You set up comment to DM, the log says "sent", but people say they never got anything. Very often the DM is there, sitting in their message requests or hidden requests folder.
Why it happens
Instagram puts messages from accounts a person does not follow into requests, so strangers cannot fill their main inbox. An automated reply to a comment is still a message from your account, so if the person does not follow you, it can land in requests. Instagram may also hide requests it thinks look like spam, for example messages with links from accounts the person has never talked to.
This is normal and happens with every tool, because it is Instagram's inbox, not the tool, deciding where messages go.
Five ways to get more people to see the DM
- Say it in the reel. "Comment LINK and check your DMs, and your requests if you don't follow me."
- Use a public reply. A reply under their comment like "Sent! Check your DMs 📩 (and requests)" reminds them where to look.
- Start with a button. An opening DM with a button such as "Send me the link" invites them to tap, which opens the chat properly. The link follows.
- Use a follow-gate. People who follow you are more likely to get messages in their main inbox. A follow-gate asks them to follow before the link unlocks.
- Keep the first message friendly and short, without several links. Spammy-looking messages are more likely to be hidden.
How to tell if a DM was delivered
In DM Flow the activity log shows "sent" when Instagram accepted the message. If Instagram refuses a message, the log says so with Instagram's reason. "Sent" means it reached their inbox or requests.
Related reading
- Instagram DM not sending: fixes
- Why some commenters got the DM and others did not
- Grow followers with a follow-gate
Frequently asked questions
Can I make auto DMs skip message requests?
No tool can. Instagram decides. Follow-gates, buttons and clear reminders help more people see the message.
Do message requests expire?
People can open requests later. The automated message stays there until they accept, delete or ignore it.
Is my account in trouble if DMs go to requests?
No. It is standard Instagram behaviour for messages to people who do not follow you.