Wanna hear a wild stat: Instagram users spend an average of 53 minutes daily on the platform. That’s a ton of potential traffic for your social media content.
Instagram is the world’s biggest online party, with over 1 billion people scrolling, liking, and double-tapping. And it’s only getting bigger — experts say another 103 million users will join the platform in the next two years. But IG isn’t just chilling; they’re doubling down on eCommerce with features like IG Shops and rolling out tools to help creators shine. (It’s a usability arms race between them and another behemoth, TikTok, which only benefits us, the end user.) So, if you thought Instagram was just for selfies and brunch pics, think again — it’s turning into the ultimate one-stop shop for social, shopping, and business.
So, it’s no surprise marketers want to leverage it to increase sales and earn Instagram growth.
But here’s the thing: Providing optimal customer service isn’t easy when you’re drowning in comments, likes, and DMs. Manually replying to hundreds (or thousands of real followers) of direct Instagram messages isn’t feasible for most businesses, and let’s be real, it’s a time suck. Who wants to deal with all of that clicking and replying and copying and pasting — rinse and repeat.
You’re going to need help. So what can you do? You use Instagram the right way. You automate the process. You get yourself an Instagram bot. Trust us on this.
Imagine never missing a DM, instantly responding to inquiries, sending out product updates, or even running a contest — all without lifting a finger.
Turn your Instagram into a sales powerhouse by guiding followers through purchases, answering FAQs, and even upselling like a pro. They help scale conversations, save time, and build stronger relationships without getting overwhelmed. And in a world where instant gratification rules, chatbots ensure you’re always there — even when catching some ZZZZs. So, if you’re looking to amp up engagement, boost sales, and stay ahead of the curve, Instagram chatbots are the sidekick you never knew you needed.
Are Instagram bots legal?
Instagram bots are legal (and Instagram bots work) when they comply with the Instagram Platform Policy. Particular types of Instagram bots (like follow bots and like/comment bots) violate Instagram’s terms. They can be shut down because they result in fake Instagram followers, fake likes, and sporadic bot activity.
That said, Manychat Instagram bots are 100% legal. Our partnership with Facebook has allowed us to create fully compliant Instagram bots you can use for your marketing campaigns. Manychat is an automation tool that helps you connect with real people, gain real followers or Instagram follower growth, and build meaningful Instagram relationships. There’s nothing fake about it.
How to Make Instagram Bots Worth Your While
Like Messenger Marketing, Instagram bots will support business-to-customer conversations with Instagram followers by automating conversations and business processes. The goal is to answer customer questions, grow your follower count, and generate sales through Instagram’s Messenger feature — all on autopilot. Here’s how you can fully take advantage of Instagram’s chatbot capabilities for Instagram follower growth once the feature is live.
Send marketing campaigns via Instagram Messenger
When combined with other social automation tools, Instagram becomes an ideal platform for digital marketing and follower growth. Throw Instagram chatbots in the mix with the automation tool, and you’ve got a perfect solution to increase your business’s brand awareness and boost conversions.
You can implement default welcome Instagram Messages through direct message automation to make that killer first impression. A thoughtful “howdy” as a welcome response leaves a good impression, no matter when a customer or an Instagram follower messages you. You can even use an emoji or two for a bright, engaging welcome message.
Try creating specific messages to share deals and discounts with customers. You could even “train” your Instagram chatbot to provide customer support by having it follow a predetermined conversation sequence.
Use bots to respond to repetitive customer questions
Automated direct messages are ideal for responding to potential customers if you have a growing business. Depending on the volume, it could be impossible for you or your team to manually answer every comment or DM. Providing a script your chatbot can follow to answer customer questions will save you from having to personally answer the same question 50+ times.
Seriously, think of it this way:
Automating comments and DMs is like having an extra set of hands (or a dozen) for your IG game, saving you from spending hours glued to your phone. For creators or small businesses, it’s an easy way to keep the conversation flowing — instantly responding to common questions, thanking followers for their comments, or sharing the latest product drops. That’s a real winner here: saving time. And, let’s be honest, your sanity.
Run Instagram Ads that send customers to Instagram Messenger
Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger Inbox ads send users into a Messenger conversation with your business after the recipient clicks to open the communication. You can use Facebook’s growth tools to find potential customers, then transform Instagram Messages into mass direct messages to these new customers by leveraging Instagram’s chatbot integration.
A common practice in Messenger Marketing is to create Facebook or Instagram Ads that, when clicked, open up a Messenger conversation. Similarly, on Instagram, you can create IG ads, like Stories or posts, that start a dialogue between your chatbot and customers.
Drive sales by automating a promotion or coupon giveaway with an Instagram automation bot
Marketers and merchants can promote products and boost sales at scale by automating the coupon delivery process or directing customers to a destination, like a website.
Brands can use IG Stories or directly ask customers to message them a keyword. Then, your chatbot will send those individuals the coupon and more product information.
How to build an Instagram bot
Before you start making your own Instagram automation bot, you’ll need a few things:
- A Facebook Business Page for which you are the administrator
- An Instagram Business account
- A Manychat Pro account
To create an Instagram bot, follow these steps.
Connect your Facebook Business Page to Manychat
Once connected, click Settings in your dashboard.
Under Channels, click Instagram.
Click the Add Instagram Account button. Then follow the prompts to add your account.
Note: Your Facebook Business Page and Instagram Business Account must be connected to activate the Instagram for Manychat channel.
Once you’ve added your IG account, you should see the following screen if your Manychat account is ready to build your Instagram bot.
Now you can take advantage of incredible Instagram marketing features for follower growth, like:
- Live chat with a real person through Instagram
- Instagram Story mentions to help acquire new contacts
- Conversation automation features like keyword triggers and default replies
- Conversation Starters
- Instagram ads for lead generation and brand awareness campaigns
- Fast customer support
- … and more to come!
From our research, brands that set up IG bots to send default replies, provide Conversation Starters, and respond to keywords generate the most engagement and drive the best marketing outcomes.
Using Instagram and Manychat to Grow Your Business
If you’re considering automating your Instagram DM inbox or using it to tame the comment section, now is the time to download. The trial is free (at first), and before you know it, the ship will sail itself while you get those precious hours of sleep and continue doing what you do best: running your business and creating the content that keeps people clicking.
