PDF / File Template

Automatically deliver PDFs, ebooks, guides, worksheets, and documents via Instagram DM when someone triggers your automation.

What Is the PDF / File Template?

The PDF / File template lets you send document files as downloadable attachments in Instagram DMs. When someone triggers your automation (comments a keyword, replies to a story, etc.), they receive the file directly in their DM conversation — no external links needed.

This is the most popular template for lead magnets. Instead of saying "check your email" or "click this link", you deliver the content instantly right where the conversation is happening.

Common Use Cases

• Lead magnets: "Comment PDF to get my free Instagram Growth Guide"
• Ebooks and guides: Deliver digital content instantly
• Worksheets and templates: Share fillable worksheets, planners, checklists
• Price lists and catalogs: Send product catalogs or service pricing
• Course materials: Deliver lesson PDFs as part of a drip sequence
• Menus and brochures: Restaurants, salons, and service businesses

Where You Can Use It

How to Set Up PDF Delivery

Option 1: Post Automation

1. Open your post automation panel (click Automate on any post).
2. In the DM Reply section, select PDF as the reply type.
3. Click Upload PDF and select your file.
4. The file is uploaded and stored automatically.
5. Click Save to activate.

Now when someone comments your trigger keyword on that post, they'll receive the PDF directly in their DMs.

Option 2: Quick DM Sequence

1. Create a new Quick DM automation.
2. Add your initial text message (e.g., "Here's your free guide! 📚").
3. Add a File step.
4. Upload your PDF.
5. Optionally add more steps after (follow-up text, delay, another file, etc.).
6. Publish the automation.

Option 3: Flow Editor

1. Open the Flow Editor and create or edit a flow.
2. Add a Send Message node.
3. Set the message type to File.
4. Upload your PDF or paste a file URL.
5. Connect the node to your flow and save.

Example: "Comment PDF" Automation

The classic lead magnet setup:

Post caption: "Want my free Instagram Growth Guide? Comment 'PDF' below! 📚"

Automation setup:
  Trigger: Comment keyword "PDF"
  Comment Reply: "Sent! Check your DMs 📩"
  DM Reply Type: PDF
  File: [instagram-growth-guide.pdf]

When someone comments "PDF" on your post:

1. InstantDM replies to their comment: "Sent! Check your DMs 📩"
2. InstantDM sends them a DM with the PDF file attached
3. They can download and read it immediately

Example: Multi-Step PDF Delivery

Using Quick DM for a more engaging experience:

Step 1: Text — "Hey! Thanks for your interest 🎉 Here's your free guide:"
Step 2: Delay — 2 seconds
Step 3: File — [growth-guide.pdf]
Step 4: Delay — 5 seconds
Step 5: Text — "Want the advanced version? It covers paid strategies too."
Step 6: Button Card — "Get Advanced Guide ($29)" → [payment link]

Example: Course Drip with PDFs

Step 1: Text — "Welcome to the 3-Day Instagram Course! 🎓 Here's Day 1:"
Step 2: File — [day-1-content-strategy.pdf]
Step 3: Delay — 24 hours
Step 4: Text — "Day 2 is here! Today we cover hashtags 📌"
Step 5: File — [day-2-hashtag-strategy.pdf]
Step 6: Delay — 24 hours
Step 7: Text — "Final day! Let's talk about monetization 💰"
Step 8: File — [day-3-monetization.pdf]
Step 9: Text — "Course complete! Want 1-on-1 coaching?"
Step 10: Button Card — "Book a Call" → [calendly link]

File Requirements

Best Practices

• Name your file clearly. Use descriptive filenames like "Instagram-Growth-Guide-2025.pdf" — not "document1.pdf". Users see the filename when they download.
• Add a text message before the file. Don't just send a raw file. Add context: "Here's your free guide! 📚" before the PDF step.
• Follow up after delivery. Add a follow-up message after the PDF: "Did you find it helpful? Reply YES if you want more!" This keeps the conversation going.
• Combine with lead capture. Collect the user's email before sending the PDF. This way you have their contact info even if they don't open the DM again.
• Brand your PDFs. Include your logo, website, and social handles in the PDF itself. It's free marketing every time someone reads it.
• Test the download. Always test your automation from a separate account to make sure the PDF downloads correctly.

PDF + Lead Capture Combo

The most effective lead magnet setup combines PDF delivery with lead capture:

Step 1: Text — "I'd love to send you the guide! Quick question first:"
Step 2: Question (Email) — "What's your email? I'll send a backup copy there too."
Step 3: Text — "Perfect! Here's your guide 👇"
Step 4: File — [growth-guide.pdf]
Step 5: Text — "Check your email too — I sent a copy there!"

This way you get their email AND deliver the content instantly in DMs. You can then send the collected emails to your email marketing tool via webhooks.

Plan Requirements

Next: Post Automation →