How to Auto-Reply to Instagram DMs (2026 Guide)
Set up automatic replies to Instagram DMs in minutes. A step-by-step guide to keyword auto-replies, welcome DMs, and AI answers — using the official API.
By The Tendrify Team · · 6 min read
If your DMs are full of the same questions — "how much?", "what's the link?", "is this available?" — you can answer them automatically. Here's how to set up auto-replies to Instagram DMs in a few minutes, so every message gets an instant answer even while you sleep.
What you'll need
- An Instagram Business or Creator account (a personal account can't use the API)
- A DM automation tool that connects through Instagram's official login — this guide uses Tendrify
- A few common questions you want answered automatically
Set up a keyword auto-reply
- 1Connect your Instagram account in Settings → Instagram.
- 2Create a new flow with a DM trigger.
- 3Add the keywords to watch for — for example: price, link, book.
- 4Choose the match mode: "exact" for the whole message, or "contains" to match the word anywhere.
- 5Write the reply — text, buttons, or a lead form — and turn the status on.
Turn on "any keyword" with a cooldown if you'd rather auto-reply to every DM without listing words. The cooldown stops the same person getting the same reply twice.
Add a welcome DM for new engagement
A welcome flow opens the conversation with people who just engaged. Because Instagram limits unsolicited messages, followers tap to opt in — which opens the 24-hour window and lets your welcome message through, within Meta's rules.
Let AI handle the rest
Keyword replies handle the questions you can predict. For everything else, Conversational AI can answer in your voice using a knowledge base you provide — pricing, offers, FAQs — and hand off to you when a human is needed. Flows handle the known asks; AI handles the long tail.
Frequently asked questions
Can I auto-reply to Instagram DMs for free?
Yes. Tendrify's free plan lets you build DM keyword auto-replies and try them on your real account before upgrading.
Can I auto-reply to every DM, not just keywords?
Yes — enable "any keyword" so the flow replies to every message, and set a cooldown so nobody gets the same reply repeatedly.
Why does Instagram have a 24-hour window?
Meta's rules only let you message someone within 24 hours of their last interaction with you. It prevents spam — so send your reply promptly while the window is open.
Automate your Instagram — free
Connect your Instagram in 60 seconds and set up your first comment-to-DM automation on the free plan.