This is the shortest path from "never automated anything" to "my reel sends links on its own". It uses DM Flow, but the steps are almost the same in any tool.
Before you start (1 minute)
- Your Instagram account is Business or Creator. If not, switch in Settings and privacy, Account type and tools.
- In Instagram, Allow access to messages is on: Settings and privacy, Messages and story replies, Message controls, Connected tools.
- You have the link you want to send, and you have opened it on your phone to check it works.
Step 1: Create an account and connect Instagram
Sign up with your email and confirm it. On the dashboard, click Connect Instagram. You go to Instagram's own page, approve the permissions, and come back. Your username and recent posts appear.
Step 2: Create an automation
Click New automation and give it a name you will recognise later, like "Diwali kurti reel - price".
Step 3: Pick the post
Choose the reel or post from the grid. On paid plans you can also choose Any post, which makes the keyword work on everything you publish.
Step 4: Set the trigger
Choose Keyword and type one to three words people will comment. For a price request, price, rate, kitna is a good start. Matching ignores capitals and works inside sentences.
Step 5: Public reply
Leave public replies on. Edit the three suggested replies so they sound like you:
- "Sent! Check your DMs 📩"
- "Just messaged you 🙌"
- "It's in your inbox!"
Step 6: The opening message
By default, DM Flow sends a short opening message with a button first:
Hey {name}! Thanks for asking 😊 Tap below and I'll send you the price list.
[Send it]
When they tap, a conversation starts. This lets the follow-gate work and opens Meta's 24-hour window. You can switch the opener off to send the link straight away in the first message.
Step 7: The link message
This is what they came for:
Here's the full price list for the festive collection. COD available, free shipping above ₹999.
[See prices]
Paste your link, starting with https://. Keep the button label under 20 characters.
Step 8: Follow-gate (optional)
Turn it on only if you are giving away something valuable for free. For price lists, leave it off. Read follow-gated DMs first.
Step 9: Save, go live and test
Save, switch the automation to Live, then comment your keyword from a second account. You should see:
- A public reply under the comment within seconds.
- A DM in the second account's inbox (or Requests).
- The link opening correctly when you tap the button.
If anything is missing, open the Activity log. Each comment shows what happened and why, for example "No live automation is watching this post" or "Link sent". Common fixes are in automated DM not sending.
Step 10: Tell people
Add the call to action where people will see it:
- On the reel, as text: "Comment PRICE for the price list"
- First line of the caption
- A pinned comment
What to do in the first week
Check the automation once a day. Look at matched comments, DMs sent and link taps. If people comment words you did not expect, add them as keywords. If DMs are delivered but few people tap, rewrite the message to be more specific.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for the automation to start working?
Immediately after you switch it to Live.
Can I edit an automation while it is live?
Yes. Changes apply to the next comment.
What does {name} show?
The commenter's Instagram username. If it is not available, it shows "there".
How many automations can I run?
The free plan runs one live automation. Paid plans run more, see pricing.