When an Instagram creator’s post blows up, it’s like setting off a digital fireworks show. Suddenly, that post is everywhere — racking up likes, shares, saves, and comments at lightning speed. The algorithm goes wild, pushing the content to more Explore pages, feeds, and Stories, attracting new eyeballs that can become followers overnight. And then come the Instagram DMs, the Instagram comments and the Instagram analytics.
And with all those new followers comes a whole new wave of opportunities: Brands may slide into the DMs with collaboration offers, media outlets might feature the content, and the creator’s credibility and influence can skyrocket.
It’s crucial to keep up, and the pressure to follow up with equally engaging content can be intense. But if handled right, a viral post can be the ultimate launchpad, giving a creator a huge boost in visibility, engagement, and, potentially, revenue.
It’s a moment of pure adrenaline — and a chance to ride that wave to the next level, opening up new possibilities and growth opportunities.
So, let’s say this is you and some of your content went bananas, and now people are paying attention to your posts. Are you struggling to reply to every social media comment, Story mention, and reaction, so your engagement rate is sinking each time you post? It might be time to automate Instagram. People are watching every Instagram Story, and when they do, it’s time for those Instagram DMs.
Are you thinking of hiring a social media savvy personal assistant to answer your messages, but you’re afraid they just won’t sound like you, and then you factor in their hourly rate…?
Then Instagram DM Automation is one low-cost tool you can use to help automate your FAQs, generate and qualify leads, and ignite your engagement.
When deciding to automate their Instagram inbox, a creator should think about a few critical things:
- What’s the Goal? Are you automating to save time, boost engagement, or streamline customer support? Knowing your purpose will help you set up automation that actually adds value — not just spam.
- Audience Experience: How will this feel for your followers? Automation can’t sound like a robot from 1999. Keep it personal, friendly, and aligned with your brand voice. Make sure your followers still feel like they’re talking to you, even if it’s an automated response.
- Balance is Key: Automation is great, but don’t overdo it. People can smell a canned Instagram DM response from a mile away. Use automation for repetitive tasks like FAQs, but jump in personally for more nuanced or high-stakes interactions. It’s about finding the sweet spot between efficiency and authenticity.
- Data and Privacy: Be mindful of what kind of information you’re automating. Make sure you’re handling any personal details with care and following privacy guidelines — because no one wants to feel like their DM is part of a data mine.
- Flexibility: Make sure your automation is flexible enough to adapt. Trends, audience needs, and content strategies change constantly — your automation should be easy to tweak and update to stay fresh and relevant.
In short, automation should enhance your Instagram DM game, not replace the human touch that makes your content so special. What you post in your Instagram Stories matters, as well as what you post in your Instagram Reels — people are paying attention and want to talk about it. Why not let the Instagram automation tool do all the work?
Instagram DM Automation can be used every time you use Instagram and works with every platform feature, including:
- Instagram Story replies, reactions, and mentions
- Feed posts
- Reels
- Instagram Live
- Instagram Direct Ads
- Instagram DM List (coming soon — currently in beta!)
Creators report that Manychat IG DM Automation drives up to 60% of Instagram sales. 🤑
So, let’s examine what IG DM Automation is and how to set it up with your Instagram account.
What is Manychat DM Automation?
Manychat is a leading Meta-approved platform for building an entire sales funnel on Instagram. It allows you to generate sales, attract leads, and increase conversions while automatically replying to every Story, comment, and DM in a way that still sounds like you.
Why use Instagram DM Automation?
IG DM Automation is one option you can test out that will help you save time and answer your followers on time, every time.
You can use it to:
- Answer your FAQs, even while you sleep: You don’t need to manually respond to 1,000 of the same messages in your Instagram inbox. IG DM Automation responds for you, 24/7, and it costs less than a virtual assistant and never forgets to respond. Best of all, it can scale with you as your brand grows.
- Build a contact list of qualified leads: You can build a contact list, generate and collect leads, and re-engage with prospects. Plus, you can also qualify leads in your DMs, segment them, and only speak with those who are actually interested in what you’re selling.**
- Automate your Instagram sales funnel: Shave down the time it takes to get a prospect on a consult or sales call, launch new collections, gather reviews, and add links to your online store.
