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Instagram Comment to DM Automation: Auto-Send a DM When Someone Comments (Step by Step)

Send an automatic DM when someone comments a keyword on your Reel. Setup steps, Meta rules (7 days, one reply per comment), templates and mistakes to avoid.

By the MizUp team · · 4 min read

Comment-to-DM automation sends a private message to anyone who comments a chosen word on your post or Reel. Someone types "PRICE", and within seconds they get a DM with the price and a link. A public reply under their comment tells others to check their inbox. This is the most common Instagram automation in 2026, because it turns Reel views into conversations you can sell to.

How it works (and the Meta rules behind it)

It runs on Meta's official private replies feature of the Instagram API. The rules, from Meta's developer documentation:

RuleWhat it means for you
Private reply within 7 days of the commentOld comments can't be messaged later
One private reply per commentMake the first DM count
Follow-ups only if the person replies, within 24 hours of their replyAsk a question in your first DM so they reply
Live comments: only during the broadcastSet up Live triggers before you go live
Works on posts, Reels, stories, Live and ad postsUse it on ads too

You also need an Instagram professional (Business or Creator) account.

Try Miz DM

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 demo

Step-by-step setup (5 minutes)

Shown with MizUp Miz DM. Most tools follow the same steps.

  1. Connect Instagram. Log in through Meta's official screen. You should never type your Instagram password into the tool.
  2. Choose the post. A specific Reel, any post, or your next post. "Next post" is useful when you are about to publish.
  3. Set the keyword. One clear word: PRICE, LINK, GUIDE, BOOK. Add the common misspellings and Hindi versions people type (e.g. "price", "prize", "rate", "kitna").
  4. Write the public reply. Short and varied, for example "Check your DMs 👋". Rotate 3–4 versions so it doesn't look robotic.
  5. Write the DM. Greeting with their name, one line of value, one button with your link.
  6. Test it. Comment from another account and check the DM arrives.
  7. Activate, then tell people the keyword in your caption and on screen in the Reel.

A DM that converts: template

Hi {first_name}! 👋 Here's the price list for the Diwali gift boxes you asked about. Delivery across India before 25 October. [See prices] Want help choosing? Reply with your budget and we'll suggest 3 options.

Why it works: it names what they asked for, gives the link straight away, and ends with a question. If they reply, your 24-hour window opens for follow-ups.

More examples: 40 comment keywords and DM templates.

Keyword vs "any comment"

TriggerUse it forWatch out
Keyword (PRICE, LINK)Product launches, lead magnets, bookingsPeople who just say "nice" get nothing, which is fine
Any commentGiveaways, maximum reachYou'll DM people who weren't interested

7 mistakes that kill results

  1. Hiding the keyword. Put it in the first line of the caption and on screen.
  2. A long first DM. One idea, one link.
  3. No question at the end. Without a reply you can't follow up.
  4. Same public reply every time. Rotate it.
  5. Link to your homepage. Link to the exact product or booking page.
  6. No tracking. You won't know which Reel made money. Use UTM links or a tool that tracks revenue per Reel.
  7. Leaving leads in the inbox. Save them to a CRM and assign someone to follow up. See lead management process.

After the DM: turning comments into sales

Most DM tools stop once the link is sent. With MizUp, the same contact moves on to:

  • a lead in MizUp CRM with source, keyword and Reel name,
  • a follow-up sequence (and WhatsApp via MizUp CLM if they share their number),
  • a GST invoice and UPI payment in MizUp Finance,
  • revenue per Reel reporting.

Start comment-to-DM free. The free plan includes 50 DMs a month, and paid plans start at ₹99/month + GST.

Frequently asked questions

How do I send an automatic DM when someone comments on Instagram?

Connect your Instagram professional account to a DM automation tool through the official Meta login, choose the post or Reel, set a keyword such as PRICE, write the DM with your link and activate it. When someone comments that word, the tool sends them a private reply.

How long after a comment can a DM be sent?

Under Meta rules, a private reply to a comment can be sent within 7 days of the comment. For Instagram Live, it must be sent during the broadcast.

Can I send more than one DM to a commenter?

Only one private reply per comment. You can send follow-up messages only if the person replies, and then within 24 hours of their reply.

Do I need a business account for comment to DM?

You need an Instagram professional account, which means Business or Creator. Switching from personal is free in the Instagram settings.

Should the DM trigger on a keyword or on every comment?

Use a keyword when you want qualified leads and clean analytics. Trigger on every comment for giveaways or when you want maximum reach.