Two Ways to Start
Option 1: Start with a template (recommended). Click + New Automation in the sidebar. A modal opens with pre-built templates:
- Most Popular: "Send link on keyword" - DM Reply: "Auto-reply to DMs" - Featured: Send link on story reaction, Require email before link, Build your own
Click Use template on any card. The builder opens with all settings pre-filled. Customize the message and link, then activate.
You can also browse the full library from the Templates page in the sidebar.
Option 2: Build from scratch. Click + New Automation and select Build your own. The builder opens empty and you configure each step manually.
The 4-Step Automation Builder
Choose your trigger
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).
Set your keywords
Add up to 20 keywords. When someone's comment or DM contains one of these words, the automation fires. Suggested keywords: link, shop, order, buy, price, discount, info, details. Or choose "Any word" to trigger on every comment or DM. Keywords are case-insensitive. "link," "Link," and "LINK" all work the same way.
Add an optional pre-DM step (or skip)
Before sending your main DM, you can optionally add one extra step. These three options are mutually exclusive: Opening DM (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 DM message
Write your message (1,000 character limit). Click Use Template for pre-written options. Click + Add Link to insert a trackable link with a title and URL. Optional: Public Reply. Set a public comment reply (e.g., "Sent you a message! Check your DMs!"). You can add multiple variations. Limited to 280 characters per variation. Save and toggle to 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 2 of the builder.
Check that the DM arrives
The DM should arrive within seconds. If it doesn't arrive, check Analytics > Activity Log for details.
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.
Click the "Need help?" button at the top of the builder for a step-by-step walkthrough.