How to Send Automatic DMs on Instagram (Step-by-Step)
Learn how to send automatic DMs on Instagram the safe way — keyword replies, comment-to-DM, and Ice Breakers, all through the official API.
By The Tendrify Team · · 6 min read
You can send automatic DMs on Instagram — as long as you're replying to people who interacted with you, not cold-messaging strangers. There are three reliable ways to do it, all within Instagram's rules. Here's each one.
Can you send automatic DMs on Instagram?
Yes, reactively. Instagram lets you message someone within 24 hours of their last interaction — a comment, a DM, a story reply. Automation sends the right message the moment that happens. What you can't do is blast unsolicited DMs to people who never engaged; that's against the rules.
Method 1 — Keyword auto-reply in DMs
- 1Create a flow with a DM trigger.
- 2Add keywords like price, link, or book.
- 3Write the reply and turn the status on — matching DMs now get an instant answer.
Method 2 — Comment-to-DM
- 1Create a flow with a Comment trigger on a post or reel.
- 2Set a keyword (like LINK) or reply to any comment.
- 3Add the DM to send — the comment opens the 24-hour window automatically.
Method 3 — Ice Breakers
Ice Breakers are tappable prompts people see when they open a chat with you. When they tap one, your automation replies instantly — a compliant way to start conversations with new engagement.
Send promptly. The 24-hour window starts ticking at the person's last interaction, so instant automated replies land while interest is highest.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a DM to everyone who comments?
Yes — set up a comment-to-DM flow with 'any keyword' so every commenter gets an automatic DM, with a cooldown to avoid repeats.
Can I send automatic DMs to new followers?
No — Instagram doesn't allow messaging every new follower automatically. Instead, set up Ice Breakers: tappable prompts people see when they open a chat, which start the conversation and let your automation reply within Meta's rules.
Is sending automatic DMs free?
Tendrify's free plan includes DM automation so you can try it on your real account.
Automate your Instagram — free
Connect your Instagram in 60 seconds and set up your first comment-to-DM automation on the free plan.