- Have more conversations that lead to sales: Launch special offers, and run giveaways, challenges and quizzes to increase revenue – all while you’re asleep.
- Build brand awareness: Cultivate your community, and add a personal touch to increase engagement, and drive higher conversions. Personalization is key here. IG Automation allows you to personalize every response so it really sounds like you.
- Attract and convert more leads: If you’re running ads, or even if you’re sharing content organically, IG Automation can help you generate and qualify leads.
Content creator Kahlea Wade uses IG DM Automation to grow her email list:
”I created keywords to use as CTAs for my social content that promoted free resources and events I’ve recently hosted. By implementing those keywords in Manychat, I was about to grow my email list by over 2,500 subscribers in just a few weeks. I saw a massive increase in conversions and engagement within just a week of using the platform.”
How to automate your Instagram account using Manychat
Manychat Instagram DM Automation gives you the tools to set up automated messages for your followers. Each time a follower comments on your post, Manychat delivers a personalized comment reply and DM to each follower on your behalf.
Using our intuitive and visual Flow Builder, building your first automation is easy and fun. Plus, you can customize your messages to match your tone of voice.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to automating your Instagram account with Manychat:Create a Manychat account and connect it to your Instagram account. We have a video tutorial you can follow here.
Next, create communication flows for your Instagram account by choosing one of our automation Flow Builders: visual or basic builders.
⚠️ In Manychat, messages in your automation are called “flows.” For the remainder of this article, we’ll refer to them as flows.
◼ Use Keywords
To trigger your flow, you’ll set a keyword. When someone types this keyword in your DMs, they’ll be sent your automatic reply.
For example, say you’re offering a free download. You could tell your followers to DM the word “freebie” to receive the PDF. When your follower sends you the keyword in your DMs, your automation sends them a message with the PDF link.
You can use specific conditions to qualify the keyword trigger for advanced flows.
◼ Set up your Story mention reply
Now, let’s set up a Story mention reply. This will be sent when someone mentions your Instagram account in their Story.
For example, if someone mentions your username, like @Manychat.
⚠️ A Story mention reply can trigger a new flow, which you’ll create, or you can select an existing flow in your Manychat account.
In this flow, you’ll ask each follower for information, such as their name and email address. Manychat will store this information so you can create a robust database.
◼ Re-engage your audience using Instagram DM Lists (BETA)
Broadcast with your Instagram account using Instagram DM Lists (currently in beta).
Instagram DM Lists are like email blasts for your Instagram inbox.
With your follower’s permission, you can send newsletters, daily challenges, last-minute offers, and more — it’s so easy to schedule and send.
◼ Turn your comments into conversions!
Manychat Instagram DM Automation allows you to automate responses to comments on posts and Reels.
Each follower gets a personalized, automated response in their DMs each time they comment on your post or Reel, so you build trust and create a bond with your community.
Wrapping it up on the Instagram Automation Tip
You can see the untapped potential of your Instagram and how you can leverage Manychat Instagram DM Automation to drive more sales, qualify leads, and spark engagement. Start automating your Instagram account today using Manychat’s intuitive Flow Builder, transforming how you launch, sell, and do business on Instagram.
A creator should love responding to Instagram DMs because it’s where the magic of real connection happens through content marketing in real time. Every Instagram DM is an opportunity — to turn a casual follower into a die-hard fan, build deeper relationships with your community, or even snag a brand collab or sponsorship. It’s like having a one-on-one with your audience where you hear their stories, learn what they love about your content, and even get feedback to improve your content.
DMs serve as your trust-building arena. When your followers witness your commitment to responding, they feel acknowledged and valued — through your Instagram activity. This sense of engagement often translates into increased support, whether that means watching more of your Instagram Reels or through your Instagram comments, or even more so, whether it’s through sharing your content, purchasing your merchandise, or even better — promoting you to their social circles. Word of mouth is the strongest content marketing win there is — big time.
It’s not just about replying; it’s about creating those “wow” moments that make your followers feel part of something special — your inner circle. Your Instagram presence matters. People want genuine connection, not just a ploy to up your Instagram analytics. And it all starts with the Instagram DM.
If you’re ready to dive right in and learn the basics of Instagram Automation, check out our free Instagram Automation video course.
