Instagram Comment Keywords That Make People Buy (And the Ones That Don't)

You get 200 comments on your Reel. Half say “LINK”, half say “LOVE THIS”.

Which group actually buys?

The “LINK” commenters convert at 15-25%. The “LOVE THIS” commenters convert at under 2%.

Not all comments are created equal. Some keywords signal immediate buying intent. Others are just engagement noise.

This guide shows you the exact comment keywords that drive sales, the ones that waste your time, and how to A/B test your own keyword strategy to maximize conversions from Instagram comments.

TL;DR

Direct Answer: High-converting Instagram comment keywords include transactional words like “LINK” (15-25% conversion), “PRICE” (12-20%), “BUY” (18-30%), “WHERE” (15-22%), and “AVAILABLE” (10-18%). Low-converting keywords include emotional reactions like “LOVE” (<2%), “AMAZING” (<2%), and emoji-only comments (<1%). To test keywords: run A/B split tests over 10 posts minimum, track comment-to-click and comment-to-purchase rates, and use comment-to-DM automation to capture every high-intent keyword instantly. Based on ecommerce buying intent research as of January 2026.

Top 10 High-Converting Keywords:

1. LINK - 15-25% click-through rate
2. BUY - 18-30% conversion intent
3. PRICE / HOW MUCH - 12-20% conversion
4. WHERE / WHERE TO BUY - 15-22% conversion
5. AVAILABLE / IN STOCK - 10-18% conversion
6. DISCOUNT / COUPON - 12-18% conversion
7. ORDER - 20-35% conversion intent
8. SHOP - 10-15% conversion
9. SHIPPING - 8-12% conversion
10. SIZE / COLOR (product-specific) - 12-18% conversion

Low-Converting Keywords (Engagement, Not Sales):

• “LOVE” / “LOVE THIS” - <2% conversion
• “AMAZING” / “AWESOME” - <2% conversion
• Emoji-only comments - <1% conversion
• “NICE” / “COOL” - <2% conversion
• Generic praise without action words - <2% conversion

Why the difference: Transactional keywords signal purchase readiness. Emotional keywords signal interest but not intent to buy. Research shows high-intent keywords naturally improve conversion rates and ROAS.

Why Comment Keywords Matter for Sales

Instagram comment keywords reveal buyer intent. When someone types “LINK”, they’re saying “I want to buy this right now.” When they type “LOVE THIS”, they’re saying “I like this but I’m not ready to act.”

The conversion gap is massive:

Source: Based on ecommerce buying intent keyword research and social commerce conversion data, January 2026.

Why this matters: If you’re treating all comments equally, you’re wasting time. Prioritizing high-intent keywords = higher ROI.

The Top 10 High-Converting Comment Keywords

1. “LINK” / “LINK PLEASE”

Conversion rate: 15-25% click-through → 40-70% checkout conversion Total comment-to-purchase: ~6-18%

What it signals: “Send me the product URL right now. I’m ready to click and potentially buy.”

Why it converts: Direct purchase path request. No ambiguity. They’re asking for the checkout page.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "This $15 serum cleared my skin in 2 weeks.
Comment LINK and I'll DM you the product details!"

Automation setup: When someone comments “LINK”, instantly DM them:

"Here's the link you asked for! [PRODUCT_URL]

It's currently 20% off with code INSTA20. Ships in 1-2 days.

Questions? Just reply to this message!"

Pro tip: Track which posts generate the most “LINK” comments. Double down on that content type.

2. “BUY” / “HOW DO I BUY”

Conversion rate: 18-30% (highest intent signal)

What it signals: “I’ve decided I want this. Tell me how to complete the transaction.”

Why it converts: They’re explicitly stating purchase intent. This is as close to “take my money” as you’ll get.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "These sneakers sold out in 2 hours last time.
Comment BUY if you want first access to the restock!"

Automation response:

"Let's get you checked out! Order here: [CHECKOUT_URL]

✓ In stock now
✓ Free shipping over $50
✓ 30-day returns

Need help? Reply to this DM!"

Why “BUY” beats “LINK”: More explicit intent. “LINK” could mean “I want to research.” “BUY” means “I want to purchase.”

