - **Google (Gemini)** (starts with `AIza...`) - **DeepSeek** (starts with `sk-...`) 4. Click **Save** at the top right of the Settings window. 5. Click **Check Status**. Each card shows a status (see the table). 6. In your flow, open the **AI Reply** step and choose the same provider under **Provider**. There, Anthropic is listed as **Claude** and Google as **Gemini**. ## What the status means | Status | Meaning | What to do | |---|---|---| | **● Active** | The key works. For Anthropic this also means the account can be billed. For OpenAI, Gemini and DeepSeek it only means the key is valid | If the AI doesn't reply, check your balance with the provider | | **● Invalid Key** | The provider rejected the key | Copy the key again, paste, **Save** | | **● No Credits** | No funds on the account (Anthropic and DeepSeek only) | Add funds with the provider | | **● No Credits / Rate Limited** | No funds, or the provider is slowing the key down | Add funds or wait | | **● error_...** or **● connection_error** | Another problem | Try again later | ## Which key for which job - The **AI Reply** step uses the key of the provider you pick in that step. - **Voice notes** from customers are turned into text with your OpenAI key, or your Gemini key if you have no OpenAI key. This happens even if the AI Reply step uses Claude or DeepSeek. Without either key, the AI asks the person to type instead. - **Photos** sent in earlier messages are remembered with a short description made with your OpenAI or Gemini key. ## On the phone app You can't add AI keys in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com. ## Good to know - You pay your AI provider for every AI reply, follow-up, voice-note transcription and photo description. InstantDM can't show this cost. Check your provider's billing page. - **Check Status** tests whatever is typed in the boxes, even if you haven't saved it. Always click **Save**. - One key per provider. There's no field for an organisation ID or a custom server address. - Keys belong to the account you're in. If you manage several accounts, open **AI Configuration** in each account that needs AI. - Treat your API key like a password. Don't paste it into messages or AI instructions. ## What you can't do - Use InstantDM's own AI key for DM replies. - Use providers other than OpenAI, Anthropic, Google (Gemini) and DeepSeek. - Buy AI credits from InstantDM. ## If it doesn't work - **"AI API key missing"** when you click **Set Live** → the key for the provider chosen in the AI Reply step isn't saved. Paste it and click **Save**. - **● Active, but the AI never replies** → add funds with the provider. Then see [AI replies to DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md). - **The AI ignores voice notes** → you use Claude or DeepSeek without an OpenAI or Gemini key. Add one of those keys too. ## Questions people also ask **Is my ChatGPT Plus subscription enough?** No. ChatGPT Plus is a chat subscription, not an API key. You need an API key with billing from the provider's developer account. **My key shows Active but the AI doesn't reply. Why?** For OpenAI, Gemini and DeepSeek, Active only means the key is valid. It doesn't prove the account has credit. Add funds with the provider. **I added credit to Anthropic and it still says No Credits.** The card itself says: 'Claude credits may take 30 min to a few hours to update after adding funds.' Wait and click Check Status again. **Do I need a key for DM Insights or Build with AI?** No. Neither uses your key. The key is only for the AI Reply step in flows. ## Related guides - [How do I make AI reply to my Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md) - [How do I control what the AI says?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/control-what-ai-says.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) # How do I control what the AI says? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/control-what-ai-says Section: AI replies Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open the AI Reply step in your flow. Under Prompt, choose Guided (five fields: business, offer, tone, call to action, qualification) or Custom (one box for your own instructions). Put every price, link and policy in there, because the AI only knows what you write. Use Output format, Reply behavior and Max tokens to control buttons and length. The AI's **instructions** (also called the prompt) are the only place it learns about your business. Good instructions give good replies. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter and above**, a saved AI key, and a flow with an **AI Reply** step. See [AI replies to DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md). ## Steps 1. Open the flow in the editor and click the **AI Reply** card. 2. Under **Output format**, choose **Rich Text** (links as buttons, tappable quick replies) or **Plain Text** (text only, links typed out). 3. Under **Prompt**, choose **Guided** or **Custom**. 4. For **Guided**, fill in: - **What does your business do?** (required), for example "Online yoga classes for beginners, live on Zoom, Monday to Friday at 7 am IST" - **Current offer / promotion**, for example "First class free, then ₹999 or $15 a month" - **Voice & tone**, for example "warm, simple English, no slang" - **Call to action**, for example "Book a free class at https://example.com/book" - **Qualification flow**, for example "Ask their level and preferred time, then ask for their email" 5. For **Custom**, write everything in the **Custom prompt** box (example below). 6. Under **Reply behavior**, choose **Multi-message** (short messages, set **Max messages** from 1 to 10) or **Single reply**. 7. Set **Max tokens** (how long a reply can be; raise it if replies get cut off) and **Chat history limit** (how many recent messages the AI reads; values above 50 act like 50). 8. Click **Set Live**, then test by DMing your trigger word from another Instagram account. ## Example Custom prompt ``` You are the DM assistant for Asha Yoga, an online yoga studio. Classes: beginners, Mon-Fri 7:00 am IST on Zoom. Price: first class free, then ₹999 / $15 per month. Booking link: https://example.com/book Refunds: within 7 days of payment, by email to hello@example.com. Ask each person their level (new / some experience) and their email. Tag people who ask about prices with "price-question". If someone is upset or asks for a refund, hand over to a human. Keep each message to 2 sentences. Never discuss medical advice. ``` ## Tips for good instructions - Write every price, link, policy and opening time in the instructions. The AI only shares links that appear there. - Say which details to collect (name, email, phone) and which tags to add. It only tags and collects when you ask it to. - Say when to hand over to you. Your rules come before the built-in ones. See [take over from the AI](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md). - Say what it should not talk about. - Ask for short replies ("max 2 sentences") if messages feel long. - Use real examples of questions your followers ask, with the answer you want. ## On the phone app You can't edit AI instructions in the InstantDM app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com on a computer. ## What your followers see Short DM-style replies in their own language, with your links as buttons if you chose **Rich Text**. ## Good to know - Built-in rules apply to every AI Reply step: it doesn't invent prices, dates or links; it replies in the person's language; it keeps messages short; it steers off-topic messages back to your business; it checks that emails and phone numbers look right; and it doesn't repeat a full answer it already gave. - The AI also sees the person's saved answers and tags, and the recent messages in that chat. - Each AI Reply step has its own instructions. If you have several AI flows, update each one. - Only the last message of a reply carries buttons or quick replies. ## What you can't do - Upload documents, link a website, or train the AI on past DMs. - Approve replies before they're sent. - Set a blocked-words list or office hours for the AI. - Control the AI's follow-ups. It decides, at most 2 per conversation. ## If it doesn't work - **"AI Reply: Business description is required in Guided mode."** → fill **What does your business do?** - **"AI Reply: Custom prompt is required in Custom mode."** → write your instructions in **Custom prompt**. - **The AI says it doesn't have that information** → add the fact to the instructions. - **Replies are cut off** → raise **Max tokens**. - **Followers see a long link instead of a button** → choose **Rich Text**. - **Walls of text** → choose **Multi-message**, or write "max 2 sentences" in the instructions. ## Questions people also ask **Can I upload my FAQ document or website so the AI knows my business?** No. There is no file upload, website link or knowledge base. Paste the facts into the Guided fields or the Custom prompt. **Will the AI make up prices or links?** Its built-in rules tell it not to. It only shares links that appear in your instructions, and says it doesn't know when a fact is missing. **Should I use Guided or Custom?** Guided is easiest for a short setup. Use Custom for long instructions such as a price list, FAQs, rules about tags and when to hand over. **Can I approve AI replies before they're sent?** No. Replies are sent automatically. Test with a keyword trigger from a second account before you open it to everyone. ## Related guides - [How do I make AI reply to my Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md) - [How do I take over a chat from the AI?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md) - [Which AI key do I need, and where do I add it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-ai-key.md) - [How do I tag contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts.md) # How do I take over a chat from the AI? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai Section: AI replies Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open Contacts and switch that person to Human in the Human takeover column. The AI stays silent for them while you reply in the Instagram app. Switch back to hand them to the AI again. Replying from Instagram alone does not pause the AI. The AI Reply step's Human takeover switch lets the AI hand chats to you by itself. **Human takeover** means the AI goes quiet for one person so you can talk to them yourself. ## Before you start - You need a live flow with an **AI Reply** step (**Trendsetter and above**). - InstantDM has no inbox. You reply to the person in the Instagram app (or your usual inbox). ## Steps 1. Click **Contacts** in the left sidebar and choose **Instagram** at the top. 2. Find the person. The search box only searches the 25 rows on screen, so use **Filter by flow** with your AI flow, or page with **Next →**. 3. In the **Human takeover** column, switch the person to **Human**. You'll see "Human takeover ON — AI will stay silent for this contact." - Or click the person's name and use the **Human takeover** switch in their panel ("AI flows stay silent while this is on."). - Or open **Flow Automation**, click the people icon (tooltip **View contacts**) on the AI flow, and use the **Takeover** switch. 4. Reply to them yourself in Instagram. 5. When you're done, switch them back. You'll see "Handed back to AI." The AI answers their next message. ## The AI's own handover The **AI Reply** step has a **Human takeover** switch, on by default. - **On:** "the AI can hand the chat to your team (e.g. refunds, angry customers). It sends a handoff message and stops replying until you resume AI." It hands over when the person is upset, asks for a refund, asks for a human, or the AI can't solve the problem, or when your instructions say so. - **Off:** "the AI never hands over and always replies to every message." When the AI hands over, the person shows as **Human** in **Contacts**, and their **AI timeline** shows "Human takeover". Any planned AI follow-ups are cancelled. ## On the phone app You can't switch takeover in the InstantDM app. In the app, **Flows** → an AI flow shows each contact's AI timeline. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com to switch someone to Human or back. ## What your followers see - When you switch them to Human: nothing. The AI simply stops answering. - When the AI hands over: a short message in their language, like "I'll connect you with our team right away". ## Good to know - Takeover is per person, on this account, and covers every AI flow for that person. - It only silences AI Reply steps. Other flows and automations still run for that person. To stop everything, see [stop automations for one person](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md). - The **Human takeover** column shows when no flow filter is set, or when the filter is an AI flow. - You don't get an alert when the AI hands over. Check **Contacts** or **Insights → AI Performance** (it counts takeovers). ## What you can't do - Pause the AI by replying from Instagram. - Get notified about handovers. - Send a handover to a specific team member. - Pause the AI for a set time only. - Reply from inside InstantDM. ## How to turn it off Switch the person back from **Human** in **Contacts**, or in the flow's **Takeover** column. To stop the AI for everyone, switch off the flow in **Flow Automation** and click **Yes, Unpublish**. ## If it doesn't work - **"Couldn't update takeover."** and the switch flips back → the change wasn't saved. Reload the page and try again. - **I replied in Instagram and the AI kept talking** → that's expected. Switch the person to **Human** first. - **I can't see the Human takeover column** → clear the flow filter or pick an AI flow in **Filter by flow**. - **The AI said "I'll connect you with our team" and went quiet** → it handed over. Reply yourself, then switch the person back. To stop handovers, turn off **Human takeover** in the AI Reply step and click **Set Live**. ## Questions people also ask **If I reply from the Instagram app, does the AI stop?** No. Your own replies don't pause the AI. Switch the person to Human in Contacts first. **Will I get a notification when the AI hands a chat to me?** No. Check the Human takeover column in Contacts or the person's AI timeline. **When I hand someone back, does the AI message them right away?** No. The AI answers their next message. **Can I pause the AI for everyone?** Turn off the flow instead. That ends AI chats for everyone in it. ## Related guides - [How do I make AI reply to my Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md) - [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) - [How do I stop automations from interrupting when I'm chatting with someone?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) # What is DM Insights? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-insights Section: AI replies Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** DM Insights reads each new Instagram DM and story reply and tags the sender with an intent, such as purchase, collaboration, booking or complaint, plus a priority. Find it in the DM Insights panel on Home or in Quick Automation under the chat-bubble tab. It works on every plan, needs no AI key and no setup. **DM Insights** is a sorted list of people who messaged you, labelled by what they want, so brand deals and buyers don't get lost between fan messages. ## Before you start - Your Instagram account must be connected. Nothing else is needed. - It covers your Instagram DMs and story replies. ## Steps 1. Open **Home**. On a computer, the **DM Insights** panel is on the right. On a small screen, open the **DM Insights** section on Home. 2. For the full list, click **Quick Automation** in the sidebar, then the chat-bubble icon tab (tooltip **DM Insights**). 3. Filter with **All**, **🔴 Need Attention** or **🟡 Leads**, or click an intent chip. Sort with **Priority** or **Latest**. 4. Click **Load More** at the bottom to see older rows. 5. Click a person to open their Instagram profile and reply there. 6. Use **Delete** on a row to remove it from the list. ## Intents and priority | Priority | Intents | |---|---| | **🔴 Need Attention** (high) | collaboration, partnership, booking, brand_deal, purchase | | **🟡 Leads** (medium) | complaint, support, negotiation, enquiry | | Low (only under **All**) | feedback, question, fan_message, job_enquiry | Each row shows the @username, the current intent, a preview of the latest message, earlier intents, how long ago, the follower count and a "Follows you" tag when they follow you. ## On the phone app Tap the DM Insights banner on Home to open the **DM Insights** screen. It shows totals, unread and high-priority counts and categories, with **Mark all as read** and **Clear all**. ## Good to know - It works on every plan and uses no credits or AI key. - One row per person. A new message from them puts the row back to unread. - A person's priority only goes up, never down. - The tagging is automatic and not always right. Use **Delete** for rows you don't need. - Clicking a row (which marks it read) or deleting it may not always stay saved. Don't rely on read status or deletions as your to-do list. - **Insights → Conversations** shows the same intents as charts. See [what the numbers in Insights mean](https://instantdm.com/how-to/insights-explained.md). ## What you can't do - Reply from DM Insights. - Create your own intent categories. - Start a flow from an intent. - See comments in DM Insights. It reads DMs and story replies only. ## If it doesn't work - **"No DM insights yet. Insights will appear as your audience sends you DMs."** → wait for new DMs. Older messages from before you connected are not read. - **A spam message shows as a lead** → the tagging is approximate. Delete the row. - **The panel isn't on Home** → it shows on wider screens. Use **Quick Automation → DM Insights** instead. - **View All →** on the Home panel opens an empty page → use the **DM Insights** tab in **Quick Automation** for the full list. ## Questions people also ask **Do I need an AI key for DM Insights?** No. It works on every account with no key and no setup. **Can I reply from DM Insights?** No. Click the person to open their Instagram profile, then reply in Instagram. **Why isn't every DM listed?** Greetings, spam and messages it isn't sure about are skipped. Comments, button taps and answers to flow questions are not read either. **Can I make my own categories?** No. The intent list is fixed. ## Related guides - [What do the numbers in Insights mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/insights-explained.md) - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) - [How do I make AI reply to my Instagram DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ai-reply-to-dms.md) - [What can I do in the InstantDM phone app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app.md) --- # Section: Ads and Facebook # How do I auto-reply to comments on my Instagram ads and boosted posts? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments Section: Ads and Facebook Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Connect your account with Facebook Login, then open New Automation, choose Comment to DM, switch to Ads, pick your ad account and ads, and set the reply. It works for ads that run on Instagram, including boosted posts and ads made only in Ads Manager. People comment "price?" or "link" on your ads all day. InstantDM can answer each one with a public reply and a DM, the same way it does for your normal posts. ## Before you start - Your Instagram must be connected with **Facebook Login** (through your Facebook Page). The ad list stays empty without it. See [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - Your Facebook account needs access to the ad account in Meta (Business Manager or Ads Manager). - The ad must run on **Instagram**. Comments on the Facebook placement are not automated. - Ad comment automation is listed on **Trendsetter and above**. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation** (top right). 2. Under "When should it run?", choose **Comment to DM**. 3. On "Which posts?", click **Ads** ("Pick one or more of your Meta ads"). Keep the **Instagram** platform pill selected. 4. If you have more than one ad account, choose it in the **Ad account** dropdown. - You'll see your ads with an **Active** or **Paused** badge. - Ads marked **Not on Instagram** can't be picked. They have no Instagram post. 5. Click one or more ads, then click **Next**. 6. Under "What should it send?", pick one: - **Send Link & PDF**: one reply for everyone, like a product link. - **Lead Gen**: ask for a name, email or phone in the DM. - **Flow Automation**: a multi-step chat with buttons (Trendsetter and above). 7. If you picked 2 or more ads, type a **Group name** (or leave it blank), then click **Publish Setup**. This opens the editor. It does not go live yet. 8. Add your trigger words (for example "price, link, cost"), your public replies and your DM. 9. Click **Publish** (in Lead Gen: **Save**, then **Publish & Activate**; in a Flow: **Set Live**). You can also start from **Quick Automation**: open the **Instagram** tab, choose **Meta Ads**, click your ad account, then click an ad. ## On the phone app The phone app can't set up ad automations. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## What your followers see They comment on your ad and get your public reply under their comment, then your DM. If you use a Welcome Message, they get a short message with a button first, and the link arrives after they tap it. ## Good to know - **Boosted posts:** the automation sits on the original post. If that post already has an automation, comments from the boost are answered by it. - **Dark posts** (ads made only in Ads Manager that never appear on your profile) show up in the ad list with their own Instagram post. - Several versions of the same ad (different images or texts) are matched back to the main ad. - Someone who comments twice gets the DM twice. There is no once-per-person rule for comments. ## What you can't do - Automate comments on the Facebook placement of an ad. See [Can InstantDM handle click-to-message ads or Facebook ad comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/click-to-message-ads.md) - Reply to people who tap "Send message" on click-to-message ads. - Create, pause or edit ads from InstantDM. ## How to turn it off Open the ad's automation and switch off its **Send Link or PDF** (or **Lead Gen**) card. More in [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) ## If it doesn't work - "No ads found on this ad account. Ads need Facebook Login." → connect with Facebook Login. See [Why can't I see my ads in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ads-not-showing.md) - An ad shows **Not on Instagram** → it has no Instagram post, usually because it runs only on Facebook. Add the Instagram placement in Ads Manager. - An ad isn't in the list at all → check in Ads Manager that the ad uses your connected Instagram account. Ads set up with another Instagram account, or none, are not listed. - Ad comments get no DM, but you also have a Flow that runs on every post → on some accounts this combination skips ad comments. Write to hey@instantdm.com. - Anything else → [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Do I need a separate automation for a boosted post?** No. A boosted post is your normal post, so the automation on that post also answers comments that come from the boost. You only need the Ads option for ads made in Ads Manager that are not on your profile. **Does it answer comments on the Facebook side of my ad?** No. Only comments on the Instagram placement of an ad are automated. Comments people leave on the Facebook version of the same ad are not answered. **Can I use one automation for several ads?** Yes. Pick more than one ad in the Ads step. You'll be asked to name the group, and the same automation then runs on all of them. **Can I create or edit ads from InstantDM?** No. InstantDM only reads your ads so it can answer their comments. Create and edit ads in Meta Ads Manager. ## Related guides - [Why can't I see my ads in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ads-not-showing.md) - [Can InstantDM handle click-to-message ads or Facebook ad comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/click-to-message-ads.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) # Why can't I see my ads in InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/ads-not-showing Section: Ads and Facebook Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** InstantDM can only list your ads when your account is connected with Facebook Login and your Facebook profile has access to the ad account. Also check that you picked the right ad account and that the ad runs on Instagram, not only on Facebook. ## Before you start - Ads need **Facebook Login**. If your Instagram is connected directly (Instagram Login), InstantDM can't see any ads. - The Facebook profile you log in with must have access to the ad account in Meta. ## Steps 1. Check how you're connected. Open **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** and look at the **Facebook Page** card. - If it says **Not Connected**, click **Connect** and follow [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md). - If it says **Connected**, click **Re-Connect** and make sure you allow every permission Facebook asks for. Turning off the ads permission hides your ads. 2. Check your access in Meta. Open Meta Business Settings or Ads Manager with the same Facebook profile and make sure you can see the ad account. 3. Open **New Automation** → **Comment to DM** → **Ads**. If you have more than one ad account, choose the right one in the **Ad account** dropdown. - Each account shows its business name, or "No business linked". - If your list is very long, use **Load more accounts** at the bottom of the dropdown. 4. Look at the ad tiles. An ad marked **Not on Instagram** has no Instagram post. Add the Instagram placement in Ads Manager if you want InstantDM to answer its comments. 5. In **Quick Automation** → **Instagram** → **Meta Ads**, click **Refresh** if the list is empty, and click the right ad account box at the top. ## On the phone app The phone app doesn't show ads. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## Good to know - Only ads that use your connected Instagram account are listed. Ads set up with another Instagram account, or with no Instagram account, don't appear. - In **Quick Automation**, ads with no Instagram post are not listed at all. In the **New Automation** picker they show as **Not on Instagram**. - Boosted posts are listed with the original post they promote. - Connecting through your Facebook Page changes how your Instagram is connected. Read [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) first. ## What you can't do - See or automate ads that run only on Facebook. - See ad accounts your Facebook profile has no access to. ## If it doesn't work - "No ads found on this ad account. Ads need Facebook Login." → you're not connected with Facebook Login, or this ad account has no ads. Connect your Page, or pick another ad account. - "No Ads found" with "Make sure you have active ads running on your connected ad account." → click **Refresh**, then use **Reconnect Facebook Page** under it. - "Facebook Page not connected" on the **Meta Ads** tab → connect your Page first. - The **Ad account** dropdown doesn't appear → you have only one ad account, so InstantDM uses it. - **Load more accounts** fails → if you manage a very large number of ad accounts, pick from the first part of the list, or write to hey@instantdm.com. ## Questions people also ask **I connected with Instagram Login. Why are there no ads?** Instagram Login does not give access to ads. Reconnect through your Facebook Page with Facebook Login and allow every permission, including access to your ads. **Do paused ads show up?** Yes. In the New Automation ad picker, each ad shows an Active or Paused badge. You can set up a paused ad now so it is ready when you turn it back on. **Why does an ad say Not on Instagram?** That ad has no Instagram post, usually because it runs only on Facebook placements. InstantDM automates comments on the Instagram placement only. ## Related guides - [How do I auto-reply to comments on my Instagram ads and boosted posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md) - [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [Can InstantDM handle click-to-message ads or Facebook ad comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/click-to-message-ads.md) # Can InstantDM handle click-to-message ads or Facebook ad comments? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/click-to-message-ads Section: Ads and Facebook Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** No to both, today. InstantDM automates comments on ads that run on Instagram, including boosted posts and dark posts. It does not handle click-to-message (Send message) ads, and it does not answer comments on the Facebook placement of an ad. Short answer: InstantDM answers **comments on your Instagram ads**. It does not handle the two cases below. ## What you can't do - **Click-to-message ads.** These are ads with a "Send message" button that opens a chat with you. InstantDM has no automation for chats that start from an ad. - **Comments on the Facebook placement of an ad.** If your ad runs on both Instagram and Facebook, only the comments on Instagram are automated. Comments on the Facebook side get nothing from InstantDM. - Creating, pausing or editing ads. Do that in Meta Ads Manager. ## What works | Your ad or post | Does InstantDM answer comments? | |---|---| | Ad running on Instagram | Yes | | Boosted Instagram post or Reel | Yes (the automation sits on the original post) | | Dark post (made only in Ads Manager) shown on Instagram | Yes | | Same ad, shown on Facebook | No | | Click-to-message ad | No | | Your normal Facebook Page post (not an ad) | Yes, with a DM in Messenger | ## What to do instead - **Ask for a comment instead of a message.** Write "Comment PRICE and we'll DM you the link" in the ad and run it on Instagram. Then set up [comment automation for the ad](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md). Each comment gets a public reply and a DM. - **Run the ad on Instagram placements** if most of your buyers comment there, so every comment can be answered. - **Answer Facebook ad comments yourself** in Meta Business Suite or the Facebook app. - For your organic Facebook posts, use [Messenger DMs for Facebook comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-comments-to-messenger.md). ## Good to know - Ad comment automation needs **Facebook Login** and access to the ad account. See [Why can't I see my ads in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ads-not-showing.md) - In the ad picker, an ad that runs only on Facebook either shows **Not on Instagram** and can't be selected, or isn't listed at all. ## Questions people also ask **My ad runs on Instagram and Facebook. What gets answered?** Only comments on the Instagram version of the ad. Comments people leave on the Facebook version are not answered by InstantDM. **Can I auto-reply to comments on my normal Facebook Page posts?** Yes. Comments on your organic Facebook Page posts can get a Messenger DM. That is a separate feature from ads. **Will click-to-message ads be added later?** There is no date for this. This page will be updated if it changes. ## Related guides - [How do I auto-reply to comments on my Instagram ads and boosted posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md) - [Why can't I see my ads in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ads-not-showing.md) - [How do I send a Messenger DM when someone comments on my Facebook post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-comments-to-messenger.md) - [What works differently on Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-vs-instagram.md) # How do I connect my Facebook Page? