Every person who comments your keyword has raised a hand. Most brands answer them once and forget them. Keeping a simple list of who asked, for what and when, is the start of real follow-up.
What a comment-to-DM tool records
Each time an automation runs, a tool like DM Flow keeps a contact record:
- Instagram username and the scoped ID Instagram gives for that person
- Which automation and post they came from
- What they commented
- Whether they follow you (if a follow-gate checked)
- Whether the link was sent
- First and last time they interacted
That is enough to answer useful questions: which reel brought the most interested people, how many of them follow you, who asked about the bridal range.
Exporting to CSV
From the Contacts page you can download the list as a CSV file that opens in Excel or Google Sheets. Typical uses:
- Sort by automation to see which campaign worked
- Count follows to measure a follow-gate
- Share a summary with a partner or client
What the list is not
It is not a list of phone numbers or emails. Instagram does not give tools a commenter's contact details. If you want those, ask for them honestly: link to a form or a WhatsApp chat, and say why you want them.
Following up the right way
You cannot send new automated DMs to these people whenever you like. Meta's messaging rules allow messages within 24 hours of the person's last message to you, and private replies only in response to a comment. So use the list to:
- Decide what to post next (more of what got comments)
- Reply by hand to people who wrote follow-up questions
- Plan a launch: "Comment DROP for early access" brings back interested people on your next post
Responsibilities under India's DPDP Act
Usernames and comments are personal data. Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023:
- Use the data for the purpose people would expect: answering their request.
- Do not sell or share the list.
- Delete it when it is no longer needed, or when someone asks.
- If you ask for a phone number or email, say what it is for.
More in Instagram leads and the DPDP Act.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upload the list to Facebook ads?
Usernames cannot be uploaded as an ad audience. Use Instagram's own engagement audiences for retargeting.
Can I import the list into WhatsApp?
Not without phone numbers, which Instagram does not provide.
Is CSV export on the free plan?
Check the current plan table on the pricing page.
What happens to contacts if I delete my account?
They are deleted with your workspace, as described in the privacy policy.