Setup guide · about 15 minutes
Launch your first comment-to-DM campaign
Connect your Instagram account, pick a post, set one keyword, write the DM with a tracked link — then test it from a second account. Below: every step plus copy-paste examples for 8 niches.
Before you start
Three things you need
A professional Instagram account
Business or Creator — personal accounts don't support Meta's messaging API.
One post or reel
Anything with a clear comment prompt, e.g. “Comment LINK and I'll send it”.
A destination link
Product page, booking form, lead magnet, or waitlist — it becomes a tracked link.
The setup
Six steps to your first automated DM
- 1~2 min
/settingsConnect your Instagram account
Sign in, open Settings, and hit Connect Instagram. You'll go through Meta's OAuth flow — no passwords, tokens are encrypted at rest. One workspace can hold several client accounts.
If the button says the account is already connected elsewhere, disconnect it in the other workspace first.
- 2~2 min
/campaigns/newCreate a campaign and pick the post
Open the campaign builder, choose the Instagram account, then scope the trigger: a specific post, any post, or the next post you publish. New to this? Start with one specific reel.
Scoping to one post keeps replies precise — every match gets the reply tied to that post.
- 3~2 min
/campaigns/newSet your keywords
Add up to 10 keywords and choose the match mode: specific words (only these trigger) or any word (every comment triggers). Start with one obvious keyword like LINK and add fallbacks like SHOP or GUIDE later.
Whole-word matching avoids misfires — “send guide” won't trigger on a stray “guide” mention unless you want it to.
- 4~3 min
/campaigns/newWrite the DM and attach your link
Write the opening message and the link DM, then paste your destination URL. It's wrapped in a tracked short link automatically, so every campaign reports clicks and CTR — not just sends.
Keep the DM short and deliver exactly what the comment promised. One link, one promise.
- 5~3 min
/campaigns/newAdd the finishing touches (optional)
Enable a short public reply so commenters know to check their inbox, turn on the follow gate to grow followers before delivering the link, or add a follow-up message sent minutes after the link.
Skip everything optional on your first campaign. Ship the simple loop, then layer on gates.
- 6~3 min
/logsGo live and test it
Flip the campaign active, then comment your keyword from a second account. Watch the Logs page: sent, skipped (with the reason — wrong keyword, cooldown, limit), failed, and rate-limited. Check the dashboard for tracked clicks.
Testing from a second account is the fastest way to confirm webhooks are reaching your workspace.
Copy-paste examples
Steal a starting setup for your niche
Pick your niche, copy the keywords and DM reply into the campaign builder, and follow the launch playbook. Swap in your own link — tracking and analytics come along automatically.
DTC Product Link Drop
Turn comments like LINK or SHOP into a private reply with the exact product page, size guide, or launch bundle.
1 · Keywords to paste
LINKSHOPBUY2 · DM reply to paste
Hey there, here is the product link you asked for: https://yourstore.com/product
Try commenting “LINK please” — this is the DM that arrives, with your tracked link attached.
3 · Launch playbook
- 1Pick the reel or post that shows the product clearly.
- 2Use LINK, SHOP, and BUY as the first keywords.
- 3Send a direct product URL with one short benefit line.
- 4Track which product posts create the most sent replies.
Best for
Watch in analytics
Sent replies · Skipped duplicates · Product link CTR
Expected outcome: More warm product conversations from high-intent comments.
FAQ
Stuck? Start here
The most common first-campaign issues and how to fix them.
I commented the keyword but no DM arrived. Why?
Check four things: the campaign is active, the comment is on the scoped post, the keyword matches the match mode, and the Logs page — every skip lists its reason (wrong keyword, cooldown, plan limit).
Can I use a personal Instagram account?
No. Meta's private replies API only works with Business or Creator (professional) accounts. Switch the account type in Instagram settings first — it's free.
Will Instagram flag automatic DMs?
Private replies are an official Meta feature for professional accounts. OpenInstaDM uses that endpoint keyed by comment ID, with queued, rate-limited delivery — no scraping or browser automation.
Can I require people to follow me first?
Yes. Enable the follow gate per campaign: the commenter gets a follow prompt first, and the link is delivered once they follow.
Keep exploring
Related playbooks
Your first campaign is
15 minutes away
Copy an example above, paste it into the builder, and comment your keyword to watch the DM arrive.