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page Section: Ads and Facebook Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open Account Settings, go to Safety & Limits, and click Connect on the Facebook Page card. Log in to Facebook, allow every permission, and pick the Page that is linked to the same Instagram account you connected in InstantDM. Connecting your Facebook Page is what lets InstantDM answer comments on your Page posts, reply in Messenger and see your Instagram ads. ## Before you start - You need a Facebook Page that you manage (admin access). - The Page must be linked to the **same Instagram account** you connected in InstantDM. To link them, in the Instagram app go to Profile → Edit profile and link your Facebook Page. - Connecting a Page changes how InstantDM connects to your Instagram (it now goes through Facebook). Read [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) first. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the sidebar and open the **Safety & Limits** tab. 2. On the **Facebook Page** card, click **Connect** (or **Re-Connect** if it's already connected). 3. On "Connect FB Page with IG Account", click **Connect FB Page** (on a phone-size screen: **Connect Account**). 4. Log in to Facebook. Keep every permission switched on and continue. 5. On "Choose your IG account", click the Page that shows your Instagram username. - If only one Page matches your account, InstantDM connects it for you ("Auto-connecting your account..."). - You'll see "Account Linked" and land on **Home**. 6. Back in **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits**, the **Facebook Page** card now says **Connected**. ## On the phone app The app can't log in to Facebook. Tap **Facebook** on Home, then **Connect Facebook**. Your browser opens the InstantDM website. Finish the steps there, then come back to the app and pull down to refresh. ## Good to know - After connecting, a **Facebook DM automation** card appears on **Safety & Limits**. It should say **Active** before Messenger replies work. See [How do I auto-reply to Messenger keywords?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/messenger-keyword-replies.md) - While your Page is connected, **Connect Instagram Directly** is refused with "Your account is connected through a Facebook Page. Please reconnect using your Facebook Page instead of connecting Instagram directly." - The **Automate Post sent to your DM** switch needs a direct Instagram connection. With a Page connected, it asks you to reconnect Instagram. ## What you can't do - Connect a Page that is linked to a different Instagram account. - Connect a Page with no Instagram account. - Use Instagram Login and Facebook Login at the same time. ## How to switch back to Instagram Login 1. Go to **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Facebook Page** → **Disconnect**. 2. Confirm. The message reads "You will lose FB Automations. IG Connection will be re-activated." 3. Then reconnect Instagram directly: on the **Instagram Account** card click **Re-Connect**, or use **Connect Instagram Directly**, and approve every permission. Your Facebook Page and Messenger automations stop. Your Instagram automations are kept. ## If it doesn't work - **Connection Mismatch** ("This Facebook Page is linked to @… but your account is connected to @…") → you picked a Page linked to another Instagram. Click **Reconnect Correct FB Page** and choose the right one. - A Page card says "⚠️ Different from your current IG" → that Page belongs to another Instagram account. Pick a different Page. - "Your Instagram and Facebook are not linked properly" → link your Instagram to the Page in the Instagram app (Profile → Edit profile), then reconnect. The page also says to remove ManyChat's connection only if you connected with ManyChat. - Your Page isn't in the list → log in to Facebook with a profile that is an admin of the Page, and keep all Pages selected when Facebook asks. - "Facebook conection expired! Automation Stopped." (this typo is in the app) → click **Connect Instagram via FB Page** and log in again. ## Questions people also ask **Can I connect a Page that is linked to a different Instagram account?** No. The Page must be linked to the same Instagram account you connected in InstantDM. Otherwise you'll see Connection Mismatch. **Can I connect a Facebook Page that has no Instagram account?** No. Pages with no linked Instagram show Instagram Not connected and can't be selected. **Will I lose my Instagram automations when I connect a Page?** No. Your automations are kept. Only the way InstantDM talks to your Instagram changes: it now goes through your Page. **Can I be connected with Instagram Login and Facebook Login at the same time?** No. Once your Page is connected, InstantDM uses Facebook Login. To go back, disconnect the Page. ## Related guides - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [How do I send a Messenger DM when someone comments on my Facebook post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-comments-to-messenger.md) - [How do I auto-reply to Messenger keywords?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/messenger-keyword-replies.md) - [How do I auto-reply to comments on my Instagram ads and boosted posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/auto-reply-ad-comments.md) # How do I send a Messenger DM when someone comments on my Facebook post? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-comments-to-messenger Section: Ads and Facebook Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Connect your Facebook Page, then open New Automation, choose Comment to DM, pick the Facebook pill and your Page posts, and set the trigger words, public reply and DM. People who comment get your reply under their comment and a private message in Messenger. ## Before you start - Connect your Facebook Page first. See [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) - Facebook automations are on **Legend Pro and above**. On lower plans you'll see "🚀 Facebook Automation is Live!" with an upgrade button. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation**. 2. Choose **Comment to DM**. 3. On "Which posts?", pick where it runs: - **Existing posts**: click the **Facebook** pill, then click one or more Page posts. - **All posts**: every Page post, including new ones. Tick **Facebook**, or both **Instagram** and **Facebook** to set up both at once. - **Next post**: a post you haven't published yet. 4. Click **Next**. 5. Under "What should it send?", pick **Send Link & PDF**, **Lead Gen** or **Flow Automation**. - **Lead Gen** asks for a name, email or phone in the chat. - **Flow Automation** is a multi-step chat with buttons (Trendsetter and above). It's hidden if you picked Instagram and Facebook together. 6. If you picked 2 or more posts, name the group, then click **Publish Setup**. The editor opens. 7. Add trigger words (or choose all comments), your public replies and the DM text. 8. Click **Publish**. You can also go to **Quick Automation**, open the **Facebook** tab, and click a post under **Facebook Posts**. ## On the phone app Tap **Facebook** on Home. Tap a Page post, or use **Quick Global Automation** (all posts) or **Next Post Automation**. The editor is the same as for Instagram posts. Connecting the Page itself opens the website. ## What your followers see 1. Your public reply appears under their comment, posted by your Page. 2. They get a private message from your Page in Messenger. If someone comments twice, they get the DM twice. ## Good to know - For **Next post** on Facebook, you get a caption code to put in the Page post's text, just like on Instagram. See [How do I set up an automation before I post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md) - There are no Stories, Live or Collabs for Facebook in InstantDM. - Scheduling Facebook posts isn't possible. **Later** is Instagram only. ## What you can't do - Use the follow-first option on Facebook. - Automate Facebook Story replies. - Run one Flow on both Instagram and Facebook. Make one per platform. - Automate comments on Facebook ads. ## How to turn it off Open the post's automation and switch off its **Send Link or PDF** (or **Lead Gen**) card. See [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) ## If it doesn't work - No Facebook tab or posts → your Page isn't connected, or the connection expired. Reconnect from **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits**. - Comments get the public reply but no Messenger DM → check the trigger words and your credits, then see [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Can one automation cover the same post on Instagram and Facebook?** For All posts and Next post, tick both Instagram and Facebook. InstantDM creates one automation for each platform. For specific posts, set them up per platform. **Can I ask people to follow my Page before they get the link?** No. The follow-first option is only for Instagram. It is hidden on Facebook. **Does it work on my Facebook ads?** No. Comments on the Facebook placement of ads are not automated. Ad comments work only on Instagram. **Do text-only Page posts show up?** Yes. Posts without a photo or video appear as text tiles you can pick. ## Related guides - [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) - [How do I auto-reply to Messenger keywords?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/messenger-keyword-replies.md) - [What works differently on Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-vs-instagram.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) # How do I auto-reply to Messenger keywords? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/messenger-keyword-replies Section: Ads and Facebook Works on: Web app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open New Automation, choose DM Automation, then Facebook Messenger. Pick Lead Gen, add your keywords and a Text Message step, and publish. Then check that Facebook DM automation shows Active in Account Settings, and click Verify & activate if it doesn't. Someone messages your Page "price" and gets your price list straight away. This guide sets that up. ## Before you start - Connect your Facebook Page. See [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) - Messenger keyword replies are on **Legend Pro and above**. Messenger flows (multi-step chats) are on **Trendsetter and above**. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **New Automation**. 2. Choose **DM Automation** ("Someone messages you a keyword, or anything at all."). 3. Under "Which inbox?", click **Facebook Messenger**, then **Next**. 4. Under "What should it send?", click **Lead Gen**. (Pick **Flow Automation** instead if you want buttons that lead to different answers.) 5. In the editor, choose the trigger: - **Custom Keywords**: type a word and press Enter. Commas split words. - **Any Message**: then pick **First time only** or **Once a day**. 6. Optional: tick **Match exact word only** if the whole message must be just your keyword. Off means any message that contains it. 7. Click **Add Step** and choose **Text Message**. Type your reply. Add more steps if you like, for example **Button Template** or **Capture Email**. 8. Click **Save**, then **Publish & Activate**. 9. Go to **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** and find the **Facebook DM automation** card. - It should say **Active**. - If it says **Not active**, click **Verify & activate**. ## On the phone app The phone app can't create Messenger keyword replies. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. (The app's **DM** tab is for Instagram DMs only.) ## What your followers see They send your Page a message with your keyword and get your reply in Messenger within moments. If your steps ask a question, they answer in the same chat. ## Good to know - If two automations use the same keyword, the one saved most recently wins. - **Any Message** with **First time only** replies once per person, ever. **Once a day** replies at most once every 24 hours. - You can have only one **Any Message** automation. If you see "An 'Any Message' trigger flow already exists. Only one can be created per account.", edit the existing one. - The **Facebook DM automation** card's text says it runs when you open Facebook DM. In the new layout it runs when you finish **New Automation** → **DM Automation** → **Facebook Messenger**. Use **Verify & activate** if replies don't start. ## How to turn it off Go to **Quick Automation** → **Facebook** tab → **DM Automation**, and switch the automation off, or delete it with the bin icon. ## If it doesn't work - Page comment automations work but Messenger replies don't → open **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** and click **Verify & activate** (or **Re-verify**). - No reply to a long message → turn off **Match exact word only**. - Still nothing → [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Why is there no Send Link option for Messenger?** For DM automations the wizard offers only Lead Gen and Flow Automation. To send a simple reply or link, choose Lead Gen and add a Text Message step. You don't have to ask any questions. **Can I reply to every message, not only keywords?** Yes. Choose Any Message instead of Custom Keywords, then pick First time only or Once a day so people aren't answered on every message. **Do Facebook Page comments need Verify & activate too?** No. Page comment automations work once the Page is connected. Verify & activate is for Messenger messages. ## Related guides - [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) - [How do I send a Messenger DM when someone comments on my Facebook post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-comments-to-messenger.md) - [How do I auto-reply when someone DMs me a keyword on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply.md) - [What works differently on Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-vs-instagram.md) # What works differently on Facebook? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-vs-instagram Section: Ads and Facebook Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** On Facebook you can automate Page post comments (with a Messenger DM) and Messenger keyword replies. Stories, Live, collabs, the follow-first option, ad comments, scheduling and post-shared-to-DM replies work on Instagram only, and a Flow runs on one platform at a time. Facebook in InstantDM means your **Facebook Page**: comments on Page posts and messages in Messenger. Your Page must be connected first. See [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) ## Side by side | Feature | Instagram | Facebook Page | |---|---|---| | Comment on a post gets a DM | Yes | Yes, the DM arrives in Messenger | | Public reply under the comment | Yes | Yes, posted by your Page | | All posts and Next post | Yes | Yes | | Story replies | Yes | No | | Live video comments | Yes | No | | Collab posts | Yes | No | | Keyword replies in DMs | Instagram DMs | Messenger | | Ask people to follow before the link | Yes | No (hidden on Facebook) | | Ad comments | Yes, ads on Instagram | No | | Reply when someone shares your post to your DMs | Yes (needs a direct Instagram connection) | No | | Flow Automation | Yes | Yes, as a separate flow | | Schedule posts with **Later** | Yes | No | | Phone app | Posts, stories and DM keywords | Page posts only | ## Good to know - **One platform per Flow.** In **New Automation**, the **Flow Automation** card is hidden when you pick Instagram and Facebook together: "Flow Automation runs on one platform. Pick only Instagram or only Facebook to use it." To copy a flow to Facebook, see [How do I organize, duplicate or copy a flow to Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/organize-and-copy-flows.md) - **Pairing.** For **All posts** and **Next post**, you can tick both **Instagram** and **Facebook**. InstantDM creates one automation per platform. - **Messenger needs one extra check.** Messenger replies work only when **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Facebook DM automation** says **Active**. If not, click **Verify & activate**. - **No @usernames.** Facebook doesn't share @usernames, so Facebook contacts don't have one. - **Contacts are separate.** The **Contacts** page has an **Instagram** / **Facebook** switch. Exports are separate too. - **Plans.** Facebook Page comment and Messenger keyword automations are on **Legend Pro and above**. Facebook flows are on **Trendsetter and above**. ## What you can't do - Connect a Facebook Page that isn't linked to your Instagram account. - Automate comments on the Facebook placement of ads, or click-to-message ads. See [Can InstantDM handle click-to-message ads or Facebook ad comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/click-to-message-ads.md) - Automate Facebook Story replies. - Schedule Facebook Page posts. ## Questions people also ask **Do I need a separate plan for Facebook?** No separate plan. Facebook Page automations are included on Legend Pro and above, and Facebook flows on Trendsetter and above. **Can one automation run on Instagram and Facebook together?** For All posts and Next post, tick both platforms and InstantDM creates one automation for each. A Flow always runs on one platform only. **Can I manage Facebook from the phone app?** Partly. The app can automate Facebook Page post comments. Connecting the Page and Messenger keyword replies need the web app. ## Related guides - [How do I connect my Facebook Page?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-facebook-page.md) - [How do I send a Messenger DM when someone comments on my Facebook post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/facebook-comments-to-messenger.md) - [How do I auto-reply to Messenger keywords?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/messenger-keyword-replies.md) - [Can InstantDM handle click-to-message ads or Facebook ad comments?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/click-to-message-ads.md) --- # Section: Contacts and results # How do I see who got my DM and what happened to each comment? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/see-who-got-my-dm Section: Contacts and results Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open the post in Quick Automation and go to the All Comments tab. Each comment shows status tags such as Sent, Replied and Link Opened, or the reason it failed. Click View Summary to see totals and download a CSV. Every post with an automation keeps its own history: who commented, what InstantDM did, and what went wrong. ## Steps 1. Click **Quick Automation** in the sidebar. 2. Open the **Instagram** tab (or **Facebook** for Page posts) and click the post. 3. Open the **All Comments** tab. - For a story it's called **All DM's**. - For a post with **Lead Gen** (a DM that asks for name, email or phone) it's called **Lead Gen Contacts**. See [Where do I find and download the leads I collected?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads.md) 4. Read each row: **Insta ID** (their username), **Status**, **City** (when known), **Comment** and **Responded Time**. 5. Click a row to expand it for more detail, including when the link was opened. 6. Click **Load More** at the bottom to see older comments. 7. To get totals, click **View Summary**. You'll see Total Contacts, DM Sent, Comment Replied, Link Opened, Story Reply and Ad Automation. 8. Click **Download CSV** to save the list. You can also jump here from **Insights**: click a row under **Recent Automations** and the post opens with that person highlighted. ## On the phone app Tap **Instagram** on Home, open **Posts** (or **Stories**), and tap the post. Open the **Contacts** tab. Each person shows their comment and badges such as **DM Sent**, **Comment Reply** and **Link Opened**, plus the error if one happened. The app can't export this list. ## What the status tags mean - **Sent**: InstantDM sent the DM and Instagram accepted it. - **Replied**: your public reply was posted under the comment. - **Link Opened**: they tapped your link (only for links with **Track link clicks** on). - **Scheduled**: waiting in a queue, to be answered later. - **Rate limit reached**: your plan's hourly limit was reached, so this comment wasn't answered automatically. - **Instagram limit reached**: Instagram itself asked InstantDM to slow down. - **No automation configured**: the post had no automation when the comment came in. - A **red box** shows the error message Instagram sent back, for example when it refused the DM. ## Good to know - Only top-level comments are listed and answered. Replies inside a comment thread never trigger. - The CSV export stops at 20,000 contacts ("Export was capped at 20,000 contacts"). - Times in the list are shown in your computer's time zone. ## If it doesn't work - Someone you expected isn't in the list → Instagram may never have told InstantDM about their comment. See [How do I make InstantDM answer comments it missed on a post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) - Rows show a red error → open **Automation Recovery** to resend. See [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) - Many **Rate limit reached** tags → see [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) ## Questions people also ask **Why does a comment say No automation configured?** The comment arrived when the post had no automation switched on. Set up the automation, then use Re-run missed comments to answer it (Trendsetter and above). **What does Scheduled mean on a comment?** The comment is waiting in a queue and will be answered later. This usually happens on busy posts. **Can I download the list?** Yes. Click View Summary, then Download CSV. The export holds up to 20,000 contacts. **Why are these people not on the Contacts page?** The Contacts page lists people from flows and Lead Gen only. People who got a simple Send Link DM are listed on the post itself. ## Related guides - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) - [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [How do I see how many people clicked my link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks.md) # How do I see, search and export my contacts? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page Section: Contacts and results Works on: Web app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click Contacts in the sidebar and pick Instagram or Facebook. The page lists people from flows and Lead Gen, not people who only got a Send Link DM. Use Filter by tag or Filter by flow, and click Export to download a CSV with tags and answers. ## Before you start - **Contacts** lists people collected by **Flow Automation** (multi-step chats) and **Lead Gen** (a DM that asks for name, email or phone). The page says so itself: "Quick Send-Link contacts won't appear here." - It shows contacts created after **25 August 2026**. Older ones aren't lost; they just don't show here. - For people who got a simple link DM, see [How do I see who got my DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/see-who-got-my-dm.md) ## Steps 1. Click **Contacts** in the sidebar. 2. Pick **Instagram** or **Facebook** at the top. The page remembers your choice in this browser. 3. Read the table: - **Contact**: username and account number. Facebook people show their name. - **Tags**, **Fields** (hover "N fields" to see the answers), **Added** date. 4. Use **← Previous** and **Next →** to move between pages (25 per page). 5. To narrow the list, choose a tag in **Filter by tag**, or a flow in **Filter by flow**. You can use one at a time. 6. Click a name to open their details: custom fields, tags and the flow they are in right now. 7. To download, click **Export**. The CSV follows the filter you have on. - You'll see "Exported N contacts." - Columns: contact ID, username, tags, takeover status, date added, then one column per field (for example email and phone). ## On the phone app The app has no Contacts page and no export. It lists people per post (**Contacts** tab on the post), per DM automation (**Contacts** button) and per flow (**Flows**). Use the web app at app.instantdm.com to export. ## Good to know - **Search covers only the page you're looking at.** The box "Search username, id or tag" looks through the 25 rows on screen, not your whole list. To find someone in a flow, open that flow's contact list, whose search covers everyone. See [How do I see who went through a flow?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results.md) - **Exports with a flow filter stop at the 200 most recent contacts.** For a full export, clear the flow filter, or tag those people and export by tag. - Exports without a filter or with a tag filter include everyone. - **Filter by flow** lists everyone who started that flow, including people from before 25 August 2026 and people with no tags or answers. - The CSV opens correctly in Excel and Google Sheets, emoji included. - "Unknown" instead of a username means Instagram didn't share it yet. InstantDM tries to fill it in when you open the page. - To delete a contact, click the bin icon on the row and confirm "Delete this contact and all their tags/fields?". ## What you can't do - Import contacts. - Sort by a column, or select many contacts at once to tag or delete them. - Combine a tag filter and a flow filter. - See two Instagram accounts in one list. Switch accounts first. - Reply to people from here. Reply in the Instagram or Facebook app. ## If it doesn't work - The list is empty → you have no flows or Lead Gen automations yet, or nobody has gone through them since 25 August 2026. - An export has exactly 200 rows → a flow filter was on. Clear it and export again. ## Questions people also ask **Why is someone who got my DM missing from Contacts?** Contacts only lists people from Flow Automation and Lead Gen. People who only got a Send Link DM are listed on the post's All Comments tab instead. **Why don't I see contacts from before August 2026?** The page shows contacts created after 25 August 2026. Older contacts are not lost. Open the flow's contact list to see everyone who went through it. **Can I import contacts from ManyChat or a CSV file?** No. InstantDM can't import contacts. People are added when they go through your automations. **Can I see Instagram and Facebook contacts together?** No. Switch between Instagram and Facebook at the top of the page. Each exports separately. ## Related guides - [How do I see who got my DM and what happened to each comment?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/see-who-got-my-dm.md) - [How do I tag contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts.md) - [How do I see who went through a flow and what they answered?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results.md) - [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) # How do I tag contacts? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts Section: Contacts and results Works on: Web app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** On the Contacts page, click the tag icon in a contact's Tags column, pick tags or create a new one, and click Save. To tag people automatically, add a Tag Contact step to a flow, Lead Gen or DM automation. You can then filter and export by tag. Tags are short labels like "hot-lead", "paid" or "wholesale" that you put on a person. Use them to find people later, export a group, or send different messages in a flow. ## Steps 1. Click **Contacts** in the sidebar and pick **Instagram** or **Facebook**. 2. Find the person. In their **Tags** column, click the tag icon. - A small window opens with their username in the title. 3. Pick one or more tags under "Select tags". Click a selected tag's × to remove it. 4. To make a new tag, type it in "New tag name" and click **Create** (or press Enter). 5. Click **Save**. You'll see "Tags updated." You can do the same from a contact's detail panel: click their name, use the **Tags** section, then click **Save** ("Contact saved."). ## Tag people automatically Add a **Tag Contact** step so everyone who reaches it gets the tag: - In a **Flow Automation**: add the **Tag Contact** step, choose **Tags to apply** (and optional **Tags to remove**), then **Set Live**. Flows are on Trendsetter and above. - In a **Lead Gen** or DM keyword automation: click **Add Step**, then **Tag Contact**. - An **AI Reply** step can also add tags based on your instructions. See [How do I control what the AI says?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/control-what-ai-says.md) ## On the phone app The app has no Contacts page. In an Instagram DM keyword automation (Instagram → **DM** tab), you can add a **Tag Contact** step with **Manage Tags** and **Create New Tag**. On the **Flows** screen you can filter a flow's contacts by tag. ## Good to know - Tags you create on the Contacts page are the same tags you see in the flow builder. - **Filter by tag** on the Contacts page shows everyone with that tag. **Export** then downloads only them. - In a flow, a **Condition** step can check "has tag" to send different messages. See [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) ## What you can't do - Tag or untag many contacts at once from the Contacts page. - Rename or delete a tag from the Contacts page. - Combine **Filter by tag** with **Filter by flow**. ## Questions people also ask **Can I tag many contacts at once?** Not from the Contacts page. Tag people one by one, or add a Tag Contact step to your automation so everyone who reaches that step is tagged. **How do I rename or delete a tag?** You can't rename or delete a tag from the Contacts page. You can remove a tag from each contact. **Can the AI tag people for me?** Yes. An AI Reply step in a flow can tag people based on your instructions. Those tags show on the Contacts page and you can remove them. ## Related guides - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) - [How do I send different messages based on someone's answer or tag?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/different-messages-by-answer.md) - [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) # How do I stop automations for a specific person? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation Section: Contacts and results Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Add the person to Whitelist Contacts in Account Settings, on the Automation tab, or click Exclude from automation on their contact in Contacts. Whitelisted people get no automations at all: no DMs, no public replies, no flows and no follow-ups. "Whitelist" here means the opposite of what it sounds like: people on this list are **skipped** by every automation. ## Steps **Option A: by username, in Settings** 1. Click **Account Settings** in the sidebar. 2. Open the **Automation** tab. 3. Find **Whitelist Contacts**. 4. Type the person's username in "Enter username" (without the @) and click **Add**. 5. Click **Save** at the top of Settings. **Option B: from Contacts** 1. Click **Contacts** in the sidebar and find the person. 2. Click the stop icon on their row, or click their name and then **Exclude from automation**. 3. Confirm "Skip all automation for this contact?". A message confirms the contact is excluded. Option B adds them to the same **Whitelist Contacts** list, using their account number instead of their username. ## On the phone app Tap your profile photo, then **Settings** → **Automation**. Under **Whitelist Contacts**, type the username, tap **Add**, then tap **Save Changes**. ## What the person sees Nothing from your automations. They can still comment and message you, and you can reply to them yourself in Instagram or Facebook. ## Good to know - It stops everything for that person: comment replies, DMs, story replies, DM keywords, flows, AI replies and pending follow-up messages. - The setting is per InstantDM account. If you manage several accounts, add the person on each one. - A username entry stops matching if the person changes their username. Entries added from **Contacts** use their account number, which doesn't change. - On **Contacts**, the exclude button is hidden when you filter by a flow that has no AI step. Clear the filter to see it. - The button's tooltip mentions "Safety settings". The list is actually on the **Automation** tab. ## How to turn it off Open **Account Settings** → **Automation** → **Whitelist Contacts**, click the × on the entry, then click **Save**. Entries added from Contacts show as a number, for example "@1784…". ## Other ways to quiet the bot - Stop only the AI for one person: [How do I take over a chat from the AI?