Media Template (Image, Video, Audio)

Send images, videos, and voice notes as DM messages to make your automations more engaging and personal.

Overview

InstantDM supports three media message types that you can include in your DM automations:

Media messages are available in Quick DM (as sequence steps) and the Flow Editor (as DM nodes). They make your automations feel more personal and engaging compared to text-only messages.

Where to Use Media Messages

Image Messages

Send photos directly in the DM conversation. The image appears as a full-width photo bubble — just like when someone sends a photo manually.

How to Add an Image Step

1. In Quick DM or Flow Editor, add a new message step.
2. Select Image as the message type.
3. Upload your image file or paste a publicly accessible URL.
4. The image will be sent as a photo bubble when the automation triggers.

Image Best Practices

• Use high-quality images. Instagram compresses images, so start with the highest quality you have.
• Square or portrait works best. Most users view DMs on mobile in portrait mode.
• Keep file size reasonable. Under 8MB for fast delivery.
• Use images for: Product photos, infographics, screenshots, memes, visual instructions, before/after comparisons.

Use Cases for Images

• Send a product photo when someone comments "SHOW ME"
• Share an infographic or cheat sheet as part of a drip sequence
• Send a screenshot of results or testimonials
• Include visual step-by-step instructions

Video Messages

Send video files that play directly in the DM conversation. The video appears with a thumbnail and play button — the user taps to watch.

How to Add a Video Step

1. In Quick DM or Flow Editor, add a new message step.
2. Select Video as the message type.
3. Upload your MP4 video file or paste a publicly accessible URL.
4. The video will be sent as a playable message when triggered.

Video Best Practices

• Keep videos short. 30–90 seconds is ideal for DM videos. Longer content should be linked externally.
• Use MP4 format. This is the most widely supported format.
• Vertical or square. Most users watch on mobile, so vertical (9:16) or square (1:1) videos fill the screen better.
• Add captions. Many users watch without sound initially.

Use Cases for Videos

• Send a personal welcome video when someone first DMs you
• Deliver video course content as part of a drip sequence
• Share a product demo or tutorial
• Send a personalized thank-you video after purchase

Audio / Voice Note Messages

Send audio files that appear as playable voice notes in the DM conversation. This is one of the most personal message types — it feels like you're speaking directly to the user.

How to Add an Audio Step

1. In Quick DM or Flow Editor, add a new message step.
2. Select Audio as the message type.
3. Upload your audio file (OGG, WAV, or MP3) or paste a publicly accessible URL.
4. The audio will be sent as a playable voice note when triggered.

Audio Best Practices

• Keep it under 60 seconds. Short voice notes feel personal. Long audio files feel like podcasts (link those instead).
• Use OGG format for voice notes. OGG files appear as native Instagram voice notes with the waveform UI.
• Record naturally. Don't over-produce. The charm of voice notes is that they feel authentic and personal.
• Pair with text. Send a text message before or after the voice note for context (e.g., "Here's a quick voice message for you 🎙️").

Use Cases for Audio

• Send a personal voice welcome message
• Deliver audio tips or mini-lessons
• Share podcast clips or audio previews
• Add a personal touch to lead nurturing sequences

Combining Media in Sequences

The real power of media messages comes from combining them in sequences. In Quick DM or Flow Editor, you can mix text, images, videos, audio, PDFs, and buttons in any order:

Step 1: Text — "Hey! Thanks for your interest 🎉"
Step 2: Delay — 3 seconds
Step 3: Image — [product-overview.jpg]
Step 4: Text — "Here's a quick walkthrough 👇"
Step 5: Video — [demo-video.mp4]
Step 6: Delay — 5 seconds
Step 7: Audio — [personal-message.ogg]
Step 8: Text — "Ready to get started? Tap below!"
Step 9: Button Card — "Start Free Trial" → [signup link]

Media URL Requirements

If you're using URLs instead of uploading files, the URL must be:

• Publicly accessible — no authentication required
• Direct file URL — must point to the actual file, not a webpage (e.g., https://cdn.example.com/photo.jpg, not https://example.com/gallery)
• HTTPS — HTTP URLs may not work
• Stable — the URL should not expire or change (avoid temporary signed URLs)

Plan Requirements

Next: PDF / File Template →