How to Auto-Reply to Instagram Comments With ManyChat Keywords

Set up a ManyChat keyword trigger that DMs anyone who comments a word like LINK on your Instagram post, the classic creator lead-magnet flow.

9 minBeginner

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ManyChat connects to your Instagram business account and watches for comments containing a keyword. When someone comments, say, LINK, it automatically sends them a direct message with your link or freebie. This is the most-used creator growth flow on the platform, and it is fully no-code.

What you need

An Instagram professional account (Business or Creator)
A Facebook page linked to that Instagram account
A ManyChat account connected to the Instagram channel
The post or reel you want to attach the flow to

Step 1: Connect Instagram to ManyChat

In ManyChat go to Settings > Channels > Instagram and authorize the connection. Instagram requires the account to be a professional account and linked to a Facebook page, so switch it over in the Instagram app first if needed.

Step 2: Create a new Automation

Open Automation in the left menu, click New Automation, and choose Start From Scratch. Add a trigger and pick Instagram > Comments on a specific post or reel.

ManyChat — Trigger setup

New trigger

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When: User comments on Post/Reel

Post: [ Select ] reel_2024_06_launch

Comment contains:

[ LINK ] [ link ] [ +keyword ]

Match: contains keyword (exact)

[ Save trigger ]

A comment keyword trigger tied to one post.

Instagram policy on first contact

Instagram only lets you DM someone within a 24-hour window after they interact. Keyword comment flows fit that rule. Do not try to mass-DM users who have not commented; the connection can get restricted.

Step 3: Build the DM message

Add a Send Message step after the trigger. Write a short DM, insert a button with your link, and optionally ask them to reply for more. Keep the first message simple so it does not look like spam.

ManyChat — DM builder

Agent

Thanks for the comment! Here is the free checklist I promised. Tap the button below to grab it.

You

[ Get the checklist -> ]

The message sent to anyone who comments the keyword.

Step 4: Set the live comment reply and publish

ManyChat can also auto-reply publicly under the comment (something like 'Sent you a DM!'). Toggle that on, then set the automation to Live. Test it from a second account by commenting the keyword on the chosen post.

Result

When a follower comments LINK, they get an instant DM with your offer and a public reply that nudges others to do the same. Track opens and clicks in the automation's analytics tab to see which posts convert best.