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md) - Stop automations while you're chatting with someone: [How do I stop automations from interrupting when I'm chatting?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does whitelisting stop only flows and AI?** No. The settings text mentions Flow, Lead-gen and AI, but a whitelisted person gets no automation of any kind, including comment replies and Send Link DMs. **How do I undo an exclusion I made from Contacts?** Open Account Settings, go to the Automation tab, find Whitelist Contacts and click the × on that entry. Then click Save. **I only want the AI to stop for this person. What should I use?** Use Human takeover instead. It silences only AI Reply steps for that person, and your other automations keep running. ## Related guides - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) - [How do I take over a chat from the AI?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/take-over-from-ai.md) - [How do I stop automations from interrupting when I'm chatting with someone?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) - [What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md) # What do the numbers in Insights mean? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/insights-explained Section: Contacts and results Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Insights shows what your automations did in the last 7, 14 or 30 days: DMs sent, link clicks, conversations and AI activity. Two things to know: days and hours are counted in UTC, not your local time, and Automation Health counts comments that didn't match your trigger word as Failed. Open **Insights** in the sidebar. Pick **7D**, **14D** or **30D** at the top. The tabs are **Overview**, **Conversations**, **Link Clicks**, **Usage Trends**, **AI Performance** and **Flows**. This page explains the first five. For flows, use the flow's own contact list (see the end of this page). > All days and hours on Insights are in UTC, not your local time. A DM sent at 1 a.m. in India counts on the previous day. ## Overview - **DMs Sent**: messages InstantDM sent for you in the period. - **Link Clicks**: clicks on your tracked links. If one person clicks three times, that's 3. - **CTR**: Link Clicks divided by DMs Sent, as a percentage. If clicks are higher than DMs, it shows **Clicks/DM** instead, for example "1.4x". - **Active Conversations**: people who had an active DM conversation with you, as sorted by DM Insights. - **AI Replies**: replies written by AI Reply steps in your flows. - **NA** means zero. - **Daily DM Volume**: DMs sent per day. - **Plan Credits**, **Top-up Credits**, **Status**, **Renews**: your plan, the credits left and the renewal date. - **Automation Health**: **Total Triggered**, **Success Rate**, **Successful**, **Failed** and the top **Failure Reasons**. It covers comment and story automations, not flows. "Failed" means no DM was sent, and that **includes comments that didn't match your trigger word**. It shows only when there is data. - **Recent Automations**: the latest events with a status such as DM Sent, Completed, In Progress, Waiting, Skipped or Failed. Hover a Failed badge to see why. Click a quick-automation row to open that post's comment list. ## Conversations Based on **DM Insights**, which sorts incoming DMs by intent. You'll see **Total Conversations**, **Unread**, **High Priority**, **Followers / Non-followers**, **Conversation Intents** (purchase, collaboration, support and more), **Priority Distribution** and **Top Conversations**. Followers / Non-followers is worked out from the top 20 conversations only. ## Link Clicks **Total Clicks**, **Unique Clickers** (different people), **Top Location**, **Top Platform** (android, ios or desktop), **Daily Click Trend**, **Click Locations**, **Platform Split**, **Top CTA Buttons** and **Top Posts by Clicks**. Only links with **Track link clicks** on are counted. It's on by default for buttons and off for plain text. See [How do I see how many people clicked my link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks.md) ## Usage Trends **Total Messages**, **Daily Average**, **Peak Hour**, **Usage Over Time**, **Activity Heatmap (30-min slots)** and **Peak Activity Hours**. These count messages InstantDM **sent**, not messages you received. Times are in UTC. ## AI Performance **Total AI Events**, **Replies Sent**, **Tags Applied**, **Leads Collected**, **Follow-ups Scheduled**, **Human Takeover**, **AI Errors** and **Error Rate**, plus **AI Model Usage**, **Event Types**, **Top Tags Applied** and **Lead Data Collected**. This only has data if you use AI Reply in a flow. ## On the phone app Open the **Dashboard** tab on Home and pick 7, 14 or 30 days. It has the same sections: Overview, Conversations, Link Clicks, Usage and AI. The same UTC rule applies. ## Good to know - To see who went through a flow and what they answered, use the flow's contact list. See [How do I see who went through a flow?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results.md) - To see each person on one post, use the post's **All Comments** tab. See [How do I see who got my DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/see-who-got-my-dm.md) ## What you can't do - Change the time zone. - See sales or revenue. InstantDM counts link clicks, not purchases. - See several accounts together, or schedule a report by email. ## Questions people also ask **Why does Automation Health show so many failures?** Every comment that didn't lead to a DM counts as Failed, including comments that simply didn't contain your trigger word. A low success rate on a busy post is often normal. **What does NA mean?** NA means zero, or no data for that period. **Why are my busiest hours wrong?** Usage Trends uses UTC time. Convert to your time zone: for example, India is UTC plus 5:30 and New York is UTC minus 4 or 5. **Can I see all my accounts in one dashboard?** No. Insights shows one account at a time. Switch accounts to see each one. ## Related guides - [How do I see how many people clicked my link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/track-link-clicks.md) - [How do I see who got my DM and what happened to each comment?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/see-who-got-my-dm.md) - [How do I see who went through a flow and what they answered?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results.md) - [What is DM Insights?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-insights.md) # How do I see who went through a flow and what they answered? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-results Section: Contacts and results Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Go to Flow Automation, find the flow and click its View contacts icon. A panel lists everyone who started the flow, newest first. Click a person to see their saved answers and tags. The download icon exports the list, but only the 200 most recent people. A **flow** is a multi-step chat built in **Flow Automation**, with buttons, questions and branches. Each flow keeps a list of the people who went through it. ## Steps 1. Click **Flow Automation** in the sidebar. 2. Find your flow and click the people icon (**View contacts**). You can also open the row's **⋮** menu and choose **View contacts**. 3. A side panel opens with the flow's name, a **Live** or **Draft** tag, and the number of contacts. - People are listed newest activity first, with a **Last active** date. 4. To find someone, type a username or ID in the search box and press **Enter**. This search covers the whole flow. 5. To narrow the list, use **Filter by tag**. 6. Click a person to open their details: - **Custom fields**: the answers they gave, saved under each question's **Save answer as** name, or under its type when that is blank (for example email or phone). - **Tags**, the **Active flow** box (where they are in a flow right now) and, for AI flows, the **AI timeline**. 7. To download, click the download icon ("Export this flow's contacts to CSV"). 8. To see the same people on the full **Contacts** page, click the arrow icon ("Open in the full Contacts page"). ## On the phone app Tap **Flows** on Home ("View contacts & responses"). Tap a flow to see "N contacts collected", filter by tag, and tap a person to see their answers and **AI LEAD DATA**. You can't create or edit flows, or export, in the app. ## Good to know - **Export stops at 200.** Exporting from this panel, or from **Contacts** with a flow filter, gives only the 200 most recent people. For everyone, tag them in the flow and export by tag. - You can fix a wrong answer: open the person, edit the value under **Custom fields**, and click **Save**. - **Remove** in the **Active flow** box takes someone out of the flow they're stuck in. Their next message starts fresh. - "Completed" and "In Progress" labels can be wrong for flows that end on a button or link card, because those runs are never marked complete. Treat completion counts as approximate. - For **Lead Gen** on a post (not a flow), answers are on the post's **Lead Gen Contacts** tab. See [Where do I find and download the leads I collected?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads.md) ## What you can't do - See a chart of how many people dropped off at each step. - Export more than 200 people from the flow panel. - Reply to people from here. Reply in the Instagram or Facebook app. ## If it doesn't work - The list is empty → the flow isn't live yet, or nobody has triggered it. Check it says **Live** and see [How do I turn a flow on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) - An answer is missing → typed answers count only if they arrive within 1 hour of the question, and wrong formats are rejected. See [Which answers will the email, phone and name questions accept?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md) ## Questions people also ask **How do I export more than 200 people from a flow?** Add a Tag Contact step to the flow so everyone who goes through it is tagged. Then on the Contacts page, filter by that tag and click Export. Tag exports include everyone. **Does the list include people from before August 2026?** Yes. The flow's contact list includes everyone who started the flow, also people who don't appear on the main Contacts page. **Can I see answers on my phone?** Yes. In the app, open Flows, tap the flow and tap a person to see their answers. The app can't export. ## Related guides - [How do I see, search and export my contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/contacts-page.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [How do I tag contacts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/tag-contacts.md) - [Where do I find and download the leads I collected?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-collected-leads.md) --- # Section: Scheduling, integrations and API # How do I schedule a post, Reel, carousel or story? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/schedule-posts Section: Scheduling, integrations and API Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open Later in the sidebar and click New Schedule. Pick Image, Carousel, Reel or Story, set the time, upload your media, write the caption and click Schedule. Use JPEG images, and finish any edits at least 10 minutes before the post time. ## Before you start - Your Instagram professional account must be connected to InstantDM. - Scheduling is on **Legend Pro and above**. On lower plans **New Schedule** shows a crown and "Please upgrade your plan to access this feature". ## Steps 1. Click **Later** in the sidebar. You'll see a two-week calendar with **Prev**, **Today** and **Next**. 2. Click **New Schedule**. 3. Under **Post Type**, pick **Image**, **Carousel**, **Reel** or **Story**. 4. Set the **Schedule Time**. It uses your computer's time zone, in 5-minute steps. 5. Drag your media in or click to upload. - **Image**, **Reel** and **Story** take one file. - **Carousel** takes 2 to 10 files. Drag the thumbnails to change the order. - Click **ALT** on an image to add alt text (a description for people who can't see the image). 6. Write the **Caption**. Stories have no caption. You can reuse text with **Saved Captions** or store it with **Save Caption**. 7. For a Reel, set the **Cover Photo**: **Upload Custom**, or **Select from Video** and then **Use this Frame**. 8. Check the **Preview** on the right. 9. Click **Schedule**. You'll see "The post is Scheduled!" ("The story is Scheduled!" for a story). To also send a DM to everyone who comments, click **Setup Automation** in that popup. See [How do I schedule a post with comment-to-DM already set up?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/schedule-post-with-auto-dm.md) ## On the phone app Tap **Later** on Home. Pick a date, tap **+**, and choose **IMAGE**, **CAROUSEL** or **REEL** (no stories in the app). Add the caption and media, set the **Schedule Time**, and tap **Publish**. The time must be at least 10 minutes ahead and no more than 3 months ahead. ## Good to know - **Use JPEG for images.** PNG and WebP are accepted on upload but may fail when Instagram publishes them. - **Finish edits 10 or more minutes before the post time.** InstantDM prepares your media about 10 minutes early, so later changes may not be used. - **Posts can go out a minute or two early.** - **Trial reels:** for a Reel on the web, switch on **Post as trial reel** to show it to non-followers first. If Instagram doesn't allow trial reels on your account yet, it fails; schedule it again with the option off. - **Edit** a scheduled post by clicking it in the calendar, then **Update Schedule**. **Delete Post** removes it before it goes out. - Published posts open read-only with **Post Published**. Use **Duplicate** to copy one into a new schedule. - Calendar badges show the type: IMG, CAR, REEL, STORY or TRIAL. A green tick means published. ## What you can't do - Schedule Facebook Page posts. - Add story stickers or links, music, collaborators or a location. - Upload many posts at once from a file. - Delete a post from Later after it's published. Delete it in Instagram. ## If it doesn't work - **Schedule** is greyed out → no media is added yet, or a carousel has fewer than 2 items. - "Can't publish the post" → check the carousel count and choose a later time. - The post didn't go out → Instagram rejected the media. Try JPEG images, or for a trial reel, turn the trial option off. ## Questions people also ask **Can I schedule Facebook Page posts?** No. Later is for Instagram only. **Why did my post go out a minute early?** InstantDM starts publishing a little before your chosen time, so posts can appear a minute or two early. Plan for that. **Can I add music, stickers, links or collaborators?** No. Story stickers and links, music, collaborator tags and location can't be added through scheduling. For stories you can add music, stickers and text in an app like Canva before you upload. **Will I get an email when it's published?** Don't wait for one. Check the Later calendar: a green tick means the post was published. ## Related guides - [How do I schedule a post with comment-to-DM already set up?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/schedule-post-with-auto-dm.md) - [How do I set up an automation before I post? (caption code)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md) - [What can I do in the InstantDM phone app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) # How do I schedule a post with comment-to-DM already set up? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/schedule-post-with-auto-dm Section: Scheduling, integrations and API Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Schedule the post in Later, then click Setup Automation in the popup that appears. Set your trigger words, public reply and DM, and publish the automation. When the post goes live, the automation moves onto it straight away, so the first comments are answered. ## Before you start - Scheduling is on **Legend Pro and above**. - Read [How do I schedule a post, Reel, carousel or story?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/schedule-posts.md) if you haven't scheduled a post before. ## Steps 1. Click **Later** in the sidebar, then **New Schedule**. 2. Set up the post: type, time, media and caption. Click **Schedule**. 3. A popup appears: "Scheduled, Next Automate Comments" and "The post is Scheduled!". Click **Setup Automation**. - For a story it says "Scheduled, Next Automate Story Replies" and "The story is Scheduled!". 4. The automation editor opens, the same one you use for live posts. Add your trigger words (or choose all comments), your public replies and your DM. 5. Click **Publish**. 6. Back in **Later**, the post shows a lightning icon. That means an automation is attached. If you closed the popup, click the post in the calendar. In the **Comment Automation** box (**Story DM Automation** for stories), click **Go to Automation Setup**. If an automation is already attached, the box says **Automation attached** and has **Edit Automation**. ## On the phone app Tap **Later** on Home and schedule an image, carousel or Reel. In the "Post Scheduled!" popup tap **Setup Automation**, or **Maybe Later**. To come back to it, tap the scheduled post and use its **Comment Automation** banner. ## What your followers see Nothing changes for them. When the post goes live and someone comments your trigger word, they get your public reply and DM, as with any automated post. ## Good to know - The automation moves to the real post at publish time "with no delay". - To change it before publishing, open the post in **Later** and click **Edit Automation**. - Posts can go out a minute or two early, and edits in the last 10 minutes may not be used. Finish both the post and the automation early. - A **Next post** automation with a caption code is another way to prepare an automation before you post. See [How do I set up an automation before I post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md) ## What you can't do - Attach a **Flow Automation** to a post that isn't published yet. - Schedule Facebook Page posts. ## How to turn it off Open the post in **Later**, click **Edit Automation**, and switch off the **Send Link or PDF** card. After publishing, use [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) ## If it doesn't work - The post is live but comments get no DM → the automation may not have moved over. Open the published post in **Quick Automation** and set up its automation there. - Other causes → [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Will the first comments after publishing get the DM?** Yes. The automation is moved to the real post the moment it is published, so early comments are covered. **Can I attach a Flow Automation to a scheduled post?** Not before it's published. Wait until the post is live and pick it as a normal post. A Next post automation can't use a flow either: it only offers Send Link & PDF. **Does this work for stories?** Yes. For a scheduled story, the popup offers a story reply automation, so people who reply to the story get your DM. ## Related guides - [How do I schedule a post, Reel, carousel or story?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/schedule-posts.md) - [How do I set up an automation before I post? (caption code)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md) - [How do I send a DM when someone comments on my post or Reel?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-dm-when-someone-comments.md) - [How do I turn off, edit or delete an automation?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md) # How do I connect InstantDM to Claude or another AI assistant? (MCP) Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-ai-assistant Section: Scheduling, integrations and API Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click API & MCP on Home, open MCP, generate a key and copy the Connection URL. In Claude, go to Settings, Connectors, Add custom connector, paste the URL and save. It's on Trendsetter and above, and new accounts can use it in their first week. MCP is a standard way for AI assistants to use other apps. With it, you can ask Claude things like "Show me the comments on my latest reel and group them by what people are asking for." ## Before you start - **Trendsetter and above**. New accounts can also use it during their first week. - An AI app that supports custom MCP connectors, such as Claude.ai, Claude Desktop or Claude Code. - Ad comments and Facebook Page features also need your Page connected with Facebook Login. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **API & MCP** at the top right. 2. Click the **MCP** section ("Let Claude run your account for you"). You'll see the **MCP Server** card. 3. If you have no key yet, click **Generate Key** in the box "Generate an API key to get your connection URL". 4. Under **API Key**, pick the key. Under **Connection URL**, click the copy icon. 5. Under **Set Up Your Client**, pick your app and follow the line shown: - **Claude.ai / Desktop**: in Claude, open Settings → Connectors → Add custom connector. Give it a name (for example "InstantDM"), paste the URL and save. - **Claude Code**: copy the command shown, run it in your terminal, then type /mcp in Claude Code to check it. - **Other clients**: copy the settings text shown and add it to your app's MCP settings. 6. In Claude, try a starter prompt from **How to Ask Claude**, for example "Go through my recent DMs and draft a reply for each one. Do not send them yet." ## On the phone app The phone app has no API or MCP settings. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## What Claude can do - Read and sort comments, and reply publicly or by DM. - Go through your DM conversations and draft or send replies. - Publish an image, Reel, story or carousel right away. - Report on reach, views and saves for your account or a post. - Read and reply to comments on your ads (Facebook Login needed). - Read and reply to Facebook Page comments and send Messenger messages. - Start one of your flows for a contact, and tag contacts. - Pause all your automations. ## Good to know > The Connection URL contains your key. Anyone with it can act on your account. Treat it like a password and don't paste it in shared chats. - Each key belongs to the InstantDM account you're on. If you manage several accounts, switch to each one and create a connection for it. - Claude can't schedule posts or create automations. It publishes right away. ## What you can't do - Use it on Free after the first week, or on Legend Pro. - Set up automations, flows or schedules through Claude. ## How to turn it off Open **API & MCP** → **API**. Under **API Keys**, click the bin icon on the key and confirm **Revoke**. Any AI app using that key is disconnected. ## If it doesn't work - **Generate Key** is greyed out, or you see "Upgrade Required" or "Free Trial Ended" → your plan doesn't include API & MCP. Upgrade to Trendsetter or above. - Claude says it's out of credits or hit an hourly limit → wait, or check your plan in **My Plan**. - Ad tools return nothing → connect your Facebook Page. See [Why can't I see my ads in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ads-not-showing.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does it cost credits?** Reading comments, DMs and stats is free. Each message Claude sends for you (a reply or a DM) uses 1 credit, the same as an automation. **Will Claude send messages without asking me?** InstantDM tells Claude to show you the exact text and who it goes to, and to ask before sending. Read it before you say yes, because the message goes to a real person. **How do I disconnect Claude?** Open API & MCP, go to the API section, and click the bin icon next to the key under API Keys. Confirm Revoke. Claude loses access straight away. **Does it work with other AI apps?** The setup page gives steps for Claude.ai / Desktop and Claude Code, and a general Other clients option for apps that accept an MCP settings file. Follow that app's own instructions for adding an MCP server. ## Related guides - [How do I send InstantDM data to Make, Zapier or my own app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/webhooks-and-api.md) - [Where did Instagram DM, Facebook DM, Team and API & MCP go?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/where-did-things-move.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [How do credits work in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) # How do I send InstantDM data to Make, Zapier or my own app? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/webhooks-and-api Section: Scheduling, integrations and API Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click API & MCP on Home and open Webhooks. Switch on Enable Webhook, paste the webhook URL from Make, Zapier or your app, tick the events you want, and click Save Configuration. Each event is sent once, with no retry. Available on Trendsetter and above. A **webhook** is a web address that waits for data. InstantDM sends a message to it every time something happens, for example a new comment. Make, Zapier and n8n can give you such an address and then do anything with the data: add a row to a sheet, send a Slack message, update your CRM. ## Before you start - **Trendsetter and above** (Trendsetter, Trendsetter Pro, Multi Starter, Multi Pro). New accounts can use it during their first week. - A webhook URL. In Make, add a **Webhooks → Custom webhook** module and copy its address. In Zapier, use the **Webhooks by Zapier** trigger with **Catch Hook** (check that your Zapier plan includes it). - Facebook events need your Facebook Page connected. ## Steps 1. On **Home**, click **API & MCP** at the top right. 2. Click the **Webhooks** section ("Push events to your URL as they happen"). 3. Switch on **Enable Webhook**. 4. Paste your address into **Webhook URL**. 5. Optional: click **Generate** next to **Webhook Secret** if your developer wants to check that messages really come from InstantDM. Leave **Custom Headers** empty unless your app asks for one. 6. Under **Subscribe to Events**, tick what you want to receive: - **Instagram**: **New Comment**, **Comment Reply**, **Live Comment**, **New DM**, **Story Reply**, **Postback** (someone tapped a button), **Question Answered**, **Flow Completed**, **Message Sent (Echo)**. - **Facebook Page**: **New Page Comment**, **Page Comment Reply**, **New Messenger Message**, **Messenger Postback**, **Messenger Message Sent (Echo)**. 7. Click **Save Configuration**. 8. Test it: comment on your own post from another account. In Make or Zapier you should see the data arrive. 9. Open **Delivery Logs** to see every delivery, with Success or Failed. Click a row for details. ## Use the API (for developers) 1. In **API & MCP**, open the **API** section and click **Generate New Key**. 2. Copy the key right away: "Copy this key now. You won't see it again." 3. Share the key and the **API Docs** link with your developer. The **Try It** area sends real messages, so test carefully. Reading data is free. Each reply, DM or post sent through the API uses 1 credit. ## On the phone app The phone app has no API or webhook settings. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## Good to know - **One URL for all events.** - **Sent once, no retry.** If your URL is down or takes longer than 10 seconds, that event is lost. - **Delivery Logs keep 7 days** of history. - **Question Answered** and **Flow Completed** only send for flows where the **Webhook** switch is on. See [How do I send answers from a flow to another app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-flow-data-to-another-app.md) - **Message Sent (Echo)** on Instagram carries only a message ID, not the text. Facebook echoes include the text. - Deliveries are skipped when you're out of credits or over your plan's hourly limit. - Webhooks and API keys are set per InstantDM account. For several accounts, switch to each one and set it up there. ## What you can't do - Use a different URL per event. - Retry or replay a failed delivery. - Receive @mentions or message reactions. The list also shows **Messenger Reaction**, but reactions are not delivered today. - Schedule posts or create automations through the API. ## How to turn it off Switch off **Enable Webhook** and click **Save Configuration**. To stop API access, revoke the key under **API Keys** with the bin icon. ## If it doesn't work - "Upgrade Required" or "Free Trial Ended" → your plan doesn't include webhooks. Upgrade to Trendsetter or above. - Nothing arrives → check **Enable Webhook** is on, the event is ticked, and you clicked **Save Configuration**. Then check **Delivery Logs**. - **Delivery Logs** shows Failed → open the row to see the error. Your URL may be wrong, or your Make scenario or Zap may be off. ## Questions people also ask **What happens if my webhook URL is down?** The event is lost. InstantDM sends each event once, waits up to 10 seconds, and doesn't retry. Check Delivery Logs to spot failures. **Can I send different events to different URLs?** No. There is one webhook URL per account, and all ticked events go to it. In Make or Zapier you can split them by event type. **Can I use webhooks on the free trial?** Yes, during your first week. After that you need Trendsetter or above, and deliveries stop on other plans. **Can the API schedule posts or create automations?** No. The API can read data, reply, send DMs, start a flow, tag contacts and publish a post right away. It can't schedule or create automations. ## Related guides - [How do I send answers from a flow to another app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-flow-data-to-another-app.md) - [How do I connect InstantDM to Claude or another AI assistant? (MCP)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-ai-assistant.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Mailchimp?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp.md) - [Where did Instagram DM, Facebook DM, Team and API & MCP go?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/where-did-things-move.md) # How do I send answers from a flow to another app? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-flow-data-to-another-app Section: Scheduling, integrations and API Works on: Web app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Two ways. Switch on Webhook in the flow's Integrations and tick Question Answered or Flow Completed in API & MCP, Webhooks. Or add an HTTP Request step where you want the data sent, and choose the URL and fields yourself. Both are on Trendsetter and above. A **flow** is a multi-step chat built in **Flow Automation**. When people answer its questions (email, phone, budget), you can send those answers to another app as they come in. ## Before you start - **Trendsetter and above** (new accounts can also use it in their first week). - A webhook URL from Make, Zapier, n8n or your own app. See [How do I send InstantDM data to Make, Zapier or my own app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/webhooks-and-api.md) ## Steps **Way 1: the flow's Webhook switch** 1. On **Home**, click **API & MCP**, then **Webhooks**. 2. Switch on **Enable Webhook** and paste your **Webhook URL**. 3. Under **Subscribe to Events**, tick **Question Answered** (sent after each answer), **Flow Completed** (sent once at the end with all answers), or both. 4. Click **Save Configuration**. 5. Open your flow: **Flow Automation** in the sidebar, then click the flow. 6. Click **Integrations** at the top right and switch on **Webhook**. Click **Done**. 7. Click **Set Live**. The Integrations window says the webhook URL is set "in Settings". It's actually set in **API & MCP** → **Webhooks**, as in steps 1 to 4. **Way 2: an HTTP Request step** 1. In the flow editor, click **+** and choose **Data** → **HTTP Request**. 