# 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)