3. “PRICE” / “HOW MUCH”

Conversion rate: 12-20%

What it signals: “I’m interested and evaluating whether this fits my budget.”

Why it converts: Pricing questions are late-stage buyer behavior. Research shows “price” keywords indicate high purchase intent.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "This productivity planner changed how I run my business.
Comment PRICE for details!"

Automation response:

"It's $29 (or 3 payments of $10). Here's the link: [PRODUCT_URL]

Includes:
✓ 90-day planner
✓ Goal-setting worksheets
✓ Digital version included

Use code SAVE15 for 15% off your first order!"

Pro tip: Lead with the price immediately. Don’t make them click to find out. Transparency builds trust.

4. “WHERE” / “WHERE TO BUY” / “WHERE CAN I GET THIS”

Conversion rate: 15-22%

What it signals: “I want this. I just need to know the purchase location.”

Why it converts: They’ve already made the buying decision. You’re just providing the final piece of information.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "Found the perfect minimalist wallet that holds 12 cards + cash.
Comment WHERE for the link!"

Automation response:

"You can get it here: [PRODUCT_URL]

✓ Available in black, brown, navy
✓ Ships within 24 hours
✓ 4.8-star rating (2,300+ reviews)

Grab it before it sells out again!"

Urgency works: Mentioning limited stock or high demand increases conversion rates by 20-30%.

5. “AVAILABLE” / “IN STOCK” / “STILL AVAILABLE”

Conversion rate: 10-18%

What it signals: “I’m checking if I can buy this right now or if I need to wait.”

Why it converts: Availability questions come from people who are ready to purchase if the item is in stock.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "Restocked! The sold-out tote bag is back.
Comment AVAILABLE to grab yours before it's gone again."

Automation response:

"Yes, it's in stock! Get it here before we sell out: [PRODUCT_URL]

Only 47 left in stock (updates in real-time).

Ships same day if ordered before 3pm EST."

Scarcity principle: Real-time stock counts increase urgency and conversion rates.

6. “DISCOUNT” / “COUPON” / “SALE” / “CODE”

Conversion rate: 12-18%

What it signals: “I want to buy, but I’m looking for a deal to justify the purchase.”

Why it converts: Price-conscious buyers just need a small incentive (even 10%) to convert.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "My bestselling course is 30% off this week only.
Comment DISCOUNT for your code!"

Automation response:

"Here's your exclusive discount code: INSTA30

Get 30% off with this link: [PRODUCT_URL]

✓ Code expires in 48 hours
✓ Limited to first 100 people
✓ Can't be combined with other offers

Questions? Reply here!"

Psychology: Time-limited and quantity-limited discounts increase conversion urgency.

7. “ORDER” / “HOW TO ORDER”

Conversion rate: 20-35% (extremely high intent)

What it signals: “I’m ready to place an order right now. Walk me through the process.”

Why it converts: Explicit action request. They’re past the consideration phase.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "Meal prep containers that actually seal properly.
Comment ORDER to get the link + free shipping code!"

Automation response:

"Here's your order link: [CHECKOUT_URL]

✓ Use code FREESHIP at checkout
✓ Arrives in 3-5 business days
✓ 100% satisfaction guarantee

Your order link expires in 24 hours (create urgency).
Reply with questions!"

8. “SHOP” / “SHOP NOW”

Conversion rate: 10-15%

What it signals: “I want to browse your products or go directly to purchase.”

Why it converts: Action-oriented language. Research shows action verbs increase conversion intent.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "New collection just dropped.
Comment SHOP to see the full lineup!"

Automation response:

"Browse the full collection here: [SHOP_URL]

✓ Free shipping on orders over $75
✓ 10% off your first order with code FIRST10
✓ 30-day free returns

Favorites sell out fast – shop now!"

9. “SHIPPING” / “DELIVERY” / “HOW LONG”

Conversion rate: 8-12%

What it signals: “I’m ready to buy but I need to know when it will arrive.”

Why it converts: Shipping questions are late-stage objections. Answer them and they convert.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "Holiday gift guide – everything ships in time for Christmas.
Comment SHIPPING for delivery details!"

Automation response:

"Shipping details:

📦 US orders: 3-5 business days
🌍 International: 7-12 business days
✓ Free shipping over $50
✓ Express shipping available

Order by Dec 18th for Christmas delivery guaranteed.