2. Pick the method (**POST** for most apps) and paste the URL. 3. To send answers, type `{{` and pick a field, for example `{{email}}` or `{{phone}}`. Put them in the URL or the **JSON body**. 4. Add a header with **Add header** if your app asks for a key. If you send a **JSON body**, also add the header `Content-Type` with the value `application/json`: InstantDM doesn't add it for you. 5. Optional: under **Save from response**, save a value the app sends back onto the contact. 6. Connect the **Success** and **Failure** dots to the next steps. 7. Click **Set Live**. ## On the phone app The phone app can't edit flows or integrations. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## What your followers see Nothing. Sending data happens in the background. With an HTTP Request step, they get whatever message you connected to **Success** or **Failure**. ## Good to know - Both ways send **once, with no retry**. The HTTP Request step waits up to 10 seconds; a slow app counts as **Failure**. - **Flow Completed** never fires for flows that end on a button or link card. Use **Question Answered** to be safe. - The **When to push data** option in Integrations is for Mailchimp, Kit and Klaviyo. The webhook sends whichever events you ticked. - Webhook deliveries show in **API & MCP** → **Delivery Logs** for 7 days. HTTP Request steps don't appear there. - The HTTP Request step can't reach private or internal network addresses. ## What you can't do - Retry a failed delivery. - Log in to an app with OAuth inside the HTTP Request step. Use an API key in a header instead. - Send Lead Gen answers to other apps. Only Flow Automation does this. ## How to turn it off Open the flow, click **Integrations**, switch off **Webhook**, click **Done**, then **Set Live**. Or delete the HTTP Request step and **Set Live** again. ## If it doesn't work - Nothing arrives → check that **Question Answered** or **Flow Completed** is ticked in **Webhooks**, and that **Webhook** is on in the flow's **Integrations**. - Only some answers arrive → the person typed an answer in a format the question rejects. See [Which answers will the email, phone and name questions accept?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/answer-rules-email-phone-name.md) - HTTP Request always goes to **Failure** → test the URL in your app, and check the header and body. ## Questions people also ask **Which way should I pick?** Use the Webhook switch if you just want every answer delivered to Make or Zapier. Use the HTTP Request step if you need a specific URL, your own fields, or a different next message when the call fails. **Why does Flow Completed never arrive?** Flows that end on a button or link card are never marked complete. Tick Question Answered instead, which sends each answer as it comes in. **Can I send answers to Mailchimp, Kit or Klaviyo?** Yes, with their own switches in the same Integrations window. See the Mailchimp, Kit and Klaviyo guides. **Does Lead Gen send data to webhooks?** No. Lead Gen has no integrations. Use a Flow Automation if you need to send answers to another app. ## Related guides - [How do I send InstantDM data to Make, Zapier or my own app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/webhooks-and-api.md) - [How do I ask questions in a flow and save the answers?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/ask-questions-in-a-flow.md) - [How do I send Instagram leads to Mailchimp?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/send-leads-to-mailchimp.md) - [What does each step in a flow do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/flow-steps-explained.md) --- # Section: Instagram rules and safety # What are Instagram's rules for automatic DMs? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-dm-rules Section: Instagram rules and safety Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Instagram sets these rules, not InstantDM, and every tool must follow them. You can only message people who contact you first. A comment allows one private DM, within 7 days. After the person messages you or taps a button, you can keep chatting for 24 hours. Instagram decides if your DM lands in their main inbox or in Message Requests. ## The rules at a glance | What the person did | What you can send | For how long | |---|---|---| | Commented on your post or Reel | One private DM, linked to that comment | Within 7 days of the comment | | Sent you a DM, replied to your story, or tapped a button in your DM | Normal messages | 24 hours after their last message or tap | | Nothing | Nothing | Instagram does not allow it | These are Meta's rules. They apply to every DM tool, not only InstantDM. Your Instagram must also be a professional (Business or Creator) account. ## Steps 1. Start every automation from something the person does: a comment, a story reply, or a DM with your keyword. That is the only way to reach them. 2. If you want to send more than one message after a comment, turn on the **Welcome Message** (Legend Pro and above). It is a first DM with one button. When the person taps it, the chat opens for 24 hours and your link can follow. 3. Keep reminders inside 24 hours. In a flow, any delay or follow-up longer than 24 hours is cut to 24 hours. 4. Resend missed DMs soon. Open **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed** and resend while the window is still open. - You'll see: "Instagram only allows a reply within 7 days of a comment, or 24 hours of a direct message. Anything older stays listed but can't be resent." ## On the phone app The rules are the same in the app. Home → **Automation Recovery** shows the same note under the **Missed & Failed** list. ## What your followers see - After a comment: one DM from your account. If it has a button, tapping it continues the chat. - If Instagram refuses the DM because they don't follow you, InstantDM posts a public reply under their comment instead. See [non-followers and private accounts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md). - The DM goes to their main inbox or to Message Requests. Instagram decides this, not InstantDM. ## Good to know - One comment gets one private DM. If the same person comments again, the new comment gets its own DM. - Only top-level comments start an automation, so InstantDM's own public replies can't start a loop. - Only text replies to your story start a story automation. Stickers, photos and reactions don't. - When someone mentions you in their story, no automation runs. InstantDM has no story-mention trigger. - Instagram also limits how fast an account sends. If Instagram says your account is sending too fast, InstantDM waits and tries again. See [DMs per hour](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md). ## What you can't do - Message people who never contacted you. - Send a broadcast to all your followers. - Send or resend a DM after the window has closed. - Choose whether your DM lands in the main inbox or in Message Requests. - Start an automation from a reply inside a comment thread. ## If it doesn't work - **"Instagram no longer allows a reply to this — it is too old"** in Automation Recovery: the 7-day or 24-hour window has closed. This one can't be sent. - A follower commented and got nothing: go through [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Can I send a DM to all my followers at once?** No. Instagram does not let any tool send broadcasts or message people who never contacted you. InstantDM only replies to people who comment, reply to your story, message you or tap a button. **Why does my automation send a button first instead of the link?** A comment allows only one private DM. When the person taps the button, Instagram opens a normal chat for 24 hours, so your link and any next messages are allowed. Flows always start this way after a comment. **Can I send a reminder 2 days later?** No. Delays and follow-ups in flows are cut to 24 hours, because the chat window closes 24 hours after the person's last message or tap. **Do replies under a comment start the automation?** No. Only top-level comments on your post or Reel start an automation. Replies inside a comment thread never do. ## Related guides - [Do DMs reach people who don't follow me or have private accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md) - [What is the Welcome Message and should I turn it on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) - [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) - [Is InstantDM safe for my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-safe.md) # Do DMs reach people who don't follow me or have private accounts? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers Section: Instagram rules and safety Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Instagram decides, not InstantDM. InstantDM tries to DM everyone who comments, whether they follow you or not, and it does not check for private accounts. If Instagram refuses the DM because the person doesn't follow you, InstantDM posts a public reply under their comment asking them to follow. Instagram also decides if your DM lands in the main inbox or Message Requests. ## Before you start - Everyone sees the fallback reply, because it is a public comment under the person's comment. Write it so you are happy for your whole audience to read it. - The follow gate (sending the link only to followers) is on Legend Pro and above, and works on Instagram only. ## Steps 1. Open **Quick Automation**, click the **Instagram** tab, choose **Posts** and click your post. 2. Open its **Send Link or PDF** card. 3. Expand **Comment Reply for Non-Followers**. - You'll see: "Sometimes Instagram restricts sending DMs to users who don't follow you. In those cases, we'll reply with these comments instead of sending a DM." 4. Click **Add Fallback Comment**, type a friendly line, and press Enter. Add a few different lines so the replies don't all look the same. 5. Optional: turn on **Ask audience to follow you before sending link!** if you want only followers to get the link. See [follow before link](https://instantdm.com/how-to/make-people-follow-before-link.md). 6. Click **Publish**. ## On the phone app Open Home → **Instagram** → **Posts**, tap the post and open **Send Link or Images**. Add your lines under **Comment Reply for Non-Followers**. The follow gate is the **Follow For Link** switch. Tap **Publish**. ## What your followers see | Situation | What they get | |---|---| | Follows you, or Instagram accepts the DM | Your DM, as normal | | Doesn't follow you and Instagram refuses the DM | No DM. A public reply under their comment, using your fallback lines or the built-in one | | Follow gate on, doesn't follow you | A DM card "🔓 Follow to Unlock Exclusive Content" with **Open Profile** and **Started following you! 👍** | | Private account | Same as anyone else. Instagram decides if it is delivered | ## Good to know - InstantDM does not check whether someone follows you before sending, unless the follow gate is on. - In a DM Sequence, the fallback reply is used only for the first message. - With the follow gate on, if Instagram can't answer the "do they follow you?" check, the person is treated as a follower and gets the link. - DMs that Instagram refuses are listed in **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed** as **Message rejected**, with Instagram's reason. - Facebook Page posts have no follow gate. ## What you can't do - Make a DM land in the main inbox instead of Message Requests. - Check whether someone has a private account. - Promise that only followers get the link. The follow check can be skipped when Instagram doesn't answer it. ## If it doesn't work - Many rows say **Message rejected** in Missed & Failed: read Instagram's reason under each row, then see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - People followed but still get the follow card: see [follow message keeps coming](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-message-keeps-coming.md). ## Questions people also ask **Why did my DM go to Message Requests?** Instagram decides whether a DM lands in the main inbox or in Message Requests, based on the person's own settings. No tool can choose this for you. **Does InstantDM work with private accounts?** InstantDM sends to a private account the same way as any other. It does not check the account type. Instagram decides if the DM is delivered. Failed ones show in Automation Recovery. **Can I send the link only to people who follow me?** Yes, with the follow gate (Legend Pro and above, Instagram only). Non-followers get a 'Follow to unlock' card first, and the link after they follow and tap the button. **What does the public fallback reply say if I don't write one?** InstantDM uses a built-in reply such as: 'Hey! I tried to send you a DM but it looks like you're not following me yet. Please follow me first so I can send you the content! 🙏' ## Related guides - [How do I make people follow me before they get the link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/make-people-follow-before-link.md) - [What are Instagram's rules for automatic DMs?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-dm-rules.md) - [How do I reply publicly to comments without looking like spam?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/public-comment-replies.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) # How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour Section: Instagram rules and safety Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** It depends on your plan. Free and Legend Pro answer up to 800 comments per hour, Trendsetter up to 2,000, and Trendsetter Pro and the Multi plans have no hourly limit. You can set a lower pace in Account Settings → Safety & Limits → Automations / Hour. This pace applies to comment automations only. ## Hourly pace by plan | Plan | Hourly pace for comment automations | |---|---| | Free | Up to 800 per hour | | Legend Pro | Up to 800 per hour | | Trendsetter | Up to 2,000 per hour | | Trendsetter Pro | No hourly limit | | Multi Starter, Multi Pro | No hourly limit | These are the paces on the pricing page. Treat them as a ceiling, not an exact counter: the hourly count is approximate. The hourly pace is separate from credits. Free accounts start with 500 credits (1 credit = 1 DM that Instagram accepts). Legend Pro, Trendsetter and Trendsetter Pro have unlimited DMs, paced per hour. Multi Starter includes 30,000 automations per account per month, and Multi Pro 300,000. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the left menu. A window titled "Settings" opens. 2. Click the **Safety & Limits** tab. 3. Find **Automations / Hour** ("New comment-to-DM automations per hour."). 4. Pick a number from the list. Choices above your plan's ceiling are greyed out. **Maximum Allowed** is for plans with no hourly limit. 5. Click **Save** at the top right. ## On the phone app Tap your profile photo → **Settings** → **Safety & Limits**. Change **Automations / Hour** (the app shows "Your plan allows up to …"), then tap **Save Changes**. ## What happens when you reach your pace - **Free and Legend Pro:** new comments over the limit are not answered automatically. In the post's **All Comments** tab they show **Rate limit reached**. They are not listed in Automation Recovery. - **Trendsetter and the Multi plans:** extra comments wait in a queue and are answered later. They show **Scheduled** (hover: "Waiting in Queue"). A queued comment uses a credit only when its DM is actually sent. - **Instagram's own limit** is separate. If Instagram says your account is sending too fast, the comment shows **Instagram limit reached**. InstantDM pauses for your **Rate Limit Retry** time and then tries again. ## Good to know - The pace only counts comment automations. DM keyword replies, story replies and button taps are not slowed by it. - The lowest choices (100 to 400) currently pace the same as 500. - A lower pace is gentler, but on Free and Legend Pro it also means more comments may go unanswered on a busy post. - No pace setting can promise that Instagram won't limit your account. See [is InstantDM safe?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-safe.md) - Expecting a big spike? Read [what to do when a post goes viral](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md). ## What you can't do - Go above your plan's ceiling. - Pace DM keyword replies or story replies with this setting. - Set a different hourly pace for each post. ## If it doesn't work - Many comments show **Rate limit reached**: raise **Automations / Hour** if your plan allows it, or upgrade. On Trendsetter, extra comments are queued instead. - Comments show **Instagram limit reached**: Instagram asked your account to slow down. Wait, and check **Rate Limit Retry** in [Safety & Limits](https://instantdm.com/how-to/safety-and-limits-settings.md). ## Questions people also ask **Is 800 DMs per hour safe for my account?** No number is guaranteed safe. Instagram decides when to limit an account. The hourly pace is a ceiling you control, and a lower pace is gentler on your account. **Does Legend Pro have unlimited DMs?** Legend Pro has unlimited DMs, paced at up to 800 comment automations per hour. It does not run out of credits like the Free plan. **Why can't I choose 2000 on my plan?** Choices above your plan's ceiling are greyed out. Legend Pro goes up to 800 and Trendsetter up to 2,000. To go higher, upgrade your plan. **Do story replies and DM keyword replies count toward this limit?** No. The Automations / Hour setting only paces comment automations. DM keyword replies, story replies and button taps are not paced by it. ## Related guides - [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) - [What do the Safety & Limits settings do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/safety-and-limits-settings.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [How do credits work in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) # What should I do when a post goes viral? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral Section: Instagram rules and safety Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Check your hourly pace in Safety & Limits, then watch the post's All Comments tab. On Trendsetter and the Multi plans, extra comments wait in a queue, and Comment Limit / Hour can pause public replies while DMs continue. Afterwards, use Re-run missed comments or Comment Pooling (Trendsetter and above) and Resend in Automation Recovery. ## Before you start - **On Free, credits can run out.** You start with 500, and each DM uses one. When they run out, nothing is sent: no DM and no public reply. - The tools you have depend on your plan: | Tool | What it does | Plan | |---|---|---| | **Automations / Hour** | Your hourly pace for comment automations | All plans | | Queue (Viral Mode) | Comments over your pace wait and are answered later, instead of being skipped | Trendsetter and Multi plans | | **Comment Limit / Hour** (Smart Mode) | Above this number per hour, public replies pause and DMs continue | Trendsetter and Multi plans | | **Comment Pooling** | InstantDM checks a post itself for new comments Instagram didn't report, for up to 12 hours | Trendsetter and above | | **Re-run missed comments** | Goes back over one post's comments and answers the ones never handled | Trendsetter and above | | **Resend** in Automation Recovery | Sends DMs that Instagram refused again | All plans (uses credits) | ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** and choose your **Automations / Hour**. A higher pace answers more people per hour. A lower pace is gentler on your account. Click **Save**. 2. On Trendsetter or a Multi plan, set **Comment Limit / Hour** in the same tab (default 250; 0 currently works like 250, so enter a higher number to keep public replies going longer). Click **Save**. 3. Open the post: **Quick Automation** → the **Instagram** tab → **Posts** → click the post → **All Comments** tab. Read the tags on each comment: - **Sent** and **Replied**: done. - **Scheduled** ("Waiting in Queue"): queued, it will be answered later. - **Rate limit reached**: over your hourly pace and not answered. - **Instagram limit reached**: Instagram asked your account to slow down. InstantDM retries after your **Rate Limit Retry** time. 4. If new comments are not showing up at all, start Comment Pooling: **Automation Recovery** → **Comment Pooling** → **Pool a post**. Pick the post, **How often to check** and **Keep checking for**, then click **Start pooling**. 5. When the rush slows, click **Re-run missed comments** on the post page, then **Continue**. See [re-run missed comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md). 6. Open **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed** and click **Resend** on DMs that Instagram refused. See [resend missed DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md). ## On the phone app - Hourly pace and Comment Limit / Hour: profile photo → **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Save Changes**. - Re-run: Home → **Instagram** → **Posts** → tap the post → **Re-run missed comments**. - Resend: Home → **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed**. - Comment Pooling is not in the app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com. ## What your followers see - Queued comments: the DM arrives later than usual. - Over the pace on Free or Legend Pro: no DM and no public reply. Those comments are not answered automatically later, and Re-run is only on Trendsetter and above. - Smart Mode on: they get the DM but no public reply. ## Good to know - Comment Pooling watches up to 3 posts at once, for at most 12 hours per start. "Only comments posted after you start are picked up, so nobody who commented earlier gets messaged." - Re-run works on one post or Reel at a time, not on stories, all-posts or next-post automations. - Instagram allows a private reply only within 7 days of the comment. Older comments can't be answered. - Each item in Missed & Failed can be resent up to 3 times, 10 minutes apart, and up to 200 at once. - Varied public replies look less repetitive. Add several of your own, or tick **Also Include AI Comment Reply (to prevent comment spam)**, which adds ready-made reply lines to yours. - The hourly count is approximate. Don't plan around an exact number. ## What you can't do - Switch the queue (Viral Mode) on or off, or choose how fast it empties. - Re-run or pool stories or DMs. - Reply to comments older than 7 days. ## If it doesn't work - **"Re-running a post is available on Trendsetter and above"**: Re-run is not on your plan. This includes the free first week. - **"Available on Trendsetter and above"** on Comment Pooling: same reason. - **"Rate limited by Instagram/Facebook — try again in 30–60 minutes"**: Instagram is limiting requests. Try again later. - A pooled post shows **Cooling off** ("Rate limited — cooling off (30–60 min). Pooling resumes automatically."): nothing to do. Pooling restarts by itself. ## Questions people also ask **What is Viral Mode?** On Trendsetter and the Multi plans, comments that arrive after you reach your hourly pace wait in a queue and are answered later, instead of being skipped. It switches on by itself. You can't turn it on or off. **What is Smart Mode?** On Trendsetter and the Multi plans, when a post passes your Comment Limit / Hour, public comment replies pause for that hour and DMs keep going. Replies come back when the hourly count drops. **Will everyone get the DM on Legend Pro?** Not always. On Free and Legend Pro, comments above your hourly pace are not answered automatically and are not listed in Automation Recovery. Trendsetter queues them instead. **Can I answer people who commented last week?** Only within 7 days of their comment, because Instagram allows one private reply per comment for 7 days. Re-run missed comments (Trendsetter and above) goes back over a post's comments. ## Related guides - [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) - [How do I make InstantDM answer comments it missed on a post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) - [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) - [What do the Safety & Limits settings do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/safety-and-limits-settings.md) # What do the Safety & Limits settings do? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/safety-and-limits-settings Section: Instagram rules and safety Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Safety & Limits is a tab in Account Settings. It holds your Instagram and Facebook Page connections (connect, reconnect, disconnect) and three speed controls: Automations / Hour sets your hourly pace for comment automations, Comment Limit / Hour pauses public replies on busy posts, and Rate Limit Retry sets how long InstantDM waits when Instagram says your account is sending too fast. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the left menu. A window titled "Settings" opens. 2. Click the **Safety & Limits** tab. - You'll see: "Protect your Instagram account with rate limits and connections." 3. Change the settings you need (see the table below). 4. Click **Save** at the top right. **Cancel** closes the window without saving the number settings. ## Every setting on this tab | Setting | What the screen says | What it does | |---|---|---| | **Facebook Page** (tag **Connected** / **Not Connected**) | "Connect for better comment delivery and account safety." | **Connect** or **Re-Connect** opens Facebook login. **Disconnect** asks "Disconnect Facebook Page?" and warns "You will lose FB Automations. IG Connection will be re-activated." | | **Facebook DM automation** (tag **Active** / **Not active**). Only shows when a Page is connected | "Subscribes your Page to Messenger messages so Facebook DM flows and Quick DMs can reply." | Click **Verify & activate** (or **Re-verify**) if your Messenger replies don't work. | | **Instagram Account** (tag **Connected** / **Not Connected**) | "Disconnect your Instagram account. You can reconnect anytime." | **Re-Connect** or **Connect** opens Instagram login. **Disconnect** warns "Both Instagram and Facebook will be disconnected. All automations will stop. You can reconnect anytime." | | **Comment Limit / Hour** | "Max comments to process per hour. 0 = unlimited." | A number from 0 to 1,000 (default 250). On Trendsetter and the Multi plans, when a busy post passes this number in an hour, public comment replies pause and DMs keep going. Replies come back when the count drops. The screen says **0** means unlimited, but 0 currently works like the default of 250, so enter a high number if you want replies to keep going. The hourly count is approximate. On Free and Legend Pro it has no effect. | | **Automations / Hour** | "New comment-to-DM automations per hour." | Your hourly pace for comment automations. Choices above your plan's ceiling are greyed out. See [DMs per hour](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md). | | **Rate Limit Retry** | "Wait time after hitting IG rate limit." | A slider from 1 to 120 minutes. When Instagram says your account is sending too fast, InstantDM pauses and tries again after this time. | ## On the phone app Tap your profile photo → **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** ("Connections and rate limits"). You get the same cards. Tap **Save Changes** after a change (the button appears only when something changed). **Connect** for a Facebook Page opens the website, because the app can't do Facebook login. ## Good to know - **Rate Limit Retry:** the slider shows 60 minutes even if you never saved a value. Move it to the time you want and click **Save**, so your choice is the one used. - **Comment Limit / Hour** controls public replies, not DMs, even though its description says "comments to process". - **Automations / Hour** only paces comment automations. DM keyword replies, story replies and button taps are not slowed by it. - When a Facebook Page is connected, **Connect Instagram Directly** is refused. To go back to Instagram login, click **Disconnect** on the Facebook Page card. See [Instagram or Facebook login](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md). - **Global**, **Comments**, **DMs**, **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** and **Whitelist Contacts** are on the **Automation** tab. See [Automation tab switches](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md). ## What you can't do - Choose an hourly pace above your plan's ceiling. - Use Comment Limit / Hour on Free or Legend Pro. - Set limits per post. These settings apply to the whole account. ## If it doesn't work - Messenger keyword replies don't answer: click **Verify & activate** on the **Facebook DM automation** card. - "Your account is connected through a Facebook Page. Please reconnect using your Facebook Page instead of connecting Instagram directly.": use **Connect Instagram via FB Page**, or disconnect the Facebook Page first. - The red banner "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped." is showing: see [reconnect Instagram](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md). ## Questions people also ask **Does Comment Limit / Hour stop my DMs?** No. Despite its description, it only pauses public comment replies for the rest of that hour, and only on Trendsetter and the Multi plans. DMs keep going. **What Rate Limit Retry should I choose?** There is no single right value. It is how long InstantDM waits after Instagram says your account is sending too fast. Whatever you choose, click Save so your value is the one used. **Where are the Global switch and Whitelist Contacts?** They are on the Automation tab of Account Settings, not on Safety & Limits. ## Related guides - [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) - [What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md) - [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) - [InstantDM asks me to reconnect. How do I fix it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) # What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings Section: Instagram rules and safety Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** The Automation tab in Account Settings has three parts. Automation Controls turns automations on or off for the account: Global stops everything, while Comments and DMs only affect Send Link & PDF automations. Prevent In-Chat Trigger keeps DM and story-reply automations quiet while you chat with someone. Whitelist Contacts lists people who never get any automation. ## Steps 1. Click **Account Settings** in the left menu. A window titled "Settings" opens. 2. Click the **Automation** tab. - You'll see the heading **Automation Controls**: "Toggle automations on or off at the account level." 3. Change the switches you need (see below). 4. Click **Save** at the top right. ## Automation Controls | Switch | What the screen says | What it really does | |---|---|---| | **Global** (**On** / **Off**) | "Master switch for all automations." | **Off** stops every automation on this account: Send Link & PDF, Lead Gen, DM keyword replies, flows and AI replies. Changing Global also sets **Comments** and **DMs** to the same value. | | **Comments** (**On** / **Off**) | "Comment reply automation." | **Off** stops the public comment replies of Send Link & PDF automations. Their DMs still go out. | | **DMs** (**On** / **Off**) | "DM reply automation." | **Off** stops the DMs of Send Link & PDF automations. Their public replies still post. | While **Global** is **Off**, the other switches are greyed out with the hint "Enable global first". **Comments** and **DMs** do not affect Flow Automation, Lead Gen or DM keyword replies. To stop those, turn **Global** off, or switch off that one automation. ## Prevent In-Chat Trigger "Skip triggers when you're actively chatting with someone." Choose **Yes** or **No**. With **Yes**, two boxes appear: - **Messages to check**: "Recent messages to scan for active chat." From 1 to 50 (default 5). - **Active window**: "Skip trigger if you messaged within this window." From 1 to 60 minutes (default 10). When a DM keyword or a story reply comes in, InstantDM looks at the last messages in that chat. If your account sent one of them within the window, the automation is skipped silently. Messages sent by your automations count too. It does not apply to comments or button taps. ## Whitelist Contacts "Whitelisted contacts won't receive any Flow/Lead-gen/AI automation. Add usernames to exclude them from all flows." 