Three Ways to Start
Option 1: Start from a post (best if you already know which post to automate). Go to My Content > Posts & Reels and click Set up Automation on the post card. The builder opens with that post already selected.
Option 2: Start with a template. Open the Templates page in the sidebar and pick a pre-filled flow. Templates are organized into five categories:
- Featured - Engage audience - Sell & earn - Capture leads - Book clients
Click Use template on any card. The builder opens with all settings pre-filled. Customize the message and link, then activate.
Option 3: Build from scratch. Click + New Automation at the top of the sidebar. The builder opens empty and you configure each step manually.
The 4-Step Automation Builder
Choose your trigger and set keywords
Pick what starts the automation: Comment-to-DM (someone comments on your post or reel, with options for specific post, next post, or any post/reel), Story Reply (someone reacts to or replies to your story), or Keyword DM Reply (someone sends you a DM with a specific word). Then add up to 20 keywords. Suggested keywords: link, shop, order, buy, price, discount, info, details. Keywords are case-insensitive and plain text only. "link," "Link," and "LINK" all work the same way. (Only Keyword DM Reply automations offer an "Any word" option that replies to every DM.)
Set your Public Reply
Set a public comment reply that posts under the triggering comment (e.g., "Sent you a message! Check your DMs!"). You can add multiple variations. Keep public replies short and natural. Public Reply is available on Pro and Growth.
Add an optional pre-DM step (or skip)
Before sending your final DM, you can optionally add one extra step. Pick ONE or skip: Opening DM (free, a short intro message before the main content), Follow Gate (Pro, ask the person to follow you before they get the link), or Email Gate (Pro, collect their email before sending the link). For your first automation, skip this step to keep things simple.
Write your Final DM
Write your message (1,000 character limit). Click Use Template for pre-written options. Click + Add Link to insert up to 3 trackable link buttons — the button text "Send me the link" is fixed. Click the lime green Start Automation button (top right) to activate, or Save Draft (black, top right) to save without activating. Once active, the automation runs 24/7.
How to Test Your Automation
You cannot test from your own Instagram account. Automations don't trigger from the account that created them.
Open Instagram on a second account
Use a different Instagram account, or ask a friend to help.
Comment your keyword on the target post
Type the keyword you set in Step 1 of the builder.
Check that the DM arrives
The DM should arrive within seconds. If it doesn't arrive, open Analytics in the sidebar to check what happened.
Tips for Your First Automation
Use one keyword and one post to begin.
Words like "LINK" or "INFO" work well because they're unambiguous.
Review your automation's performance after a few triggers.
Use the in-app chat (bottom right) if you get stuck. It's the fastest way to reach the team.