Shop here: [PRODUCT_URL]"

Remove friction: Detailed shipping info upfront removes a major purchase barrier.

10. “SIZE” / “COLOR” / Product-Specific Questions

Conversion rate: 12-18%

What it signals: “I’m ready to buy but I need confirmation about the specific variant I want.”

Why it converts: Variant questions mean they’re at the checkout decision point.

How to trigger it:

Caption: "Oversized hoodie in 6 new colors.
Comment COLOR to see all options + sizing guide!"

Automation response:

"Available colors: Black, Navy, Forest Green, Burgundy, Cream, Charcoal

Sizing guide:
S: 4-6 | M: 8-10 | L: 12-14 | XL: 16-18

True to size, relaxed fit. See fit photos: [PRODUCT_URL]

Questions? Reply here!"

Pro tip: Include sizing/color info in the automated DM to reduce purchase friction.

The Bottom 5 Low-Converting Keywords (And Why)

These keywords generate engagement but not sales. Treat them differently.

1. “LOVE” / “LOVE THIS” / “I LOVE THIS”

Conversion rate: <2%

What it signals: “I appreciate this content but I’m not taking action.”

Why it doesn’t convert: Emotional response without transactional intent. It’s a passive compliment, not a buying signal.

How to respond: Thank them manually or ignore. Don’t prioritize these for automation.

Example comment: “Love this!” → They’re engaging with your content, not your product.

2. “AMAZING” / “AWESOME” / “INCREDIBLE”

Conversion rate: <2%

What it signals: General positivity without purchase readiness.

Why it doesn’t convert: Superlatives don’t equal action. They’re reacting, not researching or buying.

How to respond: These are good for algorithm engagement (comments boost reach), but don’t expect sales from them.

3. Emoji-Only Comments (🔥❤️😍💯)

Conversion rate: <1%

What it signals: Low-effort engagement. They’re scrolling fast and tapping emojis.

Why it doesn’t convert: Zero intent signal. Emojis don’t reveal what they want to do next.

How to respond: Great for engagement metrics, useless for sales. Don’t automate responses to emoji-only comments.

4. “NICE” / “COOL” / “INTERESTING”

Conversion rate: <2%

What it signals: Mild interest without commitment.

Why it doesn’t convert: Vague reactions. No indication of next action.

How to respond: Thank them if you have time, but don’t prioritize these.

5. Generic Praise Without Action Words

Examples: “You’re so talented!”, “This is beautiful”, “I wish I could do this”

Conversion rate: <2%

What it signals: They’re focused on YOU, not the product. Or they’re expressing aspiration without intent to act.

Why it doesn’t convert: No buying signal. No action request.

How to respond: Engage manually for community building, but don’t expect conversions.

The Conversion Psychology Behind Keywords

Why do transactional keywords convert 10-15x higher than emotional keywords?

Buyer Journey Stage

Transactional keywords = Bottom of funnel:

• “LINK” = “I want to buy”
• “PRICE” = “I’m evaluating”
• “WHERE” = “I’m ready to purchase”

Emotional keywords = Top of funnel:

• “LOVE” = “I’m aware but not ready”
• “AMAZING” = “I’m interested but browsing”

Research shows high-intent keywords signal purchase readiness, while informational keywords signal early-stage awareness.

Cognitive Load

Transactional keywords = Low effort, high clarity:

• “BUY” requires 3 letters and 1 second
• Clear action request
• Easy for buyer and seller

Emotional keywords = High effort, no clarity:

• “I love everything about this!” takes longer to type
• No clear next step
• Requires you to interpret intent

The easier the keyword, the higher the conversion intent.

Urgency Signal

Transactional keywords imply NOW:

• “LINK” = “Send it to me immediately”
• “AVAILABLE” = “Can I buy this today?”

Emotional keywords imply SOMEDAY:

• “LOVE” = “I’ll remember this for later”
• “AMAZING” = “This is cool but I’m not acting now”

Buyers who use urgent language convert faster and at higher rates.

How to A/B Test Your Keyword Strategy

Don’t guess which keywords work for YOUR audience. Test them.

Step 1: Choose 2 Keywords to Test

Pick one high-converting keyword (e.g., “LINK”) and one alternative (e.g., “SHOP”).