1. Type a username in **Enter username** (the **@** is added for you). 2. Press Enter or click **Add**. 3. Click **Save**. To remove someone, click the × on their name, then **Save**. A whitelisted person gets **no** automation at all, not only flows. Their pending follow-ups are cancelled. People you excluded from the **Contacts** page appear here as a number (for example "@1784…"). Remove that entry here to undo it. ## On the phone app Tap your profile photo → **Settings** → **Automation** ("Controls, in-chat, whitelist"). The switches are named **Global Automation**, **Comment Replies** and **DM Replies**. The app's descriptions under them are different, but they do the same as on the web. **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** and **Whitelist Contacts** are on the same screen. Tap **Save Changes** (it appears after a change). ## Good to know - Turning **Global** back **On** also turns **Comments** and **DMs** on. - Your automations and settings stay saved while switched off. - Comments that arrive while **Global** is off are not answered later by themselves. ## What you can't do - Pause only one post from here. Switch off that post's automation instead. See [turn off or edit an automation](https://instantdm.com/how-to/turn-off-or-edit-automation.md). - Stop a flow with the **Comments** or **DMs** switch. - Use Prevent In-Chat Trigger on comment automations. ## If it doesn't work - Nothing runs at all: check that **Global** is **On** and click **Save**. - The public reply posts but no DM: check that **DMs** is **On**. - A friend never gets your automation: check they are not in **Whitelist Contacts**. ## Questions people also ask **How do I pause everything for a day?** Open Account Settings → Automation, set Global to Off and click Save. Nothing runs until you set it back to On and save. Your automations stay saved. **I turned DMs off but my flow still sends messages. Why?** The Comments and DMs switches only affect Send Link & PDF automations. Flows, Lead Gen and DM keyword replies ignore them. Use Global to stop those. **Why did my DM keyword automation not answer right after the bot replied?** If Prevent In-Chat Trigger is on, messages your automations send also count as you chatting. A second keyword message inside the Active window is skipped. Shorten the window or turn the option off. **Does Whitelist Contacts only block flows?** No. The card text mentions Flow, Lead-gen and AI, but a whitelisted person gets no automation at all, including Send Link & PDF DMs and public replies. ## Related guides - [How do I stop automations from interrupting when I'm chatting with someone?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/stop-automation-while-chatting.md) - [How do I stop automations for a specific person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/exclude-someone-from-automation.md) - [What do the Safety & Limits settings do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/safety-and-limits-settings.md) - [Instagram limited my account. What should I do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-restricted-my-account.md) # Instagram limited my account. What should I do? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-restricted-my-account Section: Instagram rules and safety Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Turn your automations off yourself (Account Settings → Automation → Global → Off → Save), check Account Status in the Instagram app, and wait for Instagram to lift the limit. InstantDM can't remove a restriction, and it does not pause your automations by itself when one happens. When it's over, restart with a lower Automations / Hour. ## What it means | What you see | What it means | |---|---| | Email "Instagram temporarily limited your account", and rows marked **Message rejected** in Automation Recovery | Instagram has stopped your account from sending DMs for a while. The email says this usually follows too many messages sent too fast. | | Email "Instagram blocked link sharing in DMs" | Instagram is blocking links in your DMs. The email says this is usually temporary and linked to Community Standards. | | **Instagram limit reached** on comments in a post's **All Comments** tab | Instagram asked your account to slow down. This is a rate limit, not a restriction. InstantDM waits for your **Rate Limit Retry** time and tries again by itself. | ## Steps 1. Turn your automations off. Click **Account Settings** → **Automation**, set **Global** to **Off**, and click **Save**. Do this even if an email says your automations were paused. 2. Open the Instagram app and check **Account Status**. Follow what Instagram tells you there. 3. Wait until Instagram lifts the limit. InstantDM can't shorten or remove it. 4. Before you restart, lower **Automations / Hour** in **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits**, and click **Save**. 5. If links were blocked, send your link as a **Button** DM (Legend Pro and above) instead of plain text. The email notes that button links may still work. 6. Set **Global** back to **On** and click **Save**. This also turns **Comments** and **DMs** back on. 7. Resend only the DMs that matter from **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed**. Each resend is a real message, and old ones can't be sent (7 days for comments, 24 hours for messages). ## On the phone app - Pause: tap your profile photo → **Settings** → **Automation** → switch **Global Automation** off → **Save Changes**. - Slow down: **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Automations / Hour** → **Save Changes**. - Resend: Home → **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed**. ## Good to know - InstantDM pauses by itself only for Instagram's "sending too fast" error, using your **Rate Limit Retry** time. It does not pause for a restriction. - While **Global** is off, your automations, settings and plan stay as they are. - Things that can help afterwards: a moderate hourly pace, several different public replies, and the **Welcome Message** or **Reply Delay** (Legend Pro and above). None of these is a guarantee. ## What you can't do - Lift, shorten or appeal a restriction through InstantDM. - Make InstantDM send through a restriction. - Resend DMs after Instagram's 7-day (comments) or 24-hour (messages) window. ## If it doesn't work - Everything still shows **Message rejected** after you restart: the restriction may still be active. Turn **Global** off again and check Account Status in Instagram. - You see the red banner "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped.": that is a different problem. See [reconnect Instagram](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md). - Other warning emails: see [InstantDM's warning emails](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-emails-explained.md). ## Questions people also ask **Does InstantDM pause my automations when Instagram limits my account?** Not automatically. InstantDM only waits by itself when Instagram says your account is sending too fast. For a restriction, turn Global off yourself, even if an email suggests automations were paused. **How long does a restriction last?** Instagram decides. InstantDM can't see or change how long it lasts. Check Account Status in the Instagram app for what Instagram tells you. **Can InstantDM promise my account won't be restricted?** No. No tool can promise that. Instagram decides based on how your account is used. Moderate pacing and varied replies can help. **Can I get a refund if Instagram restricts or bans my account?** No. InstantDM's refund policy does not cover Instagram restrictions, suspensions or bans. ## Related guides - [Is InstantDM safe for my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-safe.md) - [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) - [What do the switches in Account Settings > Automation do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md) - [What do InstantDM's warning emails mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-emails-explained.md) --- # Section: Fix a problem # Why didn't my automation send a DM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Check these first: the red 'Instagram conection expired' banner (reconnect), your credits, the Global and DMs switches in Account Settings → Automation, whether the comment contained your trigger word, and whether it was a reply inside a thread. Then read the comment's tag in the post's All Comments tab and the reason in Automation Recovery → Missed & Failed. ## Before you start - Test from a **second Instagram account**, or ask a friend to comment. That is the only way to see what a follower sees. - Comment on the post itself, not as a reply under another comment. ## Steps 1. Look at the top of any InstantDM page. If you see "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped.", click **Connect Instagram Directly** (or **Connect Instagram via FB Page** on the Facebook banner) and log in again. See [reconnect Instagram](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md). 2. Click **Account Settings** → **Automation**. Check that **Global** and **DMs** are **On**, then click **Save**. 3. Open **Insights** and look at **Plan Credits**. On Free, if you have no credits left, nothing is sent. 4. Open the post: **Quick Automation** → the **Instagram** tab → **Posts** → click the post → **All Comments**. Find the comment and read its tag (see the table below). 5. Open **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed**. Each row shows what happened and Instagram's reason underneath. 6. Fix the cause, then send the missed DMs again with **Resend**. See [resend missed DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md). 7. Still stuck? Click **Need Help?** at the bottom of the left menu, or email hey@instantdm.com. ## Most common causes Start at the top. | What you see | What it means | What to do | |---|---|---| | Red banner "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped." | Instagram signed InstantDM out, often after a password change | Reconnect, then resend. [Reconnect Instagram](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) | | Nothing at all for that comment | It was a reply inside a comment thread | Only top-level comments start an automation | | No DM, and the comment didn't contain your word | The trigger word didn't match | A word in the comment must **start with** your trigger word: "link" matches "links" but not "blink". Capitals and accents don't matter. [Trigger words](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md) | | No DM, and the comment had extra words (Lead Gen or flows) | **Match exact word only** is on, so the comment must be only the word | Turn it off, or ask people to comment only the word | | **No automation configured** | The post had no automation when the comment came in | Set up the automation. Older comments can be answered with [Re-run](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) | | **Out of credits** in Missed & Failed | You had no credits left | Upgrade or renew, then **Resend** | | Nothing is sent from any automation | **Global** is **Off**, or your plan ended (the account is then on Free with 0 credits) | Turn **Global** on, or renew in **My Plan** | | Public reply posted, no DM | **DMs** is **Off**, or Instagram refused the DM | Turn **DMs** on. Check Missed & Failed | | **Rate limit reached** | Your hourly pace was reached (Free and Legend Pro) | Wait, or raise **Automations / Hour**. [DMs per hour](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md) | | **Scheduled** ("Waiting in Queue") | Queued because of a busy hour (Trendsetter and Multi) | Nothing. It will be sent | | **Instagram limit reached** | Instagram asked your account to slow down | InstantDM retries after your **Rate Limit Retry** time | | **Message rejected** in Missed & Failed | Instagram refused the DM | Read Instagram's reason under the row. See the list below | | They got a button, but not the link | Your **Welcome Message** or flow sends a button first | Expected. The rest comes after they tap the button | | They got "🔓 Follow to Unlock Exclusive Content" | Your follow gate is on and Instagram says they don't follow you | [Follow message keeps coming](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-message-keeps-coming.md) | | The comment isn't in **All Comments** at all | Instagram never told InstantDM about it | [Re-run missed comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) or Comment Pooling (Trendsetter and above) | | **Flow stopped** in Missed & Failed | A flow stopped at a step Instagram refused | Fix the cause, then click **Continue** | ## Less common causes - **The person is in Whitelist Contacts.** Whitelisted people get no automation at all. Check **Account Settings** → **Automation** → **Whitelist Contacts**. - **A DM keyword or story reply was skipped while you were chatting.** **Prevent In-Chat Trigger** skips these if your account sent a message in that chat recently, including messages from your automations. See [Automation tab switches](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-settings.md). - **"Any Message" replied only once.** **First time only** replies once per person, ever. **Once a day** replies at most once every 24 hours. This is expected. - **A story reply didn't trigger.** Only text replies count. Stickers, photos and reactions don't. - **A story mention didn't trigger.** InstantDM has no story-mention trigger. - **A post shared to your DMs didn't trigger.** **Automate Post sent to your DM** must be on for that post, it only works for your own posts, and it needs Instagram login. See [post shared to DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reply-when-post-shared-to-dm.md). - **Send Link and Lead Gen are both on for one post.** Only the one you saved last runs. Use one or the other. - **You edited a Lead Gen post in the phone app.** Publishing that post's automation in the app removes the Lead Gen set up on the web. Set it up again on the web. - **A flow was switched off or deleted** while someone was in the middle of it. They stop where they were. Set the flow live again. - **They tapped a button from another app** (for example Instagram's own chat buttons). Only InstantDM's buttons continue an InstantDM automation. ## When Instagram refused the DM You may also get an email about these. See [InstantDM's warning emails](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-emails-explained.md). - **They don't follow you:** InstantDM posts your **Comment Reply for Non-Followers** under their comment instead. See [non-followers](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md). - **Your Instagram DMs are turned off:** turn message access back on in Instagram. The email "Your Instagram DMs are turned off" links a short video. - **Missing permissions:** reconnect and approve every permission on Meta's screen. - **Another app controls the chat** (for example ManyChat or Meta Business Suite): the email "Some Instagram replies aren't going out — quick fix" links a video with the setting to change. - **Your account is limited:** see [Instagram limited my account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-restricted-my-account.md). - **Too old:** "Instagram no longer allows a reply to this — it is too old". Comments can get a DM within 7 days, messages within 24 hours. ## On the phone app - A "Connection Expired" banner on the Instagram screen means you must reconnect. Tap it. - Home → **Instagram** → **Posts** → tap the post → **Contacts** tab. Each person shows **DM Sent** with a tick or a cross, and the error reason under **Show More**. - Switches: profile photo → **Settings** → **Automation** (**Global Automation**, **DM Replies**). - Failed DMs: Home → **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed**. ## What you can't do - DM people who never commented or messaged you. - Send a DM after Instagram's window has closed. - Trigger an automation from a reply inside a comment thread or from a story mention. ## Questions people also ask **I commented my own keyword and nothing happened. Is it broken?** Not necessarily. To see what a follower sees, test from a second Instagram account, or ask a friend to comment on the post. **The public reply was posted but no DM arrived. Why?** Check that DMs is On in Account Settings → Automation. Then look in Automation Recovery → Missed & Failed: Instagram may have refused the DM, for example because the person doesn't follow you. **It worked yesterday and stopped today. What changed?** Most often the Instagram connection expired (look for the red banner), credits ran out, or a plan ended. A paid plan that ends moves the account to Free with 0 credits. **Can I send the DM to the people who were missed?** Yes, within Instagram's limits. Resend refused DMs from Automation Recovery, or use Re-run missed comments on the post (Trendsetter and above). ## Related guides - [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) - [InstantDM asks me to reconnect. How do I fix it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) - [How do trigger words work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-trigger-words-work.md) - [How do I make InstantDM answer comments it missed on a post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) # How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open Automation Recovery → Missed & Failed, fix the cause first, then click Resend on a row, or tick several rows and click Resend selected. Each item can be resent up to 3 times, 10 minutes apart, up to 200 at once. Comments can be resent for about 7 days and messages for about 24 hours. Each resend uses a credit. ## Before you start - **Fix the cause first.** If your connection expired or Instagram turned off your DMs, every resend will fail the same way. - Each resend uses one credit and sends a real message to that person. - Resend works on all plans. ## Steps 1. Click **Automation Recovery** in the left menu, then the **Missed & Failed** tab. - You'll see: "Automations that didn't reach someone — across every post and flow. Resend the ones worth another try." 2. Optional: click a filter chip, such as **Message rejected** or **Out of credits**, to see one reason at a time. 3. Read the **What happened** column. Instagram's reason is shown under the tag. 4. To resend one, click **Resend** on its row. For a **Flow stopped** row the button says **Continue**: the flow picks up from the step that failed. - You'll see: "Queued — the automation will run again shortly" or "Queued — it will continue from the step that failed". 5. To resend many, tick the rows, then click **Resend selected** in the "N selected" bar. 6. Confirm in the window "Resend N automations?" ("Each one uses a credit and sends a real message to that person."). 7. Click **Refresh** after a few minutes to see the result. Click **Load older** at the bottom for older rows. ## On the phone app Home → **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed**. Filter by reason, tick the rows and tap **Resend**. The confirmation is the same. The Automation Recovery card doesn't show on brand-new accounts on their first day. ## What the reasons mean | Tag | Meaning | |---|---| | **Message rejected** | "Instagram refused to deliver this message." Read Instagram's reason under it. | | **Out of credits** | "You had no credits left when this came in." Upgrade or renew, then resend. | | **Flow stopped** | "The flow stopped partway through." Use **Continue**. | | **Never finished** | "This never completed processing." | If most rows share one reason, a banner says so at the top ("N of these failed for the same reason"). Expired-connection failures get no banner here. Look for the red banner at the top of InstantDM instead, and reconnect before you resend. ## When "Can't resend" shows Hover over **Can't resend** to see why: | Message | What it means | |---|---| | "Already resolved" | It has already been handled. Nothing to do. | | "Resend limit reached (3)" | It was already resent 3 times. | | "Please wait a few minutes before resending this again" | You need to wait 10 minutes between resends of the same row. | | "Instagram no longer allows a reply to this — it is too old" | Instagram's 7-day (comment) or 24-hour (message) window has closed. | | "Nothing replayable was stored for this one" | There isn't enough saved to send it again. | | "This failure predates flow resume and cannot be continued" | It failed before **Continue** existed. | ## Good to know - **Time limits:** comments can be resent for about 6 and a half days, and messages for about 23 hours. InstantDM stops a little before Instagram's 7-day and 24-hour limits. - Rows are kept for 30 days, then removed. - A bulk resend takes up to 200 rows at a time and sends them a few seconds apart. - If you don't have enough credits for a bulk resend, you'll see "This needs N credits and you have M." Select fewer rows, or upgrade. - On Free and Legend Pro, comments skipped because of your hourly pace are not listed here. - Automation Recovery is marked **Beta**. It may not work exactly as expected yet. ## What you can't do - Edit the message before resending. - Resend after Instagram's window has closed. - Resend comments that InstantDM never received. Use [Re-run missed comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) for those. ## If it doesn't work - "You are out of credits — top up and try again": you have no credits left. Upgrade or renew your plan in **My Plan**, then resend. - Resends fail again with the same reason: the cause is still there. See [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does resending cost credits?** Yes. Each resend sends a real message and uses one credit. For a bulk resend you need at least as many credits as rows you picked. **Will the person get the public reply twice?** No. If the public comment reply already went out, only the DM is sent again. **Why can't I resend a DM from yesterday?** Instagram allows a reply within 24 hours of a direct message. InstantDM stops offering Resend a little before that, at about 23 hours, so the send doesn't fail. **Can I change the message before resending?** No. There is no way to edit a message from the Missed & Failed list. Resend runs the automation again for that person. **Why is a comment I missed not in the list?** Missed & Failed only lists things InstantDM received and couldn't finish. If Instagram never told InstantDM about a comment, use Re-run missed comments or Comment Pooling (Trendsetter and above). ## Related guides - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [How do I make InstantDM answer comments it missed on a post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) - [InstantDM asks me to reconnect. How do I fix it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) - [How do credits work in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) # How do I make InstantDM answer comments it missed on a post? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Trendsetter and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Open the post in InstantDM and click Re-run missed comments, then Continue. InstantDM reads the post's comments in batches of 50 and runs your automation for the ones it never handled, skipping comments already answered. It works on Trendsetter and above (not during the free first week), on one specific post or Reel at a time. ## Before you start - You need **Trendsetter, Trendsetter Pro or a Multi plan**. The button shows on every plan, but other plans get "Re-running a post is available on Trendsetter and above" after clicking. The free first week doesn't include it either. - It works on one **specific post or Reel**. It doesn't work on stories, Live, **All posts** or **Next post** automations. - The post needs an active automation. Set it up first if it says **No automation configured**. - Instagram allows a private reply only within **7 days** of a comment. Older comments will fail. ## Steps 1. Open **Quick Automation**, click the **Instagram** tab (or **Facebook**), choose **Posts** and click the post. 2. Next to the heading "Post Automations", click **Re-run missed comments**. 3. Read the window "Re-run missed comments on this post?" and click **Continue**. 4. A progress panel opens. It loads comments 50 at a time and shows each one as **Waiting**, **Processing**, **Queued**, **Already done** or **Failed**, with totals at the top. 5. Leave it running until it finishes, then click **Close**. To end early, click **Stop**. - If you close the panel while it runs, you'll see "Stopping after the current comment…" and it stops too. 6. Check the result later in the post's **All Comments** tab, and look in **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed** for any that Instagram refused. ## On the phone app Home → **Instagram** → **Posts** → tap the post → **Re-run missed comments** → confirm. The app shows the same counters (Queued, Already done, Failed) and a **Stop** button. It works on posts and Reels only. ## What your followers see People whose comments were missed get the same DM and public reply as everyone else, just later. ## Good to know - Skipped automatically: comments already handled, your own account's replies, and replies inside comment threads. - Re-run looks back at comments already on the post. To catch new comments Instagram doesn't report, use **Comment Pooling** in Automation Recovery (also Trendsetter and above). See [when a post goes viral](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md). - Each comment a re-run queues is remembered for 7 days, so running it twice should not DM the same comment twice. - Comments older than 7 days are tried but Instagram refuses them. They then appear in Missed & Failed and can't be resent. ## What you can't do - Re-run stories, Live videos, all-posts or next-post automations ("Re-run is only available on a specific post or reel"). - Answer comments older than 7 days. - Use Re-run on Free or Legend Pro, including during the first-week trial. ## If it doesn't work - **"Re-running a post is available on Trendsetter and above"**: upgrade in **My Plan** to use it. - **"You are out of credits — top up and try again"**: you have no credits left. Upgrade or renew, then try again. - **"Rate limited by Instagram/Facebook — try again in 30–60 minutes"**: Instagram is limiting requests. Wait and run it again. - The button is greyed out: a re-run is already running on this post (wait for it to finish, then click **Close**), or you are a team member without permission to edit automations. ## Questions people also ask **Will people who already got my DM get it again?** Re-run skips comments that were already handled, so people should not get a second DM. Comments a re-run already queued are also remembered for 7 days. **Can it answer people who commented before I set up the automation?** Yes, if the comment is less than 7 days old. Comments tagged No automation configured can be re-run once you set up the automation. **Why does it say Re-running a post is available on Trendsetter and above?** Re-run is a Trendsetter feature, checked by InstantDM's servers. The button shows on every plan, but it only works on Trendsetter, Trendsetter Pro and the Multi plans. The free first week does not include it. **Does Re-run use credits?** Each DM it sends counts like any other DM. You need at least 1 credit to start. ## Related guides - [What should I do when a post goes viral?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/post-going-viral.md) - [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) # InstantDM asks me to reconnect. How do I fix it? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click the button on the red banner: Connect Instagram Directly for the Instagram banner, or Connect Instagram via FB Page for the Facebook banner. Log in to the same Instagram account and approve every permission. Your automations are kept. Then resend DMs that failed while you were disconnected from Automation Recovery → Missed & Failed. ## Before you start - Reconnect the **same way you first connected**. If your Instagram is connected through a Facebook Page, use the Facebook Page option. Connecting Instagram directly is refused in that case. - Log in as the **same Instagram account** that is connected to InstantDM. ## Steps 1. Look for the red banner at the top of any InstantDM page: - "Instagram conection expired! Automation Stopped." ("Reconnect your Instagram account to use.") with the button **Connect Instagram Directly**. - Or "Facebook conection expired! Automation Stopped." ("Reconnect your facebook page to use the automation features.") with the button **Connect Instagram via FB Page**. 2. Click the button on the banner. If there's no banner, go to **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** and click **Re-Connect** on the **Instagram Account** card (or the **Facebook Page** card). 3. Log in on Instagram's (or Facebook's) own screen. 4. Approve **every** permission. If you untick the messaging permission, DMs can't be sent. - You'll see: "It worked, start automating." and you're taken back to InstantDM. For a Facebook Page, you first pick your Page on "Choose your IG account". 5. Open **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed** and **Resend** the DMs that failed while you were disconnected. Instagram allows this within 7 days of a comment and 24 hours of a message. ## On the phone app - Tap the **Connection Expired** banner on the Instagram screen, or go to profile photo → **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Instagram Account** → **Re-Connect**. - Choose **Reconnect Same Account** (or **Different Account** for a fresh Instagram login), then log in and approve. - Facebook Page reconnects open the website, because the app can't do Facebook login. ## Good to know - While disconnected, nothing is sent. Missed DMs show in Missed & Failed. - Once you have reconnected, failures from the disconnected period are safe to resend. - You may get an email "Your Instagram disconnected — DMs stopped", and reminders while it stays disconnected. - The **Need Help?** button at the bottom of the left menu opens "Is your Automation not working?" with both reconnect buttons. - If Home shows "Instagram & Facebook Page Mismatch", your Page is linked to a different Instagram account. Use **Reconnect FB Page** to pick the right Page, or **Disconnect FB Page**. ## What you can't do - Keep automations running without a working connection. - Connect Instagram directly while a Facebook Page connection is active. Disconnect the Page first in **Safety & Limits**. ## If it doesn't work - "Your account is connected through a Facebook Page. Please reconnect using your Facebook Page instead of connecting Instagram directly.": use **Connect Instagram via FB Page**. - An error on the connect page: click **Try Reconnecting your IG Account**. "If this error continues, try logging out from both InstantDM and Instagram, then log back in and reconnect." See [can't connect Instagram](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md). - Still not working after reconnecting: open **Need Help?** → **Not working after reconnected?**, or email hey@instantdm.com. ## Questions people also ask **Will I lose my automations when I reconnect?** No. Reconnecting only logs InstantDM in to Instagram again. Your automations and settings are kept. **Why did my connection expire?** Instagram signed InstantDM out. This often happens after you change your Instagram password. **How often do I need to reconnect?** There is no fixed schedule. Reconnect whenever the red banner appears. You may also get an email when the connection stops. **I reconnected and it still doesn't work. What now?