"Comment GUIDE and I'll send it to you" has become the most common call to action on Instagram. Behind most of those reels is an auto DM tool. For creators it does three jobs at once: it delivers what you promised, it lifts your reach because comments count, and it can turn viewers into followers.
What creators send with auto DM
- Affiliate links for the products in your reel (Amazon, Myntra, brand links)
- Freebies: a PDF guide, checklist, recipe or preset pack
- Course, cohort or webinar sign-ups
- Brand collab or media kit links for businesses who comment "COLLAB"
- Your YouTube video, newsletter or Telegram channel
Why it grows your account
- More comments. People comment to get the link, and comments tell Instagram the reel is worth showing to more people.
- More followers. With a follow-gate, the link unlocks after the person follows you. DM Flow checks the follow with Instagram itself.
- Warm audience. Everyone who comments is saved to your contact list with what they asked for, so you know who wants what.
A creator setup that works
- In the reel, say the keyword out loud and put it on screen: "Comment SKINCARE for the full list."
- Repeat it in the caption's first line.
- In DM Flow, set keywords:
skincare,list,link. - Opening DM: "Hey! 👋 Sending the full list now. Follow me so you don't miss the next one, then tap below."
- Turn on the follow-gate (Growth and Pro plans).
- Link DM: the list, with your affiliate links.
- Public reply under the comment: "Sent! Check your DMs 📩"
For wording, see follow-gate message templates and auto DM for affiliate links.
Rules creators should know
- Disclose affiliate links. Indian advertising guidelines expect creators to disclose paid and affiliate content. Add "affiliate link" in the DM or caption.
- One reply per comment. Instagram allows one private reply per comment, which is why the button step exists.
- No cold DMs. You cannot auto DM people who only followed or liked. They need to comment or message first.
Every reel, without setting each one up
On paid plans you can run one automation on every post, including reels you publish later. Keep one "catch-all" keyword like link on every post, and add specific automations for big launches.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Do big creators use auto DM tools?
Yes. "Comment a word to get the link" reels are run by comment-to-DM tools on Meta's official API.
Does auto DM increase reach?
It increases comments, and comments are one of the signals Instagram uses. It does not guarantee reach, but it reliably turns viewers who want the link into commenters.
Can I send affiliate links in auto DMs?
Yes. Disclose that they are affiliate links, and use links that open properly inside Instagram.
Is there a free auto DM tool for creators?
Yes. DM Flow's free plan runs one live automation with 200 DMs a month. The follow-gate needs a Growth or Pro plan.