Example test:

• Group A posts (5 posts): “Comment LINK for the product list”
• Group B posts (5 posts): “Comment SHOP to see all products”

Step 2: Post Consistently for 10 Posts Minimum

Run 5 posts with Keyword A, 5 posts with Keyword B. Keep everything else consistent:

• Same posting time
• Similar content type (all Reels, or all carousels)
• Similar audience size (don’t compare a viral post to a regular post)

Step 3: Track These Metrics

Tools: Use CreatorFlow or ManyChat analytics to track DM sends, opens, and clicks. Use UTM parameters in links to track purchases in Google Analytics.

Step 4: Analyze Results After 10 Posts

Example results:

Winner: “LINK” converts 2.2x better than “SHOP” for this audience.

Step 5: Scale the Winner, Test New Challengers

Once you find a winning keyword, use it for 80% of your posts. Reserve 20% for testing new keywords to find even better performers.

Testing sequence:

1. Test “LINK” vs “SHOP” → “LINK” wins
2. Test “LINK” vs “BUY” → “BUY” wins
3. Test “BUY” vs “ORDER” → “BUY” wins
4. “BUY” becomes your default

Keep testing. Audience behavior changes over time.

Multi-Language Keyword Strategies

If your audience speaks multiple languages, you need language-specific keyword strategies.

English Keywords (Highest Converting)

Top 5:

1. LINK
2. BUY
3. PRICE
4. WHERE
5. AVAILABLE

Why they work: Direct, short, transactional.

Spanish Keywords (High Converting)

Top 5:

1. ENLACE (link) - But many Spanish speakers use “LINK”
2. COMPRAR (buy)
3. PRECIO (price)
4. DÓNDE (where)
5. DISPONIBLE (available)

Pro tip: Test English keywords even with Spanish-speaking audiences. “LINK” is often understood across languages due to universal social media use.

Portuguese Keywords (High Converting)

Top 5:

1. LINK (often used as-is in Portuguese)
2. COMPRAR (buy)
3. PREÇO (price)
4. ONDE (where)
5. DISPONÍVEL (available)

Cultural note: Brazilian creators often use English keywords for tech/product terms. Test both.

Hybrid Strategy (Best for Multi-Language Audiences)

Use multiple trigger words in one automation:

Caption example:

"Comment LINK or ENLACE or LINK 🇪🇸 for the product details!"

Automation setup:

• Trigger words: “LINK”, “ENLACE”, “PRECIO”, “PRICE”
• Response DM: Bilingual or language-detected

CreatorFlow tip: Set up separate automations for each language with translated DM responses.

Common Keyword Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Mistake #1: Using Too Many Trigger Keywords

Bad: “Comment LINK or SHOP or BUY or PRICE or INFO for details!”

Why it fails: Confuses followers. They don’t know which word to use.

Fix: Pick ONE primary keyword per post. “Comment LINK for the full product list.”

Testing rule: One keyword per post for clean data. You can’t A/B test if you’re using 5 keywords at once.

Mistake #2: Keywords Too Similar to Natural Language

Bad: “Comment YES for more info”

Why it fails: People use “yes” in regular conversations. You’ll trigger false positives.

Fix: Use distinctive keywords that wouldn’t appear in casual replies. “LINK”, “GUIDE”, “FREEBIE” work. “YES”, “THANKS”, “OK” don’t.

Mistake #3: Keywords Don’t Match Post Content

Bad: Posting a workout Reel, caption says “Comment RECIPE for my meal plan”

Why it fails: Mismatch between content and keyword creates confusion. Lower engagement.

Fix: Match keywords to post topic:

• Workout Reel → “Comment WORKOUT”
• Recipe Reel → “Comment RECIPE”
• Product showcase → “Comment LINK”

Consistency builds trust.

Mistake #4: No Clear Value Exchange

Bad: “Comment LINK if you want it”

Why it fails: No specific value promised. Why should they comment?

Fix: “Comment LINK and I’ll DM you the exact skincare routine + product links + discount code”

Specificity increases compliance. Tell them exactly what they’re getting.

Mistake #5: Testing Too Many Variables at Once

Bad: Changing keyword + posting time + content format in the same A/B test

Why it fails: You don’t know which variable caused the difference.

