Instagram comment to DM automation: the complete guide

How comment to DM automation works

Every automation has three parts:

1. 1A trigger. One or more keywords, such as LINK, PRICE or GUIDE, on one specific post or on any post or reel.
2. 2A public reply. A short answer under the comment, like "Sent! Check your DMs". Others see it and comment too, which helps the post.
3. 3A private DM. The message that lands in their inbox: text, an image, and buttons that open your link.

Instagram notifies the tool the moment a comment arrives. If the comment contains a keyword, the reply and the DM go out automatically. Nobody has to be online.

Is it allowed by Instagram?

Yes, as long as the tool uses Instagram's official API. Meta gives approved business tools a way to read comments and send private replies to the people who wrote them. That is exactly what comment to DM automation uses.

What you should avoid are tools that ask for your Instagram password or run a bot on your account. They break Instagram's terms and can get your account restricted.

Reachinn is built on the official Instagram Graph API and passed Meta's App Review. You sign in on Instagram's own page, so Reachinn never sees your password, and you can disconnect at any time from Instagram's settings.

What you can send in the DM

• A link, such as a product page, YouTube video, course, WhatsApp chat or booking page.
• An image card (Pro), so the message looks like an offer rather than plain text.
• Up to 3 buttons, each with its own label and link (for example "Shop now" and "Size guide").
• A follow-up (Pro), sent after a delay you choose, to remind people who did not tap.

Tip: put the most important action on the first button and keep the label short. "Get the link" works better than "Click here to view the full product details".

Set it up in Reachinn (about one minute)

1. 1Open Reachinn and tap Continue with Instagram. Your account must be a Business or Creator account (switching from personal is free in Instagram's settings).
2. 2Pick the Link in DM template. It comes with the keyword LINK, three public replies and a DM ready to edit.
3. 3Choose Any post or reel, or pick a specific post so the automation only runs there.
4. 4Add your keywords. You can use up to 10, and Reachinn suggests common misspellings (link, lnk, linkk) so you don't miss anyone.
5. 5Write the DM, add your link or buttons, and switch the automation on.

Now ask your audience to comment the keyword in your caption or on screen in the reel, and Reachinn takes care of every reply.

Ideas that work well

• Creators: "Comment GUIDE for the free PDF" or "Comment LINK for my gear list".
• Shops: "Comment PRICE for price and size details", which keeps prices out of the comments and starts a private chat.
• Coaches: "Comment CALL to book a free session" with a booking link button.
• Launches: the Discount Drop template sends a code only to people who comment.

To grow your following at the same time, turn on the follower gate (Pro). People are asked to follow you before the DM with the link unlocks.

Mistakes to avoid

• Hiding the keyword. Say it clearly in the caption and in the video. People can't comment a word they don't see.
• One public reply for everything. Identical replies look robotic. Reachinn rotates between several replies at random.
• A DM without a clear action. Every DM should have one link or button that does exactly what the post promised.
• Personal accounts. Automation only works on Business or Creator accounts.

Frequently asked questions