Automations

Create a comment automation

Choose a post or Reel, define the trigger, then enable only the actions you need.

In this article

Step by step

  1. Select Create automation.
  2. Choose the Instagram post or Reel and a keyword or Any Comment trigger.
  3. In Actions, enable a public reply, AI reply, or DM separately.
  4. Opening DM is optional. A final DM can be sent directly, and can include up to three labeled links.
  5. Review the Post, Comments, and DM preview, then publish.

Tap any screenshot to enlarge it. Screens show an example account; your activity and available plan details may differ.

Choose where the conversation starts

Open Automations, choose Create Automation, then select Build this flow on the appropriate card. These are three different starting points, not three stages of the same automation.

  • Comment automation: a comment on a post or Reel can trigger a public reply, a DM, or both.
  • Story automation: choose the supported story interaction, such as a mention, emoji reaction, or text reply.
  • DM automation: respond to a new incoming message containing a keyword, or to any eligible message.
Choose Comment automation, Story automation, or DM automation according to where the interaction starts.

Set the trigger and write the response

For a comment flow, name the automation, choose its post scope, and select Specific keyword or Any comment. If your caption asks people to comment GUIDE, configure that keyword. Turn on Reply to comment, Send a DM, or both, then replace sample messages with your own copy.

For a story or DM flow, choose the relevant interaction or message rule in its builder, then write the response and any link buttons. Story and DM flows respond privately; they are not public comment replies.

  • Opening DM is optional in a comment flow. Leave it off when you want to send the final DM directly.
  • If you enable a follow request or another optional step, test that complete path before publishing.
  • Check every button label and destination URL. The final DM supports up to three labeled links.

Preview, publish, and test

Use the builder's phone preview to read the experience as a customer. Check the selected account, trigger, enabled actions, messages, and links, then publish. Test with a fresh, eligible interaction from another Instagram account after activation. For a comment flow, verify the public reply and DM separately.

If a reply is missing, confirm the flow is Live, the interaction matches the saved rule, the Instagram connection is ready, and your usage allowance is available. Correct one issue and test with a new interaction.

Review the live automation

Return to Automations and find the new flow. Confirm the channel, trigger, enabled actions, and Live status. Watch Runs and Leads as interactions arrive. Use Edit to change the setup or Pause to stop it. Check Inbox for the resulting conversation and Home for the wider account totals.

The automation list shows each flow's channel, trigger, actions, runs, leads, and Live or Paused status.