Fix: Change ONE variable at a time:

• Test 1: Same content, different keywords
• Test 2: Same keyword, different content types
• Test 3: Same keyword + content, different times

Isolate variables for clean data.

Mistake #6: Not Responding Fast Enough

Bad: Someone comments “LINK” at 2pm. You send the DM at 10pm.

Why it fails: 78% of buyers go with the first responder. By 10pm, they’ve bought from someone else.

Fix: Use comment-to-DM automation. Responds in under 2 minutes, 24/7.

Speed = sales.

Mistake #7: Forgetting to Track Conversions

Bad: You know 200 people commented “LINK”. You don’t know how many bought.

Why it fails: You’re optimizing for comments, not sales.

Fix: Add UTM parameters to your links: yoursite.com/product?utm_source=instagram&utm_campaign=reel_jan28

Then track purchases in Google Analytics or Shopify.

What you measure improves.

How to Automate High-Converting Keywords

Manual responses can’t scale. Automation can.

Step 1: Choose Your Automation Tool

Top 3 options:

All use Instagram’s official Graph API (ban-safe, Meta-approved).

Step 2: Set Up Keyword Triggers

Example in CreatorFlow:

1. Go to Automations → Create New
2. Select “Comment Trigger”
3. Enter trigger keyword: “LINK”
4. Write your DM response:

   "Here's the link you asked for! [PRODUCT_URL]
   
   ✓ Free shipping over $50
   ✓ Use code INSTA15 for 15% off
   ✓ Ships within 24 hours
   
   Questions? Reply to this DM!"

5. Add your product link
6. Test (comment “LINK” on your own post, verify DM arrives)
7. Activate

Setup time: 5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Multiple Keyword Automations

Don’t stop at one keyword. Set up automations for:

• LINK → Product link + discount code
• PRICE → Pricing info + checkout link
• WHERE → Purchase link + shipping details
• DISCOUNT → Discount code + product link
• RECIPE (if food blogger) → Full recipe + video link

Each keyword = different automation = different response.

Step 4: Track Performance

Key metrics in CreatorFlow dashboard:

Optimize based on data. If “LINK” gets 200 comments but only 20 clicks, your DM message needs work.

Step 5: Iterate on DM Copy

Your keyword gets them to comment. Your DM copy gets them to buy.

A/B test DM responses:

Version A:

"Here's the link: [URL]"

Version B:

"Here's the link you asked for! [URL]

✓ 4.8-star rating (1,200+ reviews)
✓ Free returns within 30 days
✓ Back in stock after selling out 3x

Use code INSTA20 for 20% off. Reply with questions!"

Version B will convert 2-3x higher. Social proof + urgency + clear CTA = more sales.

Real Conversion Data: What to Expect

Realistic benchmark expectations:

Sources: Based on Instagram DM conversion research and social commerce funnel data, January 2026.

What “good” looks like:

• 5-10% comment-to-purchase: Solid performance
• 10-15% comment-to-purchase: Excellent
• 15%+ comment-to-purchase: Best-in-class

Factors that improve conversion:

• ✅ Fast response time (under 5 minutes)
• ✅ Relevant, specific links (not generic homepage)
• ✅ Social proof in DM (reviews, bestseller status)
• ✅ Discount codes (10-20% off first purchase)
• ✅ Urgency (limited stock, sale ends soon)
• ✅ Clear next steps in DM copy

FAQ

What’s the difference between high-intent and low-intent keywords?

High-intent keywords include transactional or navigational words like “BUY”, “LINK”, “PRICE”, “WHERE”. They signal the commenter is ready to take action (research or purchase). Low-intent keywords include emotional reactions like “LOVE”, “AMAZING”, or emoji-only comments. They signal interest but not purchase readiness. High-intent keywords convert at 10-30%, low-intent keywords convert at <2%.

Should I respond to low-converting keywords like “LOVE THIS”?

For algorithm purposes, yes—comments boost engagement metrics and reach. But don’t prioritize them for sales automation. Thank them manually when you have time, but don’t expect conversions. Focus your automation on high-intent keywords (LINK, BUY, PRICE, WHERE).

Can I use multiple trigger keywords in one post?