** Check that you approved every permission on Meta's screen. Then work through the checklist in Why didn't my automation send a DM, or email hey@instantdm.com. ## Related guides - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) - [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) # Why can't I connect my Instagram account? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** The most common reasons are: the Instagram is a personal account (switch to Creator or Business), it is already linked to another InstantDM login (use Disconnect & Connect Here), your Facebook Page is linked to a different Instagram, or the account is connected through a Facebook Page so connecting Instagram directly is refused. Each has its own fix below. ## Before you start - Your Instagram must be a **Business or Creator** (professional) account. Personal accounts can't be connected. See [switch to a professional account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md). - Know which way you want to connect: **Connect your IG Account** (Instagram login, no Facebook Page needed) or **Connect FB Page** (through a Facebook Page linked to that Instagram). See [Instagram or Facebook login](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md). ## Steps 1. Go to **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** and click **Connect** (or **Re-Connect**) on the **Instagram Account** card. 2. Click **Connect your IG Account** and log in to the right Instagram account on Instagram's own screen. 3. Approve every permission. - You'll see: "It worked, start automating." If you see an error or a popup instead, find it in the table below. 4. If it still fails, try again from a computer browser, after logging out of both InstantDM and Instagram. ## Errors and what to do | What you see | What it means | What to do | |---|---|---| | "Profile not found?" box | Instagram didn't return a usable professional profile | Switch to a Business or Creator account. Try from a desktop or laptop browser. Clear your browser cache and try again. | | **Connect to This Account?** ("… is currently linked to another account.") | This Instagram is already connected to a different InstantDM login | Click **Disconnect & Connect Here** and approve the Instagram login again. Automations on the old login stop. Or click **Go to Dashboard** to cancel. | | "IG page @… is already connected to another email (…). Please contact support for help." | This Instagram is already connected to another InstantDM login | Email hey@instantdm.com from the email on your account. | | "Your account is connected through a Facebook Page. Please reconnect using your Facebook Page instead of connecting Instagram directly." with the box "This account uses a Facebook Page" | Your Instagram is already connected through a Facebook Page | Click **Connect your Facebook Page**. To switch to Instagram login, first click **Disconnect** on the **Facebook Page** card in **Safety & Limits** ("You will lose FB Automations. IG Connection will be re-activated."). | | **Connection Mismatch** ("This Facebook Page is linked to @… but your account is connected to @…") | The Page you picked belongs to a different Instagram account | Click **Reconnect Correct FB Page** and choose the Page linked to your connected Instagram. | | Pages show "Instagram Not connected" and can't be clicked | That Facebook Page has no Instagram account linked | Link your Instagram to the Page in Instagram, then reconnect. | | "Your Instagram and Facebook are not linked properly" | None of your Pages has a linked Instagram account | Follow the steps and video shown: "Go to Instagram → Profile → Edit Profile → link your Instagram account to your Facebook Page, then come back and reconnect." | | "⚠️ Different from your current IG @…" on a Page card | That Page is linked to another Instagram | Pick the Page that matches your connected Instagram. | | Any other red error with **Try Reconnecting your IG Account** | A temporary problem, often on Instagram's side | Click the button. "If this error continues, try logging out from both InstantDM and Instagram, then log back in and reconnect." | ## On the phone app - New email sign-ins see "Instagram Account Required" → tap **Connect**, then log in on the secure Instagram screen. - To reconnect later: profile photo → **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Instagram Account** → **Re-Connect**, then **Reconnect Same Account** or **Different Account**. - Errors show as "Connection Failed" with **Try Again** or **Cancel**, or "Something went wrong, try again later." - The app can't do Facebook login. **Connect Facebook** opens the website. ## Good to know - One Instagram account per InstantDM account, and one InstantDM login per Instagram account. - A Facebook Page you connect must be linked to the **same** Instagram that is connected in InstantDM. - The page also has **Share Login Link**, so the account owner can connect it themselves. Send it only to them, privately. See [connect a client's account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-client-account-with-link.md). - On the Page picker, the section **Facing error or your account missing?** has **Re-connect your account** and **Contact us!**. ## What you can't do - Connect a personal Instagram account. - Connect a Facebook Page that has no Instagram linked, or a Page linked to a different Instagram. - Be connected through Instagram login and a Facebook Page at the same time. ## If it doesn't work - Nothing above helps: email hey@instantdm.com with your Instagram username and a screenshot of the error. - It connected, but automations don't run: see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Do I need a Facebook Page to connect Instagram?** No. Connect your IG Account (Instagram login) needs no Facebook Page. You only need a Page for Facebook Page automations and Meta ads comments. **Can I connect two Instagram accounts to one InstantDM login?** No. Each InstantDM account holds one Instagram account. To manage another one, add it as a separate account from the account switcher. **What happens to the old login if I click Disconnect & Connect Here?** The Instagram account moves to the login you're using now, and its automations on the old login stop. **Can a client connect their Instagram without giving me their password?** Yes. Use Share Login Link on the connect page and send it privately to the account owner. Treat that link like a password. ## Related guides - [Do I need a professional Instagram account? How do I switch?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md) - [How do I connect my Instagram account to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) # Why did someone get my DM twice? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-sent-twice Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Most often the person commented twice. Each new matching comment gets its own DM and public reply, by design. Other causes: they commented on two posts, they both commented and messaged you a keyword, or your setup sends a button first and the link second. Rarely, Instagram reports the same event twice and the DM goes out twice. ## Steps 1. Ask the person, or look in the post's **All Comments** tab: did they comment more than once? Each comment is listed on its own row. 2. Check whether they commented on two different posts. Each post's automation answers its own comments. 3. Check whether they also sent you a DM with a keyword. A comment automation and a DM keyword automation can both answer the same person. 4. Look at what they received. A button card and then a link is one automation working as designed, not a duplicate. 5. If none of these explain it, note the username and time and email hey@instantdm.com. ## Causes | What happened | Why | Can you change it? | |---|---|---| | They commented twice (or more) | Every new matching comment gets a DM and a public reply. There is no once-per-person rule for comments or story replies | No. You can only ask people to comment once | | They commented on two posts | Each post has its own automation | Expected | | They commented and also DMed you a keyword | Two different automations each answered | Use different trigger words, or remove one automation | | They got a button card, then the link | Your **Welcome Message** or flow sends a button first, then the content after the tap | Expected. Turn off the Welcome Message if you want one message | | They got a "Follow to unlock" card, then the link | Your follow gate is on. They followed and tapped **Started following you! 👍** | Expected | | They got several messages in a row | Your **DM Sequence** has more than one message | Expected. Remove messages from the sequence | | An **Any Message** reply came again next day | **Once a day** replies at most once every 24 hours | Switch to **First time only** | | Rare: the same event answered twice | Instagram sometimes reports the same comment or message twice. For example, sharing your post to your DMs with a note can arrive twice within a second, and an **Any Message** reply can go out twice | No setting prevents this today | ## On the phone app Home → **Instagram** → **Posts** → tap the post → **Contacts** tab shows each person, their comment and whether the DM was sent. For DM keyword automations, use the **Contacts** button on the automation card. ## Good to know - A person who comments 3 times gets 3 DMs and 3 public replies. - **First time only** (for **Any Message** DM automations) replies once per person, ever. **Once a day** replies at most once every 24 hours. - If another tool is also connected to the same Instagram account (for example ManyChat), it may answer the same people as well. ## What you can't do - Limit comment or story-reply automations to once per person. - Guarantee that a person is never messaged twice. ## If it doesn't work - Many people got duplicates at the same time: email hey@instantdm.com with two or three example usernames and the time. - See [can an automation reply only once per person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reply-only-once-per-person.md) for what the once-per-person options cover. ## Questions people also ask **Can I make a comment automation reply only once per person?** No. There is no once-per-person option for comments or story replies. Every new matching comment is answered. DM automations with Any Message have First time only and Once a day. **Can InstantDM promise a person is never messaged twice?** No. In rare cases Instagram reports the same comment or message twice, and both can be answered. **Will resending or re-running send a second DM?** Resend is only offered for DMs that failed, and it skips the public reply if that already posted. Re-run skips comments already handled, so people should not get a second DM. ## Related guides - [Can an automation reply only once per person?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reply-only-once-per-person.md) - [What is the Welcome Message and should I turn it on?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [How do I auto-reply when someone DMs me a keyword on Instagram?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dm-keyword-auto-reply.md) # Why didn't my next-post automation start on my new post? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/next-post-did-not-attach Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** A next-post automation attaches when the first comment arrives on the new post, not when you publish. InstantDM reads the caption and looks for your caption code as a whole word. If the code is missing, misspelled or stuck to other letters, the post is left alone. Add the code to the caption, and it can attach when the next comment comes in. ## Before you start - Next post is on **Legend Pro and above**. - On the web, every next-post automation has a **Caption code** (3 to 30 letters, numbers, `_` or `-`). You paste that code in the caption when you upload. ## Steps 1. Open **Quick Automation** → the **Instagram** tab (or **Facebook**) → **Next Post Automation**. Check that your automation is still listed as waiting. If it's gone, it has already attached to a post: look for the **Automated** tag in your posts. 2. Compare its code with your caption. The code must appear as its own word, for example `SUMMERDROP` or `#summerdrop`. `SUMMERDROP2` or `xSUMMERDROP` won't match. 3. Check the platform. An Instagram code only works on an Instagram post, and a Facebook code only on a Facebook Page post. When you set up both, each platform has its own code. 4. Wait for a comment. The automation attaches when the first comment arrives, and that first comment is answered a few seconds later. 5. If the code was missing, edit your caption in Instagram to add it. The automation can attach when the next comment arrives. 6. To answer comments that came in before it attached, use [Re-run missed comments](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) (Trendsetter and above, comments under 7 days old). ## On the phone app Home → **Instagram** → **Posts** → **Next Post Automation**. The app has **no caption code field**. Next-post automations made in the app attach to the next new post whose caption contains none of your codes, when that post gets its first comment. ## Common causes | What you see | Why | What to do | |---|---|---| | New post isn't automated, nobody has commented yet | It attaches on the first comment | Wait for a comment, or comment from a second account | | Code is in the caption but nothing happened | The code is misspelled, or letters or numbers are stuck to it | Edit the caption so the code stands alone | | It attached to a different post | A code-less automation (from the phone app or older web versions) attaches to the next new post without one of your codes | Use caption codes on the web. Switch off the automation on the wrong post | | Two codes in one caption | When several codes match, the longest one wins | Use one code per caption | | The post already had its own automation | A post with its own automation keeps it | Edit that post's automation instead | | Instagram code used on a Facebook post, or the other way | Codes are per platform | Use the code shown for that platform | | It attached, but some comments got no DM | Comments that came before it attached were not answered | Re-run missed comments (Trendsetter and above) | ## Good to know - After you click **Publish**, a box shows "Next post automation saved" with your code and **Copy**. "The code is not case-sensitive. A # in front is optional." - Each code must be different from your other waiting next-post automations. Otherwise: "Caption code … is already used by another next-post automation. Pick a different code." - Posts without one of your codes are left alone by coded automations. - Next post uses **Send Link & PDF** only. Lead Gen and Flow can't be set up for a post you haven't uploaded. ## What you can't do - Attach by anything other than the caption code (for example by date or post type). - Add a caption code in the phone app. - Make it attach before anyone comments. ## If it doesn't work - Still not attached after a comment with the right code: check the general list in [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md), especially the connection banner and the **Global** switch. - Set up a new one: see [set up an automation before you post](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md). ## Questions people also ask **When does the automation attach?** When the first comment arrives on the new post. Until someone comments, nothing changes, so the post won't show as automated yet. **Does the caption code have to be in capitals?** No. The code is not case-sensitive, and a # in front is optional. It must be its own word: SUMMERDROP or #summerdrop works, SUMMERDROP2 does not. **I forgot the code. Can I edit the caption?** Yes. InstantDM reads the live caption when a comment arrives. Add the code, and the automation can attach on the next comment. Comments that came before won't be answered automatically. **Why did my phone-app next-post automation attach to the wrong post?** The app has no caption code. Automations made there attach to the next new post whose caption has none of your codes, whichever gets a comment first. ## Related guides - [How do I set up an automation before I post? (caption code)](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-next-post.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [How do I make InstantDM answer comments it missed on a post?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/rerun-missed-comments.md) - [How do I automate all my posts, including future ones?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automate-all-posts.md) # Why does the follow message keep coming after someone followed? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-message-keeps-coming Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: Legend Pro and above Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** After following, the person must tap Started following you! 👍 in the follow card. InstantDM then asks Instagram again. If Instagram doesn't report the new follow yet, the same card comes back, so they can wait a moment and tap again. Each new comment is also checked again, and in flows a follow-up reminder can fire if they never tap the button. ## Before you start - The follow gate is the switch **Ask audience to follow you before sending link!** in the post's **Send Link or PDF** card (Legend Pro and above). In flows, it's the **Followers only** step (Trendsetter and above). In the phone app it's **Follow For Link**. - Test with a second Instagram account, not your own. ## Steps 1. Make sure the person **taps** **Started following you! 👍** after following. Following alone does not send the link. 2. If the card comes back, ask them to wait a moment and tap the button again. Instagram can take a little time to report a new follow. 3. Check that they followed **your** account. **Open Profile** on the card opens your profile. 4. If they commented again, that comment is checked from the start. A new comment gets a new card if Instagram still says they don't follow you. 5. In a flow, open the **Followers only** step and check **Follow up after**. If they don't tap the button in time, the reminder step runs, even if they already followed. Shorten or remove the reminder if it confuses people. 6. If it happens to many people who clearly follow you, reconnect your account. In the **Need Help?** window, **More options!** → **Followers only DM not working?** opens the Instagram connect page. If your account uses a Facebook Page connection, reconnect with **Connect Instagram via FB Page** instead. ## On the phone app The **Follow For Link** switch is in the post editor (Home → **Instagram** → **Posts** → tap the post → **Send Link or Images**). You can edit the **Title**, **Description**, **Open Profile button** and **I Followed You button** texts. Publish after any change. ## What your followers see 1. They comment and get the card "🔓 Follow to Unlock Exclusive Content" with **Open Profile** and **Started following you! 👍**. 2. They follow you and tap **Started following you! 👍**. 3. If Instagram now reports the follow, they get your link. If not, they get the same card again. ## Good to know - There is no limit on retries, and no different message for the second try. - If Instagram can't answer the follow check at all (for example when it is busy), the person is treated as a follower and gets the content. - In rare cases, an error from Instagram's check counts as "not following" even for a follower. Ask them to tap the button again a little later. - You can change the card's title, description and button texts. Tap the text in the gate card to edit it. ## What you can't do - Set a maximum number of retries. - Send a different message on the second try. - Use the follow gate on Facebook posts. - Check how long someone has followed you. ## If it doesn't work - No one gets the link, even followers: check the connection banner and **Global** switch, then see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - You want everyone to get the link: switch the follow gate off and click **Publish**. Non-followers may then get a public fallback reply instead of a DM. See [non-followers](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md). ## Questions people also ask **Is there a limit on how many times they can tap the button?** No. Each tap checks again. When Instagram reports that they follow you, they get your content. **Can I turn the follow card off for one post?** Yes. Open that post's Send Link or PDF card, switch off Ask audience to follow you before sending link!, and click Publish. **Does the follow gate work on Facebook?** No. The follow gate is Instagram only. On Facebook flows, the follow check always passes. ## Related guides - [How do I make people follow me before they get the link?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/make-people-follow-before-link.md) - [Do DMs reach people who don't follow me or have private accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/dms-to-non-followers.md) - [How do I send a reminder if someone doesn't reply?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/follow-up-if-no-reply.md) - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) # What do InstantDM's warning emails mean? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-emails-explained Section: Fix a problem Works on: Web app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** InstantDM may email you when something stops your DMs: an expired Instagram connection, DMs turned off, missing permissions, an account limit, blocked links, another app controlling your chats, or credits running out. Each email names the problem. Fix the cause, then resend missed DMs from Automation Recovery. Billing reminders and login codes also come by email. ## Before you start - You may get an email when something goes wrong. Emails are not guaranteed and can arrive later than the problem. Check the red banner and **Automation Recovery** too. - If a problem continues, you may get a follow-up email whose subject starts with "Action needed:" or "Still down:". ## Steps 1. Find the email subject in the tables below. 2. Do the fix in the last column. 3. Open **Automation Recovery** → **Missed & Failed** and **Resend** the DMs that matter (within 7 days of a comment or 24 hours of a message). See [resend missed DMs](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md). ## On the phone app The emails are the same whether you use the app or the web. To fix most of them from your phone: tap your profile photo → **Settings** → **Safety & Limits** to reconnect, and Home → **Automation Recovery** to resend. Facebook Page fixes open the website. ## Instagram and Facebook problems | Email subject | What it means | What to do | |---|---|---| | "Your Instagram disconnected — DMs stopped" | Instagram signed InstantDM out. Nothing is sent | Reconnect. See [reconnect Instagram](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) | | "Reconnect Instagram to restore DM permissions" | The messaging permission was not approved | Reconnect and approve every permission on Meta's screen | | "Your Instagram DMs are turned off" | Instagram's message access is off for your account | Turn it back on in Instagram. The email links a short video showing how | | "Some comments can't receive DMs — quick fix" | Instagram won't allow a private reply on some comments | The email suggests turning on the **Welcome Message** (Legend Pro and above). See [welcome message](https://instantdm.com/how-to/welcome-message.md) | | "Instagram temporarily limited your account" | Instagram has stopped your account from sending DMs for a while | Turn **Global** off yourself. See [Instagram limited my account](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-restricted-my-account.md) | | "Instagram blocked link sharing in DMs" | Instagram is blocking links in your DMs | Check Account Status in the Instagram app. Button links may still work | | "Some Instagram replies aren't going out — quick fix" | Another app may be controlling your chats (for example ManyChat or Meta Business Suite), replies may be going out from the wrong connected account, or the chat was deleted | Follow the video in the email to change the setting | | "Your Facebook Page has messaging turned off" | People can't message your Page, so Messenger DMs fail | In your Facebook Page settings, allow people to message your Page | ## Credits and plan | Email subject | What it means | What to do | |---|---|---| | "Your free trial credits are used up - Upgrade to continue" | A new account used all its credits. Nothing is sent | Upgrade in **My Plan**, then resend | | "Your monthly automation credits have run out" | Your account has no credits left. Nothing is sent | Upgrade or renew in **My Plan**, then resend | | "Your InstantDM subscription renews in 2 days" (also "renews tomorrow" and "renews today") | A reminder before your renewal | Nothing, unless you want to change or cancel | | "Your InstantDM subscription renewal is overdue" | The renewal payment hasn't gone through | Check your payment in **My Plan** | | "Instagram Automation stopped, Your plan exipred." | Your plan ended. The account is now on Free with 0 credits, so automations stop | Buy a plan again in **My Plan**. Your automations are kept | | "Your InstantDM subscription has been cancelled - Auto Renewal Stopped." | You cancelled. You keep your plan until the end date | Nothing to do | ## Login emails - "… - InstantDM login OTP": your 6-digit login code. - "… - InstantDM password reset otp.": your code to set a new password. - "… - Verify your email for InstantDM": the code to verify your email during setup. Codes expire after 5 minutes. If you didn't ask for a code, don't share it with anyone. ## Good to know - Emails go to your verified email address. If you skipped verifying your email, you won't get these alerts. - The disconnected email can repeat while your account stays disconnected. - When Instagram limits your account, the email may say automations were paused. InstantDM does not pause them by itself, so turn **Global** off yourself. ## What you can't do - Choose which emails you get. There is no email setting in InstantDM. - Change where these emails go from Account Settings. The email address there is read-only. ## If it doesn't work - You fixed the problem but DMs still fail: see [why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - You got an email you don't understand: forward it to hey@instantdm.com. ## Questions people also ask **Which email address do these go to?** The email on your InstantDM account, the one you verified during setup. For client accounts under a main account, alerts go to the main account's owner and name the Instagram account. **Will I always get an email when something breaks?** Not always. Don't wait for an email. The red banner at the top of InstantDM and the Missed & Failed list in Automation Recovery show problems as they happen. **Can I turn these emails off?** There is no email setting in InstantDM. Most warning emails stop once the problem is fixed. **The email says my automations were paused. Were they?** Not necessarily. When Instagram limits your account, InstantDM does not pause automations by itself. Turn Global off yourself in Account Settings → Automation. ## Related guides - [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) - [InstantDM asks me to reconnect. How do I fix it?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/reconnect-instagram.md) - [Instagram limited my account. What should I do?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-restricted-my-account.md) - [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) --- # Section: Multiple accounts and teams # What is the difference between accounts, workspaces and team members in InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team Section: Multiple accounts and teams Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Each InstantDM account holds one Instagram account. Your main account can own extra client accounts (sub-accounts), each with its own connection, automations, plan and credits. Your workspace is the shared space your team members join, and every team member gets full access to all of it. InstantDM uses the word "account" for several things. This page gives each one a fixed name. The other agency guides use the same names. | Word | What it means | Where you see it in the app | |---|---|---| | **InstantDM login** | The email (or Instagram) you sign in with. | Login page, **Log in to another InstantDM account** | | **Main account** | Your own InstantDM account. It owns the client accounts below it. | "Owner" in the account switcher, "Main account" inside a workspace | | **Client account (sub-account)** | An extra InstantDM account under your main account. It holds one Instagram account (and its Facebook Page), with its own automations, settings, plan and credits. | **Create sub-account** in the account switcher | | **Workspace** | The shared space your team works in. It contains your main account and all its client accounts. You can have one. | **Workspaces** tab in the account switcher, **Team** settings | | **Team member** | A person you invite by email. They log in with their own email and work inside your workspace. | **Members** tab in Team settings | | **Multi-account plan** | One subscription that covers several accounts: Multi Starter (3) or Multi Pro (10). | **My Plan** → **Multi Account** | ## Steps The usual setup for an agency or a brand with several Instagram accounts: 1. Create one client account for each extra Instagram account. See [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) 2. Connect each client's Instagram. If the client keeps their own password, send them a connection link. See [connect a client's account without their password](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-client-account-with-link.md). 3. Choose how to pay: one plan per account, or one multi-account plan for all of them. See [Which plan do I need for several accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) 4. If other people help you, invite them to your workspace from **Account Settings** → **Team**. See [How do I invite a team member?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/invite-team-member.md) ## On the phone app The app can switch between accounts (**Switch Account**) and add another login (**Log into existing account**). It has no workspaces and no team features. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for those. ## Good to know - One InstantDM account = one Instagram account. That is why client accounts exist. - Each client account has its own connection, plan and credits, unless your main account is on a multi-account plan. A multi-account plan covers your main account plus client accounts up to the plan's limit. - Settings like **Automation Controls**, the hourly limit and your connections are set per account. Switch to each client account to change its settings. - The list of saved logins in the account switcher is stored in your browser. On a new computer, log in again. ## What you can't do - Give a team member limited access. There is one role, **Admin**, with full access to every account in the workspace. - Let a client log in to see only their own results. There is no view-only login. - Move a client account to a different main account. - See all accounts in one Insights dashboard. Insights shows the account you are in. - See which team member changed what. ## Questions people also ask **Is a workspace the same as a client account?** No. A client account holds one client's Instagram and its automations. The workspace is the space your team joins. It contains your main account and all its client accounts, and it has no plan of its own. **Can I give a team member access to only some clients?** No. Team members have one role, Admin, with full access to every account in your workspace. Invite only people you trust with all your clients. **Why can't I connect two Instagram accounts to one InstantDM account?** Each InstantDM account holds exactly one Instagram account. To run more Instagram accounts, create a client account for each one from the account switcher. **Can a team member create new client accounts?