Miz DMInstagram auto reply comes in two levels. The free tools inside Instagram greet people and answer FAQs when they message you. Automation tools on the official API go further. They reply to comments, story replies and keywords, and can hand off to AI or a person. Most businesses need both.
Level 1: Free auto replies inside Instagram
Available to Business and Creator accounts through the Instagram app's business tools or Meta Business Suite:
| Tool | Triggered by | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Instant reply | First message someone sends | "Thanks for messaging! We reply within 1 hour." |
| Away message | Messages outside your hours | Set expectations at night |
| FAQs | Person taps a question | Price, delivery, location, timings |
| Saved replies | You tap a shortcut | Answers you type often |
How to set an instant reply (typical path):
- Switch to a professional account if you haven't.
- Open Meta Business Suite → Inbox → Automations (or Instagram settings → Business tools).
- Turn on Instant reply, write the message and save.
- Add 3–4 FAQs with short, specific answers.
Limits: these do not react to comments, story replies or keywords, and they don't save leads anywhere.
Every comment, story reply and DM answered instantly, every person saved as a lead in MizUp CRM, and Miz AI replying for you.
Start free See the demoLevel 2: Automated replies with a DM automation tool
Tools built on Meta's official Instagram API can:
- reply when someone comments a keyword on a post, Reel, Live or ad (comment-to-DM guide),
- reply when someone replies to or mentions your story (story automation),
- reply when a DM contains a keyword like "price" or "address",
- let AI answer open questions from your verified business info (AI DM replies),
- save the person as a lead and follow up.
Auto-reply templates you can copy
Instant reply (free tool)
DM keyword "price"
DM keyword "address" / "location"
After hours
More: 40 keyword and DM templates.
Rules to keep auto replies safe
- Automated messages can be sent within 24 hours of the person's last message.
- A comment can get one private reply, within 7 days.
- Always offer a way to reach a human, and stop messaging when someone says stop.
Read more: Is Instagram DM automation safe?
Which should you use?
| You need | Use |
|---|---|
| Greeting and FAQs | Instagram's free instant reply + FAQs |
| Replies to Reel comments | A DM automation tool |
| Answers to any question, day and night | DM tool + AI with human handoff |
| Follow-ups and sales tracking | DM tool with a CRM |
MizUp Miz DM covers comment, story, Live and DM keyword replies, plus Miz AI (beta) that answers only from your verified information and hands over to your team when it isn't sure. Free to start. Paid plans from ₹99/month + GST.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on auto reply on Instagram?
On a professional account, open Meta Business Suite or the Instagram app settings for business tools and set an instant reply or away message. For keyword or comment-based replies, connect a DM automation tool through the official Meta login.
Can Instagram auto reply to comments?
Instagram native tools do not auto-reply to comments with a DM. A DM automation tool using the official API can post a public reply and send a private DM to the commenter.
Is Instagram auto reply free?
Instant replies, away messages and FAQs are free. Keyword, story and comment automations usually need a third-party tool, many of which have free plans with limits.
Can I auto reply to Instagram DMs with AI?
Yes. Some tools add AI that answers questions from your website and product information. Choose one that hands the chat to a person when it is unsure, rather than guessing prices or policies.