Not recommended for A/B testing (you won’t know which keyword drove results). But if you’ve already validated a keyword, you can offer alternatives: “Comment LINK or ENLACE for product details” (useful for bilingual audiences). Keep it to 2-3 max to avoid confusion.

How do I test keywords if I don’t have enough traffic?

Start with tested high-converters (LINK, BUY, PRICE) instead of testing. Once you hit 50-100 comments per post consistently, begin A/B testing alternative keywords. Small audiences benefit more from using tested winners than from testing.

Do emojis in keywords affect conversion?

Generally no. “LINK 🔗” vs “LINK” convert at similar rates. However, emoji-only trigger words (setting 🔥 as your trigger) are problematic because people use emojis casually in comments, causing false triggers. Stick to text-based keywords for reliability.

What if my audience doesn’t engage with any keywords?

Possible issues:

1. Content isn’t valuable enough: If followers don’t care about the product/resource, no keyword will work
2. Offer isn’t clear: “Comment LINK for stuff” is vague. “Comment LINK for my exact skincare routine + product links + 15% discount code” is specific
3. No trust: New accounts with no social proof struggle to get keyword engagement. Build credibility first

Fix: Improve content quality, make offers more specific and valuable, build trust through consistent value delivery.

Can I automate responses to low-intent keywords?

You can, but it’s not recommended. If you auto-respond to “LOVE THIS” with a sales pitch, it feels aggressive and spammy. Low-intent keywords deserve manual, genuine responses that build relationships, not automated sales messages.

How many keyword automations should I set up?

Start with 3-5 core keywords that match your content:

• E-commerce/Affiliates: LINK, PRICE, DISCOUNT, AVAILABLE
• Coaches/Courses: LINK, PRICE, BOOK, WEBINAR
• Service providers: LINK, PRICE, INFO, BOOK

Add more as you identify audience-specific needs through manual comment analysis.

Will Instagram ban me for keyword automation?

No, if you use Meta-approved tools (CreatorFlow, ManyChat, LinkDM) that work through Instagram’s official Graph API. What gets you banned: Unofficial bots, browser automation tools that require your password, mass-DMing people who didn’t engage. What’s safe: API-based tools that only message people who commented your trigger word.

Turn Comments into Revenue

Not all Instagram comments are created equal. “LINK” drives sales. “LOVE THIS” drives engagement.

The 10 highest-converting keywords:

1. LINK (15-25%)
2. BUY (18-30%)
3. PRICE / HOW MUCH (12-20%)
4. WHERE / WHERE TO BUY (15-22%)
5. AVAILABLE / IN STOCK (10-18%)
6. DISCOUNT / COUPON (12-18%)
7. ORDER (20-35%)
8. SHOP (10-15%)
9. SHIPPING (8-12%)
10. SIZE / COLOR (12-18%)

The keywords that don’t convert:

• LOVE / AMAZING (<2%)
• Emoji-only comments (<1%)
• Generic praise (<2%)

Your action plan:

1. This week: Post content with “Comment LINK for [specific valuable offer]”
2. Set up automation: Use CreatorFlow to auto-DM everyone who comments “LINK”
3. Track results: Measure comment-to-click and comment-to-purchase rates
4. Next week: A/B test “LINK” vs “BUY” to see which converts better for your audience
5. Scale: Use your winning keyword in 80% of posts, test new challengers with 20%

Every high-intent comment is a sales opportunity. Automation ensures you capture every single one.

Ready to turn comment keywords into revenue?

Start with CreatorFlow → Set up your first keyword automation in 5 minutes. Free plan includes 1,000 automated DMs per month. No credit card required.

Sources

Buying Intent Keyword Research:

• TripleDart - High-Intent Keywords Guide 2026
• DashClicks - High-Intent Keywords for Conversion
• Yotpo - Best Ecommerce Keywords for Sales
• ContentPowered - 18 Methods to Find Buyer Intent Keywords
• Semrush - Buyer Intent Keywords Guide 2025

Instagram Conversion Data:

• Napolify - Instagram DM Sales Conversion Study
• Publer - Instagram Sales Funnel Guide
• Inro - Instagram Comment to DM Automation

Response Time Statistics:

• Chili Piper - Speed to Lead Statistics

All sources accessed January 28, 2026.