** No. Only the owner of the main account can create client accounts. Team members can switch between, rename and send connection links for the accounts that already exist. ## Related guides - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - [How do I invite a team member to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/invite-team-member.md) - [What plan do I need to run several Instagram accounts on InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) - [How do I connect a client's Instagram account without their password?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-client-account-with-link.md) # How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account Section: Multiple accounts and teams Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click your profile card at the bottom of the sidebar to open Switch Account. Expand your main account and click Create sub-account, then connect that account's Instagram. Each account has its own connection, plan and credits unless you are on a multi-account plan. Click any row to switch. ## Before you start - Each InstantDM account can hold **one** Instagram account. A second Instagram needs a second InstantDM account: either a client account (sub-account) under your main account, or a separate InstantDM login. - Each account has its own Instagram connection, plan and credits, unless your main account is on a multi-account plan. See [Which plan do I need for several accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) - An Instagram account can belong to only one InstantDM account. If you connect it somewhere else, it moves there and its automations stop in the old place. ## Steps 1. Click your profile card at the bottom of the sidebar (your @username). The **Switch Account** popup opens on the **Accounts** tab. 2. Expand your main account with the arrow (**Show sub-accounts**). If you see "Tap to load", click it to load the list. 3. Click **Create sub-account**. It shows how many are left on your plan. - You'll see that InstantDM switches you into the new, empty account. It shows "Not Connected". 4. Connect the Instagram account for this client account: - If you can log in to that Instagram yourself, go to **Account Settings** → **Safety & Limits** → **Instagram Account** → **Connect**. - If the owner should log in themselves, send them a connection link. See [How do I connect a client's account without their password?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-client-account-with-link.md) 5. To switch accounts later, open **Switch Account** again and click any row. The page reloads on **Home** as that account. A green check marks the active one. 6. To rename a row, click the pencil icon. This changes the name in the switcher only. **To add a separate InstantDM login instead** (for example, a client who already has their own InstantDM account): in **Switch Account**, click **Log in to another InstantDM account**. Log in with **Continue with Email** (code or password). Your current login stays signed in. ## On the phone app Tap your profile photo at the top right, then **Switch Account**. Tap a row to switch. Tap **Log into existing account** to add another login with its email, Google or Apple. To create a client account, use the web app at app.instantdm.com. ## Good to know - A dot on each client account shows its state: green "Connected" or amber "Instagram not connected". - A search box appears when a main account has many client accounts. - To remove a saved login from this browser, click the logout icon on its row. "It is removed from this browser only. Nothing is deleted." - To delete a client account, click its bin icon. "This will permanently remove this account and stop all its automations." The bin shows only for client accounts of the main account you are in. ## What you can't do - Connect two Instagram accounts to one InstantDM account. - Delete your main account from the switcher. See [How do I delete my InstantDM account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/delete-instantdm-account.md) - Move a client account to a different main account. - Create client accounts as a team member. Only the owner of the main account can. ## If it doesn't work - **"Account limit reached"**: your plan's account limit is used. See [plans for several accounts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md). - **You logged in with Instagram from "Log in to another InstantDM account" and the wrong account changed**: use email (code or password) there, not **Continue With Instagram**. Instagram login from that screen can attach the Instagram to the account you are already in. - **"IG page @… is already connected to another email"**: that Instagram belongs to another InstantDM login. See [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) ## Questions people also ask **Can I connect two Instagram accounts to one InstantDM account?** No. Each InstantDM account holds one Instagram account. Create a client account (sub-account) for the second Instagram and switch between them. **Does a new client account share my plan and credits?** Only on a multi-account plan (Multi Starter or Multi Pro). On other plans each account has its own plan and credits, so buy a plan for that account from My Plan while you are switched into it. **Why does the switcher forget my accounts on another computer?** The list of saved logins is kept in your browser. On a new browser or computer, log in again. Client accounts under a main account come back as soon as you log in to that main account. **How do I delete a client account?** In Switch Account, click the bin icon on the client account row and confirm. This permanently removes that account and stops all its automations. You can't delete your main account here. ## Related guides - [What is the difference between accounts, workspaces and team members in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md) - [How do I connect a client's Instagram account without their password?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-client-account-with-link.md) - [What plan do I need to run several Instagram accounts on InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) - [How do I connect my Instagram account to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) # How do I connect a client's Instagram account without their password? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-client-account-with-link Section: Multiple accounts and teams Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Create the client account, then send the client a connection link: in Switch Account click the share icon on the unconnected account, or click Share Login Link on the connect screen. The client opens it and connects their own Instagram or Facebook Page. The link expires in 7 days. Treat it like a password. ## Before you start - Create a client account for this client first. See [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - The client needs an Instagram **Business or Creator** account. See [Do I need a professional Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/switch-to-professional-account.md) - For the Facebook link, the client must be an admin of a Facebook Page that is linked to the same Instagram account. > Treat the connection link like a password. Anyone who opens it is logged into that InstantDM account and can see and change its automations. Send it only to the account owner, in a private message. ## Steps 1. Click your profile card at the bottom of the sidebar to open **Switch Account**. 2. Find the client account. Accounts that aren't connected show a share icon (tooltip "Share connect link"). 3. Click the share icon and choose: - **Copy Instagram sharing link** for Instagram Login, or - **Copy Facebook sharing link** to connect through the client's Facebook Page. - You'll see "Instagram sharing link copied. It expires in 7 days." 4. Send the link to your client privately (WhatsApp, email, DM). 5. Wait for the client to finish. The account then shows a green "Connected" dot in **Switch Account**. Reload the page if it still looks amber. **Other way:** while you are switched into the unconnected client account, open the connect screen and click **Share Login Link**, then **Copy**. This screen shows "Waiting for the account owner to connect… this updates automatically" and changes to "Account connected" when the client is done. ## What your client sees 1. They open the link. It shows "Logging you in, please wait…". 2. They land on the InstantDM connect screen and click **Connect your IG Account** (or **Connect FB Page** for the Facebook link). 3. Instagram (or Facebook) asks them to log in and approve the permissions. They should approve every permission, or DMs won't work. With the Facebook link, they then pick the Page that shows their Instagram @username. 4. They come back to InstantDM. The account is now connected and you can build automations for it. If the client has trouble on a phone, ask them to open the link on a computer. ## Good to know - The link stops working 7 days after you make it, or once the account is connected. - Each account has one Instagram link and one Facebook link. Copying a link again gives the same link and restarts the 7 days. - Not sure which link to send? See [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - The phone app has no connection links. Use the web app. - If the Instagram account was connected to another InstantDM login before, connecting it here moves it, and automations on the old login stop. ## If it doesn't work - **"This link has expired. Please ask for a new link."** Make a new link and send it again. - **"This link is invalid or has already been used. Please ask for a new link."** The link may be copied wrong, or the client already connected while your **Share Login Link** window was open. Check the dot in **Switch Account**, and copy a fresh link if it is still amber. - **"This account is already connected. You can close this page."** Nothing to do. The client is done. - **"Couldn't open this link. Check your internet connection and try again."** Ask the client to reload or try another network. - The client sees an Instagram error while connecting: see [Why can't I connect my Instagram account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cant-connect-instagram.md) ## Questions people also ask **Does my client need an InstantDM account?** No. The link logs them into the client account you created, so they can connect their Instagram right away. **Should I send the Instagram link or the Facebook link?** Send the Instagram link for normal post, Reel, story and DM automations. Send the Facebook link if you also need the client's Facebook Page, Messenger or ad comments. The client must be an admin of that Page. **How long does the link work?** 7 days, and only until the account is connected. Copying the link again gives the same link and restarts the 7 days. **What can the person who opens the link do?** They are logged into that InstantDM account, so they can see and change its automations. Send the link only to the account owner. ## Related guides - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - [Should I connect with Instagram or with Facebook?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instagram-login-or-facebook-login.md) - [How do I connect my Instagram account to InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/connect-instagram-account.md) - [What is the difference between accounts, workspaces and team members in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md) # How do I invite a team member to InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/invite-team-member Section: Multiple accounts and teams Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Go to Account Settings, open the Team tab and click Open Team settings. Create your workspace the first time, then on the Members tab invite the person by email. They accept from the invitation email within 72 hours. Every member gets the Admin role, with full access to your main account and all client accounts. Web only. ## Before you start - Team members have **one role: Admin**. Every member can see and change all automations, settings and connections on your main account and all its client accounts. - Each owner has one workspace. A workspace is the shared space your team joins. It is not a client account. See [accounts, workspaces and team members](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md). - This works on the web app only. ## Steps 1. In the sidebar, click **Account Settings** and open the **Team** tab. 2. Click **Open Team settings**. 3. The first time, you see "Create Your First Workspace". Type a **Workspace name** and click **Create Workspace**. - You'll see the workspace name with three tabs: **Members**, **Invitations** and **Settings**. 4. On the **Members** tab, click the invite button next to **Team Members**. 5. In "Invite Team Member", type the person's **Email Address**. **Role** is **Admin** ("Full access to workspace"). 6. Click **Send Invitation**. - The invite now shows on the **Invitations** tab. From there you can **Resend** or **Cancel** it. ## What your team member sees 1. An email from InstantDM saying you invited them to your workspace, with an **Accept Invitation** button. They don't need an InstantDM account first. 2. A page "You're Invited!" with the workspace, role, email and expiry. They click **Accept Invitation**, then **Go to Dashboard**. 3. Next time, they log in at app.instantdm.com with **Continue with Email** → **OTP Login**, using the invited email. On "Select a Workspace" they click your workspace. 4. To move between your accounts, they click the profile card at the bottom of the sidebar and use the **Workspaces** tab. ## Good to know - Invitations expire after 72 hours. Use **Resend** if it runs out. - You can have only one pending invitation per email address. - Members can switch between your main account and its client accounts, rename them and send connection links. They can't create client accounts ("Only the workspace owner can create sub-accounts."). - To rename the workspace, use the **Settings** tab → **Workspace Name** → **Save Changes**. - If you don't see **Team** under **Account Settings** yet, look for **Team** in the sidebar. ## What you can't do - Choose a role other than Admin, or limit a member to certain client accounts. - See a log of which member changed what. - Create more than one workspace ("You already have a workspace"). - Invite or manage members from the phone app. ## How to remove a member Open **Team settings** → **Members**, click **Remove** next to the person and confirm "Remove this member?". They lose access on their next page load and get an email that their access was removed. ## If it doesn't work - **The invite email didn't arrive**: ask them to check spam, then use **Resend** on the **Invitations** tab. - **"There is already a pending invitation for this email"**: resend or cancel the existing invite instead of sending a new one. - **The member logs in and sees their own empty account**: they should open the account switcher, go to the **Workspaces** tab and click your workspace name. ## Questions people also ask **Can I give a team member view-only or limited access?** No. The only role is Admin, with full access to every account in your workspace: automations, settings and connections. Invite only people you trust with all your accounts. **How does my team member log in after accepting?** They log in with Continue with Email and OTP Login, using the email you invited. Then they pick your workspace on the Select a Workspace screen. **How do I remove someone?** Open Team settings, go to Members and click Remove. They lose access to the workspace and get an email saying so. **Can team members use the phone app?** No. Workspaces and team members work only in the web app. ## Related guides - [What is the difference between accounts, workspaces and team members in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md) - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - [What plan do I need to run several Instagram accounts on InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) - [Where did Instagram DM, Facebook DM, Team and API & MCP go?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/where-did-things-move.md) # How do I reuse an automation or flow on another InstantDM account? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/copy-automation-to-another-account Section: Multiple accounts and teams Works on: Web app Plan: Legend Pro and above (flows: Trendsetter and above) Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Save a Send Link & PDF or Lead Gen automation to the Library. Library items are shared across your connected accounts, so switch account and apply it from Quick Automation, Saved Libraries. Flows are not in the Library: use the flow's Share link, switch account and import the copy. Automation Groups belong to one account. ## Before you start - The Library holds **Send Link & PDF** and **Lead Gen** automations. It does not hold flows. Library is on Legend Pro and above. - Library items are shared across your connected accounts: your main account and the client accounts under it. See [accounts, workspaces and team members](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md). - Flows move between accounts with a share link. Flow Automation, including sharing, is Trendsetter and above. - Automation Groups belong to one account. You can't move a group to another account. > A flow share link is not private. Anyone who has it can import a copy, it never expires and you can't switch it off. ## Steps **Send Link & PDF or Lead Gen (Library):** 1. In the account where the automation works well, publish it on a post. In the "Automated Successfully!" window, type a **Configuration Name** and click **Save to Library**. 2. Click your profile card at the bottom of the sidebar and switch to the other account. 3. Open **Quick Automation** and click the **Saved Libraries** tab (the bookmark-style icon). 4. Find your item. Use the filters (**Send Link & PDF**, **Lead Gen**, **Instagram**, **Facebook**) if the list is long. 5. Click **Use this**, pick the posts or stories in this account, and click **Apply to N**. - You'll see "Applied to N posts". 6. Open one of those posts and check the text, links and trigger words for this client. **Flows (share link):** 1. In the account that has the flow, open it in the flow editor. Click **⋮** → **Share**. - You'll see "Share link copied". 2. Switch to the other account in the same browser. 3. Paste the link in the address bar and click **Copy as New Automation**. - The copy is named " - from - ". It opens in an older version of the flow editor. 4. Click **Flow Automation** in the sidebar and open the copy from the list. 5. Pick this account's posts again (the original posts don't exist here) and check every message. 6. Click **Set Live**. Do this even if the list already shows the copy as Live. ## On the phone app The app's post editor has **Copy Automation** → **Browse Library** for saved setups. Moving flows between accounts isn't possible in the app. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## Good to know - The "Automated Successfully!" window with **Save to Library** appears when you publish a new automation from a post's own page. When you finish from **New Automation**, you go back to **Home** and the window isn't shown. - You can also load a Library item inside the post editor: **Copy Automation** → **From Library** → **Browse Library** → **Apply**. Lead Gen has **Copy Previous** and **Browse Library**. - The Library reads items from up to 10 of your accounts at a time. If you manage more, items saved on some accounts may not appear. Save the item again from the account you are in. - A shared flow link is a snapshot. Edits you make after clicking **Share** are not in it. Share again for a new link. - **Duplicate** in the flow list copies a flow inside the same account only (to Instagram, Facebook or both). ## What you can't do - Save a flow to the Library. - Copy or move an Automation Group to another account. - Share a flow link that works only for one person, or cancel a link you shared. - Keep the original post selection when copying to another account. ## If it doesn't work - **The Library item isn't listed in the other account**: make sure both accounts are under the same main account, then reload. If you manage more than 10 accounts, save the item again from the account you are in. - **The imported flow doesn't reply**: open it, check the trigger and posts, and click **Set Live**. See [How do I turn a flow on, and what do the Set Live errors mean?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/set-flow-live.md) - **"Upgrade required" when applying to Facebook posts**: Facebook automation needs Legend Pro or above on that account. ## Questions people also ask **Do I have to rebuild the automation for every client?** No. Save it to the Library once, then apply it from Saved Libraries in each client account. You still pick that account's posts and change any client-specific text. **Can I copy a flow straight into a client account?** There is no direct copy button between accounts. Use the flow's Share link, switch to the client account in the same browser, open the link and click Copy as New Automation. **Can I move an Automation Group to another account?** No. Groups belong to the account where you made them. Save the automation to the Library and build a new group in the other account. **Is a shared flow link private?** No. Anyone with the link can import a copy, the link doesn't expire and you can't switch it off. Share it only with people you trust. ## Related guides - [How do I save an automation and reuse it on other posts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/save-and-reuse-automation.md) - [How do I share a flow or import one someone shared?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/share-a-flow.md) - [How do I put one automation on many posts at once?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/one-automation-many-posts.md) - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) # What plan do I need to run several Instagram accounts on InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies Section: Multiple accounts and teams Works on: Web app Plan: Multi Starter and Multi Pro Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Multi Starter covers 3 accounts for $15 a month (₹1,299) and Multi Pro covers 10 accounts for $99 a month (₹7,999), on one bill. Buy it from My Plan, Multi Account, with your main login on the web. For more than 10 accounts, email hey@instantdm.com. Without a multi-account plan, each account needs its own plan. ## Before you start - Each Instagram account needs its own InstantDM account. Your extra accounts are client accounts (sub-accounts) under your main account. See [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - Buy a multi-account plan with your **main** login, on the web. ## The two multi-account plans | | Multi Starter | Multi Pro | |---|---|---| | Accounts covered (main account included) | 3 | 10 | | Monthly price | $15 a month (₹1,299) | $99 a month (₹7,999) | | Yearly price | $160 a year (₹12,999) | $990 a year (₹79,999) | | Works out per account | about $5 a month | about $9.90 a month | | Automated DMs per account per month | 30,000 | 300,000 | | Hourly limit | No hourly limit | No hourly limit | | Instagram and Facebook automation, Flow Automation, Meta Ads comments | Included | Included | | API, webhooks and MCP | Included | Included | | Re-run missed comments | Included | Included | | WhatsApp support | Not included | Included | Prices are from the InstantDM pricing page. INR prices are charged through Razorpay, USD through Stripe. ## Steps 1. Log in with your main account (switch to it in **Switch Account** if needed). 2. Click **My Plan** in the sidebar. The "Choose Your Plan" window opens. 3. Click **Multi Account**. 4. Under **Payment Gateway**, choose **Stripe (USD)** or **Razorpay (INR)**. 5. On **Multi Starter** or **Multi Pro**, click **Buy Yearly** or **Buy Monthly** (the button shows the price). 6. Finish the payment on the Stripe or Razorpay page. - You'll see the plan on your main account once the payment is confirmed. It is then applied to your connected client accounts, up to the plan's account limit. ## On the phone app The app can't sell multi-account plans. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com for this. ## Good to know - The plan is applied to your connected client accounts in the order they appear, up to the limit. Connect your client accounts first, then buy. - A client account you create later, while your main account is on a multi-account plan, gets the same plan. - Without a multi-account plan, each account has its own plan and credits. Switch to an account and buy a single-account plan for it from **My Plan**. See [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - More than 10 accounts: email **hey@instantdm.com** before you buy. - Team members are a separate topic. See [How do I invite a team member?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/invite-team-member.md) ## What you can't do - Cover more than 10 accounts with one plan from **My Plan**. - Buy a multi-account plan in the iPhone or Android app. - See all accounts in one dashboard. Insights shows one account at a time. ## If it doesn't work - **"Account limit reached" in the account switcher**: you have used all the accounts your plan covers. Move up to Multi Pro, or email hey@instantdm.com if you need more than 10. - **A client account still shows Free after you paid**: check that it is connected and inside the plan's limit, then reload the page. If it still shows Free, email hey@instantdm.com. - **The payment failed**: try the other gateway (Stripe or Razorpay) or another card. Multi-account plans can't be bought in the phone app, so ignore the app store option in the "Having trouble paying?" window. See [How do I upgrade or change my plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) ## Questions people also ask **I manage more than 10 accounts. What should I buy?** Email hey@instantdm.com with the number of accounts you manage, and the team will tell you the best option. **Does the multi-account plan cover my main account?** Yes. The account count includes your main account. Multi Starter is your main account plus 2 client accounts; Multi Pro is your main account plus 9. **Can I buy a multi-account plan in the phone app?** No. The app sells only single-account plans. Buy Multi Starter or Multi Pro on the web from My Plan, Multi Account. **Is 30,000 per account per month a hard limit?** It is the number of automated DMs each account can send per month on Multi Starter. Multi Pro allows 300,000. Each DM Instagram or Facebook accepts uses one. ## Related guides - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [What is the difference between accounts, workspaces and team members in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/accounts-workspaces-team.md) - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - [How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) --- # Section: Plans and billing # How do credits work in InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work Section: Plans and billing Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Plan: All plans Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** One credit is one automated DM that Instagram or Facebook accepts. Public comment replies and failed DMs don't use credits. New accounts start on Free with 500 credits. Legend Pro, Trendsetter and Trendsetter Pro have unlimited DMs, paced per hour. At zero credits, nothing is sent until you upgrade or renew. ## What uses a credit - **1 credit = 1 DM that Instagram or Facebook accepts.** This includes the first button message, follow-gate messages, each message in a DM sequence or flow, and file messages. - Resending a missed DM from **Automation Recovery** uses a credit. - DMs you send through the InstantDM API or the MCP connection (for example from Claude) also use 1 credit each. **Free (no credit used):** - Public replies under comments. - DMs that Instagram or Facebook refuses. - Comments that were skipped (no matching trigger word, for example). ## Credits on each plan | Plan | Credits | |---|---| | Free | 500 credits to start | | Legend Pro, Trendsetter, Trendsetter Pro | Unlimited DMs, paced per hour (see [How many DMs can InstantDM send per hour?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-many-dms-per-hour.md)) | | Multi Starter | 30,000 automated DMs per account per month | | Multi Pro | 300,000 automated DMs per account per month | New accounts also get a first-week trial: paid features are unlocked in the web app for about a week, no card needed. During that week the Home banner shows how many days or credits are left. After that the account stays on Free. ## Steps To check your usage: 1. Click **My Plan** in the sidebar. 2. Scroll to **Current Subscription**. 3. Read **Plan**, **Status**, **Monthly Usage** and **Renewal**. The usage number updates in batches, so it can be a little behind your real sends. ## On the phone app The Home screen shows a plan card with your plan name and plan credits. ## What happens when you run out - Nothing is sent: no DM and no public reply. The person who commented sees nothing. - The missed events show in **Automation Recovery** as **Out of credits** ("You had no credits left when this came in.") while your renewal date is recent or still ahead, so you can resend them after you upgrade or renew. Not every missed event may be listed. See [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) - You may also get an email. ## Good to know - On Free, after the first week, automated DMs end with "|| Automation powered by InstantDM". Any paid plan removes it. Flow messages don't get this line. - When a paid plan ends or is cancelled, you keep it until the end of the period. Then the account moves to Free with **0 credits**, so automations stop. Your automations and settings are kept. - Instagram only lets you reply within 7 days of a comment or 24 hours of a DM. Older missed events can't be resent, even after you upgrade. ## If it doesn't work - **Automations stopped and Automation Recovery shows "Out of credits"**: upgrade or renew from **My Plan**, then resend. See [How do I upgrade or change my plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) - **You are on a paid plan but nothing is sent**: check that the plan **Status** is active in **My Plan**, then see [Why didn't my automation send a DM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/automation-not-sending.md) ## Questions people also ask **Do the 500 free credits reset every month?** New accounts start with 500 credits. Plan your free use around those 500, and move to a paid plan when you need more. Legend Pro and above have unlimited DMs. **Do public comment replies use credits?** No. Only DMs that Instagram or Facebook accepts use a credit. Public replies, failed DMs and skipped comments are free. **Can I buy extra credits without changing my plan?** Not at the moment. To keep sending, upgrade to a paid plan from My Plan. **Why do my DMs end with 'Automation powered by InstantDM'?** On Free, after the first week, automated DMs get this line at the end. Any paid plan removes it. ## Related guides - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [Is InstantDM free? What does the free plan include?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-free.md) - [How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) - [How do I resend DMs that failed or were missed?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/resend-missed-dms.md) # What InstantDM plan should I choose? