A public reply confirms that part of the automation ran. DM access and delivery rules are separate, so work through the DM path and connection details.
1. Confirm the DM is enabled
Open the automation and check that Disable direct message is off. Review the actual message and any opener, collection, or delay steps before it.
2. Check Message requests
A first message from an account the recipient does not follow can appear in Message requests. Test with another account and check that folder before treating it as a failed send.
3. Check the recipient and repeat rule
Instagram privacy settings or account restrictions can prevent a private reply. If One DM per user is enabled, another matching comment from the same person does not start another DM delivery. Use a fresh test contact when checking that rule.
4. Check connection and activity
Review DM readiness and the automation activity. A comment permission can work while message access is disabled or another app owns the conversation. Check message access.
5. Review timing and conditions
A configured delay, unopened opener, unanswered collection question, or follow-up condition can explain the wait. Later messages also depend on Instagram’s messaging eligibility window. Investigate delayed delivery.
If every test fails
Share the automation, Instagram username, new test time and timezone, and exact error with support. Avoid repeated publishing or reconnecting until you know which step is failing.