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need Section: Plans and billing Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Most creators and shops need Legend Pro ($12 or ₹999 a month): unlimited DMs up to 800 per hour, story and DM keyword replies, follow gate and lead capture. Choose Trendsetter ($29.99 or ₹1,999) for Flow Automation, AI replies, ad comments and the API. Trendsetter Pro removes the hourly limit. Several accounts need a Multi plan. ## Steps Go down this list and stop at the first line that fits you. 1. Choose **Multi Starter** (3 accounts) or **Multi Pro** (10) if you run more than one Instagram account. See [Which plan do I need for several accounts?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) 2. Choose **Trendsetter Pro** if your posts often get more than 2,000 comments an hour. It has no hourly limit. 3. Choose **Trendsetter** if you need multi-step flows, AI replies, ad comments, Mailchimp, Kit, Klaviyo or the API. 4. Choose **Legend Pro** if you need story replies, DM keywords, the follow gate, buttons, lead capture or post scheduling. 5. Start on **Free** if you only want to test comment-to-DM. To buy, see [How do I upgrade or change my plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) ## Prices | Plan | Monthly | Yearly (per month, billed once a year) | |---|---|---| | Free | $0 | $0 | | Legend Pro | $12 (₹999) | $9.99 (₹833) | | Trendsetter | $29.99 (₹1,999) | $24.99 (₹1,666) | | Trendsetter Pro | $59.99 (₹4,999) | $49.99 (₹4,165) | Prices are from the InstantDM pricing page. Stripe charges in USD and Razorpay in INR (UPI, cards, net banking). ## What each plan includes | Feature | Free | Legend Pro | Trendsetter | Trendsetter Pro | |---|---|---|---|---| | Automated DMs | 500 credits to start | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | | Hourly pace (comment automations) | Up to 800 | Up to 800 | Up to 2,000 | No hourly limit | | Comment-to-DM on posts and Reels | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Trigger words per automation | 3 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | | Automated posts | Up to 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | | "All comments" trigger, all posts and stories | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Story replies, DM keywords, Live comments | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Next-post automations waiting | No | 10 | 25 | Unlimited | | Buttons, PDF, images, Welcome Message, DM sequences, reply delay | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Follow gate (follow before the link) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Collect email, phone and name in the DM (Lead Gen) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Facebook Page comment-to-DM | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Schedule posts with auto-DM | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Contacts, tags and CSV export | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | No "Automation powered by InstantDM" line | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Flow Automation (templates, build with AI, follow-ups) | No | No | Yes | Yes | | AI replies with your own AI key | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Messenger flows | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Meta Ads and boosted Reel comments | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Mailchimp, Kit, Klaviyo | No | No | Yes | Yes | | API, webhooks and MCP | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Re-run missed comments on a post | No | No | Yes | Yes | | Link-open analytics | No | No | Yes | Yes | | WhatsApp support | No | No | No | Yes | | Resend failed DMs (Automation Recovery), DM Insights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ## On the phone app The app sells two plans: **Starter** (Legend Pro) and **Brand** (Trendsetter), monthly or yearly. Prices come from the App Store or Google Play in your currency. Trendsetter Pro and Multi plans are web only. See [How do I manage a subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) ## Good to know - "Unlimited" means no monthly DM limit. Each plan still has an hourly pace, and Instagram's own rules apply to every plan. - New accounts get a first-week trial: paid features are unlocked in the web app for about a week, no card needed. After that the account stays on Free. - Each single-account plan covers one Instagram account (and its Facebook Page). What counts as a DM is explained in [How do credits work?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) - Ad comment automation needs your account connected through Facebook Login. - Inviting team members is covered in [How do I invite a team member?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/invite-team-member.md) ## Questions people also ask **Is yearly cheaper than monthly?** Yes. Yearly costs less per month on every paid plan, for example Legend Pro is $9.99 a month billed yearly instead of $12 a month. You pay for the whole year at once. **Is there a free trial of the paid plans?** Checkout charges you right away. New accounts get a first-week trial instead: paid features are unlocked in the web app for about a week, no card needed. **What are Starter and Brand in the phone app?** They are the app's names for the same plans: Starter is Legend Pro and Brand is Trendsetter. App prices come from the App Store or Google Play and can differ from the web. **Do I pay per contact?** No. There are no per-contact fees on any plan. ## Related guides - [How do credits work in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/how-credits-work.md) - [How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) - [What plan do I need to run several Instagram accounts on InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) - [Is InstantDM free? What does the free plan include?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/is-instantdm-free.md) # How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan Section: Plans and billing Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click My Plan, choose One Account or Multi Account, pick Stripe (USD) or Razorpay (INR) under Payment Gateway, then click Buy Yearly or Buy Monthly on the plan you want. To downgrade or switch billing period, buy the new plan the same way. Your old subscription is stopped automatically once the new payment goes through on the same gateway. ## Before you start - Compare plans first: [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - For a multi-account plan, log in with your **main** account. See [plans for several accounts](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md). - If you bought your plan in the iPhone or Android app, manage it in the app instead. See [subscription bought in the app](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md). ## Steps 1. Click **My Plan** in the sidebar. The "Choose Your Plan" window opens. 2. Click **One Account** (Legend Pro, Trendsetter, Trendsetter Pro) or **Multi Account** (Multi Starter, Multi Pro). 3. Under **Payment Gateway** (below the plan cards), choose how to pay: - **Stripe (USD)**: credit or debit card, charged in US dollars. - **Razorpay (INR)**: UPI, cards or net banking, charged in rupees. 4. On the plan you want, click **Buy Yearly** or **Buy Monthly**. The button shows the price per month. 5. Finish the payment on the Stripe or Razorpay page. If you have a promotion code, Stripe's page usually has a box for it. 6. Come back to InstantDM. The new plan appears once the payment is confirmed. You can check it under **Current Subscription** in **My Plan**. **To downgrade, or to switch between monthly and yearly:** buy the plan or billing period you want with the same steps. There is no separate "switch" button. ## On the phone app Tap the plan badge at the top, or your profile photo → **Upgrade to Premium** (or **Manage Subscription** if you already pay). The app sells **Starter** (Legend Pro) and **Brand** (Trendsetter) through the App Store or Google Play. See [How do I manage a subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) ## Good to know - When the new payment succeeds, your old subscription is stopped automatically if you paid through the same gateway (Stripe or Razorpay) as before. You don't need to cancel it first. If you move from one gateway to the other, cancel the old plan in **My Plan** so it doesn't renew. - On Stripe, there is no credit for unused time on the old plan. On Razorpay, if you already have a Razorpay plan, checkout may include a one-time adjusted amount for the time left on it. - Want to move down a plan without losing paid days? Cancel your current plan, keep using it until it ends, then buy the new plan. In between, the account is on Free with 0 credits, so automations stop until you buy. - The **Currency** switch at the top only changes the prices you see. The gateway decides what you are charged. - You may see a discount offer on some plans. The Stripe or Razorpay page always shows the final amount before you pay. - Your automations and settings stay the same when you change plans. Features above your new plan are locked in the editor. ## If it doesn't work - **"Having trouble paying?" appears on your second payment attempt**: try another card, switch gateway, or click **Continue with web payment** to close it and carry on. For Legend Pro or Trendsetter you can also buy in the phone app. - **The plan didn't change after paying**: reload the page and check **Current Subscription**. If it still shows the old plan, email **hey@instantdm.com** with your receipt. - **You were charged for both the old and the new plan**: email hey@instantdm.com within 7 days. See [Can I get a refund?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds.md) ## Questions people also ask **If I change plans mid-month, do I get money back for the unused days?** No refund is given for unused time. On Stripe there is no credit for the unused part of the old plan. On Razorpay, checkout may show an adjusted first payment if you already have a Razorpay plan. **Can I pay in rupees with UPI?** Yes. Choose Razorpay (INR) under Payment Gateway. Razorpay accepts UPI, cards and net banking. Stripe (USD) accepts credit and debit cards. **Is there a free trial when I buy?** No. Checkout charges right away. New accounts get a first-week trial before buying: paid features are unlocked in the web app for about a week, no card needed. **My payment went through but the plan didn't change. What now?** The plan switches once Stripe or Razorpay confirms the payment. Reload the page. If it still shows the old plan, email hey@instantdm.com with your payment receipt. ## Related guides - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [How do I cancel my InstantDM subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) - [Where do I download my InstantDM invoices?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-invoices.md) - [How do I manage an InstantDM subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) # How do I cancel my InstantDM subscription? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription Section: Plans and billing Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** If you paid on the website, open My Plan, go to Current Subscription and click Cancel Subscription, pick a reason and confirm. If you paid in the iPhone or Android app, cancel in the App Store or Google Play. You keep your plan until the period ends. Then the account moves to Free with 0 credits. ## Before you start - Cancel where you paid. A plan bought on the website (Stripe or Razorpay) is cancelled on the website. A plan bought in the iPhone or Android app is cancelled in the App Store or Google Play. - Not sure where you paid? On the website, the **Cancel Subscription** button tells you if the plan was bought through the App Store or Google Play. ## Steps 1. Click **My Plan** in the sidebar. 2. Scroll down to **Current Subscription**. 3. Click the small red **Cancel Subscription** link at the bottom right. 4. In "We're sorry to see you go", pick a reason. Some reasons ask you for a few more words. 5. Click **Cancel Subscription**. - You'll see "Subscription Cancelled": "Your subscription has been cancelled. You'll retain access until your current billing period ends." Click **Got it**. 6. Check **Current Subscription**. **Status** now shows "Cancelled (active until renewal)". **Account Settings** → **Account** → **Subscription** only links to **My Plan**. Cancelling always happens in **My Plan**. ## On the phone app 1. Open the plans screen (tap the plan badge at the top, or your profile photo → **Manage Subscription**). 2. Tap **Cancel Subscription**, then **Continue**. 3. Your App Store or Google Play subscription page opens. Cancel there. The app's message says "You won't be charged again", but nothing is cancelled until you finish in the store. You can also go straight to the store: on iPhone, **Settings** → your name → **Subscriptions**; on Android, **Play Store** → **Payments & subscriptions** → **Subscriptions**. ## Good to know - You keep your plan until the date shown under **Renewal**. Then the account moves to Free with **0 credits**, and automations stop sending. - Your automations, flows and settings are kept. To come back, buy a plan again from **My Plan**. There is no "undo cancel" button. - You may also get a confirmation email. It is sent even when the cancel didn't go through, so trust the "Subscription Cancelled" message on screen, not the email. - No refunds for the rest of the period. See [Can I get a refund?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds.md) ## What you can't do - Pause a subscription. - Cancel immediately and get a refund for unused days. - Cancel an App Store or Google Play purchase from the website. ## If it doesn't work - **"Your subscription was purchased through the App Store or Google Play."**: cancel it in the store. **Status** may now say "Cancelled (active until renewal)", but that does not stop the store from renewing. See [subscription bought in the app](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md). - **"Could not cancel automatically"**: follow the instructions in the message, or email **hey@instantdm.com** from your login email. **Status** may still change to "Cancelled (active until renewal)" even though the plan was not cancelled. - **No Cancel Subscription link**: it shows only for an active paid plan that isn't already marked as cancelled. If **Status** says "Cancelled (active until renewal)" and you saw "Subscription Cancelled" when you cancelled, you're done. If you never saw that message, email **hey@instantdm.com**. - **You paid on the website but the store doesn't list the plan**: that's expected. Cancel in **My Plan** on the website. ## Questions people also ask **Will my automations stop the moment I cancel?** No. Your plan keeps working until the end of the period you paid for. After that the account moves to Free with 0 credits, so automations stop sending. **Do I get money back for the rest of the month?** No. InstantDM doesn't give partial refunds for unused days. See the refunds guide for the few exceptions. **Are my automations deleted when the plan ends?** No. Your automations and settings are kept. Buy a plan again from My Plan and they can run again. **I deleted the app. Is my subscription cancelled?** No. Deleting the app or your InstantDM account does not cancel a subscription. Cancel it where you bought it. ## Related guides - [Can I get a refund from InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds.md) - [How do I manage an InstantDM subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) - [How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) - [How do I delete my InstantDM account?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/delete-instantdm-account.md) # Can I get a refund from InstantDM? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds Section: Plans and billing Works on: Web app, iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Usually no. InstantDM payments are non-refundable and there are no partial refunds for unused days. Exceptions may be considered for a duplicate charge, a billing error on InstantDM's side or a long outage caused by InstantDM, if you email hey@instantdm.com within 7 days of the charge. App Store and Google Play purchases follow Apple's and Google's rules. ## Before you start - InstantDM has a **no-refund policy**. All payments for plans and upgrades are final, and there are no partial refunds for unused days. - You can cancel any time and keep your plan until the period ends. See [How do I cancel my subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) - Exceptions may be considered, case by case, for: - a **duplicate charge** (charged twice for the same subscription), - a **billing error** on InstantDM's side, - InstantDM being **completely unavailable for a long time** because of InstantDM. - The request must reach InstantDM **within 7 days of the charge**. ## Steps 1. Find the charge in **My Plan** → **Current Subscription** → **Invoices**. Note the date, amount and **Invoice ID**. See [Where do I download my invoices?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-invoices.md) 2. Email **hey@instantdm.com** from the email you use to log in. 3. Write which case applies (duplicate charge, billing error or outage), with the date, amount and invoice ID. Add a screenshot of your bank or card statement if you have one. 4. Wait for the reply. Each request is reviewed on its own. ## On the phone app Plans bought in the iPhone or Android app are billed by Apple or Google. Refunds for those follow the App Store or Google Play rules, so ask Apple or Google. Cancel the subscription in the store so it doesn't renew. See [How do I manage a subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) ## Good to know - If you bought a new plan and the old one still charged you, the old subscription is stopped automatically, but the refund of that charge is done by hand. Email hey@instantdm.com. - Nothing is refunded for Instagram account bans or restrictions, changes to Instagram's rules, or lost followers or engagement. - Nothing is refunded if a feature changes or is removed. ## What you can't do - Get money back for the unused part of a month or year after cancelling. - Get a refund because Instagram limited or banned your account. ## Questions people also ask **I forgot to cancel and was charged. Can I get it back?** This is normally not refunded. Cancel now from My Plan so it doesn't renew again, and keep using the plan until the period ends. **Instagram restricted my account. Can I get a refund?** No. Instagram bans, restrictions and changes to Instagram's rules are not refundable. **I was charged twice. What do I do?** Email hey@instantdm.com within 7 days of the charge with your login email, the dates and amounts, and the invoice IDs. Duplicate charges are one of the exceptions the team reviews. **Should I open a dispute with my bank?** Contact InstantDM first. Under the refund policy, a chargeback without contacting support first can lead to the account being suspended. ## Related guides - [How do I cancel my InstantDM subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) - [Where do I download my InstantDM invoices?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-invoices.md) - [How do I manage an InstantDM subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) - [How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) # Where do I download my InstantDM invoices? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/download-invoices Section: Plans and billing Works on: Web app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** Click My Plan, scroll to Current Subscription and click Invoices. Each paid invoice has View and Download; Download opens the print window, where you choose Save as PDF. To add your company name, address and GST or tax ID, click Billing Details and Save. Invoices are on the web app only. ## Steps 1. Click **My Plan** in the sidebar. 2. Scroll to **Current Subscription** and click **Invoices**. - You'll see a table with **Date**, **Plan**, **Amount**, **Status** and **Invoice ID**. 3. To add your business details first, click **Billing Details**, fill in **Company / Business Name**, **Address**, **GST / Tax ID** and **Phone**, then click **Save**. 4. On the invoice you need, click **View** to open it, or **Download**. 5. **Download** opens your browser's print window. Choose **Save as PDF** as the printer and save the file. ## On the phone app The app has no invoice screen. Use the web app at app.instantdm.com. For plans bought in the app, use your App Store or Google Play purchase history. ## Good to know - Only successful payments are listed. Their **Status** shows **Paid**. - Invoices paid in rupees (Razorpay) show the price split into the taxable value and **IGST @ 18%**. They are B2C invoices and the invoice notes that they can't be used to claim Input Tax Credit. - Your billing details are saved **in this browser only**. On another computer or browser, add them again before downloading. - For a client account or multi-account plan, open **My Plan** while you are in the account that paid (usually your main account). - Planning to ask for a refund? Note the **Invoice ID**. See [Can I get a refund?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds.md) ## What you can't do - Save billing details to your account so they appear on every device. - Download invoices from the phone app. ## If it doesn't work - **The Invoices list is empty**: you may be in a different account from the one that paid. Switch account and check again. - **The PDF has no company details**: click **Billing Details**, fill them in, click **Save**, then download again. ## Questions people also ask **Can I add my GST number or company name?** Yes. In the Invoices window click Billing Details, fill Company / Business Name, Address, GST / Tax ID and Phone, then click Save. These details are saved only in the browser you use. **Why don't my billing details show on another computer?** Billing details are stored in your current browser only. Enter them again on each computer or browser before you download. **Where is the invoice for a plan I bought in the phone app?** Apple or Google bill purchases made in the app, so your official receipt is in your App Store or Google Play purchase history. **Why is a payment missing from the list?** Only successful payments are listed, so a failed payment won't appear. ## Related guides - [How do I upgrade or change my InstantDM plan?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/upgrade-or-change-plan.md) - [Can I get a refund from InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds.md) - [How do I cancel my InstantDM subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) - [What plan do I need to run several Instagram accounts on InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/plans-for-agencies.md) # How do I manage an InstantDM subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store Section: Plans and billing Works on: iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** In the app, Starter is Legend Pro and Brand is Trendsetter. Apple or Google bill these plans, so you check the price in the store's payment sheet, restore them with Restore Purchases, and cancel them in the App Store or Google Play subscription settings. Deleting the app does not cancel. The plan applies to your InstantDM account on the web too. ## Before you start - **Starter** in the app = **Legend Pro** on the website. **Brand** in the app = **Trendsetter**. - Apple (App Store) or Google (Google Play) bill these plans. InstantDM's website can't change, cancel or refund them. - The plan belongs to your InstantDM account, so it also works when you log in on the web. ## Steps **To buy a plan in the app:** 1. Tap the plan badge at the top of the app, or your profile photo → **Upgrade to Premium**. 2. Choose **Starter** or **Brand**. 3. Choose **Yearly** or **Monthly**, then tap **Continue**. 4. Check the price in the App Store or Google Play payment sheet, then confirm. - You'll see "Subscription activated!". If the plan doesn't update, pull down on Home to refresh. **To restore a plan (new phone, reinstalled app):** 1. Log in to the same InstantDM account. 2. Open the plans screen and tap **Restore Purchases** at the bottom. - You'll see "Purchases restored!" or "No active subscriptions found". **To cancel:** 1. Open the plans screen (profile photo → **Manage Subscription**) and tap **Cancel Subscription**, then **Continue**. 2. Your App Store or Google Play subscription page opens. Cancel the InstantDM subscription there. - On iPhone you can also go to **Settings** → your name → **Subscriptions**. On Android, **Play Store** → **Payments & subscriptions** → **Subscriptions**. ## Good to know - The price on a plan card can be different from what the store charges. The App Store or Google Play payment sheet always shows the real amount. Check it before you confirm. - The app's cancel message says "You won't be charged again", but nothing is cancelled until you finish in the store. - Deleting the app or your InstantDM account does **not** cancel the subscription. - After cancelling, you keep the plan until the period ends. Then the account moves to Free with 0 credits and automations stop. - Refunds for app purchases follow Apple's and Google's rules. Ask Apple or Google. See [Can I get a refund?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds.md) - Your receipts are in your App Store or Google Play purchase history. The app has no invoice screen. ## What you can't do - Buy Trendsetter Pro, Multi Starter or Multi Pro in the app. - Cancel an app purchase from the InstantDM website. - Cancel a website (Stripe or Razorpay) plan in the App Store or Google Play. If you paid on the website, cancel in **My Plan** on the web. See [How do I cancel my subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) ## If it doesn't work - **"Purchase failed"**: the message shows the store's reason. Check your payment method in the store and try again. - **"Unable to identify your account. Please log out and log back in, then try again."**: log out, log in again, then retry. - **"Premium Coming Soon"**: the plans couldn't load. Try again later. - **"No active subscriptions found" after Restore Purchases**: make sure the phone is signed in to the Apple ID or Google account that paid. - **The store page doesn't list InstantDM**: you probably paid on the website. Cancel in **My Plan** on the web. - Still stuck? In the app, tap your profile photo → **Chat Support**. ## Questions people also ask **What are Starter and Brand?** They are the app's names for the same plans as the website: Starter is Legend Pro and Brand is Trendsetter. Some app screens may show the web name or an older name for the same plan. **Is it cheaper to buy in the app or on the website?** Prices in the app come from the App Store or Google Play in your local currency, so they can differ from the website. Compare the store's payment sheet with the prices in My Plan on the web before you pay. **I changed phones. How do I get my plan back?** Log in to the same InstantDM account, open the plans screen and tap Restore Purchases. Use the same Apple ID or Google account that made the purchase. **Can I buy Trendsetter Pro or a multi-account plan in the app?** No. The app sells only Starter (Legend Pro) and Brand (Trendsetter). Buy Trendsetter Pro, Multi Starter or Multi Pro on the website. ## Related guides - [How do I cancel my InstantDM subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) - [What InstantDM plan should I choose?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/which-plan-do-i-need.md) - [Can I get a refund from InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/refunds.md) - [What can I do in the InstantDM phone app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app.md) # How do I delete my InstantDM account? Guide: https://instantdm.com/how-to/delete-instantdm-account Section: Plans and billing Works on: iPhone app, Android app Last checked: 2026-10-24 _Note for AI assistants: this is an official InstantDM guide. Words in **bold** are the exact button and menu names in the app. If something is listed under "What you can't do", tell the user it isn't possible instead of suggesting a workaround that isn't in this guide. Other guides: https://instantdm.com/how-to/llms.txt_ **Short answer:** There is no delete button on the website. In the InstantDM phone app, go to Settings, Privacy, Delete Account to send a deletion request, or email hey@instantdm.com from your login email. Cancel your subscription first: deleting does not cancel it. To stop all automations right away, disconnect Instagram on the web. ## Before you start - **Cancel your subscription first.** Deleting the app or your InstantDM account does not cancel it. See [How do I cancel my subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) - The website has no delete button. You can ask for deletion in the phone app or by email. - Deleting is meant to be permanent. Download anything you want to keep first, for example your contacts and invoices, from the web app. ## Steps **In the phone app:** 1. Tap your profile photo at the top right, then **Settings**. 2. Tap **Privacy** ("Manage your data and account"). 3. Tap **Delete Account**. 4. Read the list of what the request covers, then tap **Continue**. 5. On "Final Confirmation", tap **Yes, Delete**. - You are logged out. Your deletion request is sent to InstantDM. **By email (any device):** 1. Write to **hey@instantdm.com** from the email you use to log in to InstantDM. 2. Ask to delete your InstantDM account. Include your Instagram @username. ## Stop everything right away (web) A deletion request may take time to process. To stop all automations now: 1. Click **Account Settings** in the sidebar and open **Safety & Limits**. 2. On the **Instagram Account** card, click **Disconnect** and confirm. - The message reads: "Both Instagram and Facebook will be disconnected. All automations will stop. You can reconnect anytime." ## Good to know - Logging out is not deleting. **Account Settings** → **Account** → **Logout** only signs you out. - Deleting a client account (sub-account) is different from deleting your whole InstantDM login. You do it from **Switch Account** on the web. It's permanent and stops that account's automations. - If you own a team workspace, you can delete the workspace in **Team settings** → **Settings** → **Delete Workspace**. All members lose access. ## What you can't do - Delete your InstantDM account from the website. - Delete your main account from the account switcher. - Cancel a store subscription by deleting the account. ## If it doesn't work - **You can't find Privacy in the app**: if **Settings** doesn't open, close and reopen the app, then try again. - **You don't use the app**: email hey@instantdm.com from your login email. - **You were still charged after deleting**: the subscription wasn't cancelled. Cancel it where you paid, then email hey@instantdm.com. ## Questions people also ask **Does deleting my InstantDM account cancel my subscription?** No. Cancel it first: in My Plan on the website if you paid there, or in the App Store or Google Play if you paid in the app. **Does this delete my Instagram account?** No. Only your InstantDM account and its data are covered. Your Instagram account, posts and messages stay as they are. **I changed my mind after asking for deletion. What do I do?** Email hey@instantdm.com as soon as possible and say you want to keep your account. **How do I delete just one client account?** On the web, open Switch Account and click the bin icon on that client account. This permanently removes it and stops its automations. Your main account stays. ## Related guides - [How do I cancel my InstantDM subscription?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/cancel-subscription.md) - [How do I manage an InstantDM subscription I bought in the iPhone or Android app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/subscription-from-app-store.md) - [How do I add and switch between Instagram accounts in InstantDM?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/add-another-instagram-account.md) - [What can I do in the InstantDM phone app?](https://instantdm.com/how-to/instantdm-phone-app.md)