Comment-to-DM automation

Send a DM automatically when someone comments on Instagram

Ask followers to comment a word like GUIDE, PRICE or LINK, and OutReply sends each of them a private DM through Meta's private replies: the same message for everyone, or one written by AI for that person. It works on Instagram and Facebook Pages, on the Advanced and Elite plans.

Start free Auto-reply to comments

Free plan, no credit card
Official platform APIs
Review before sending

Comment-to-DM preview

Comment on your Reel

GUIDE 🙋‍♀️

DM sent by your workflow

Here's the free guide you asked for 👉 [your link]. Tell me how it goes!

Illustrative example. Drafts are written from the details you give OutReply.

What people use comment-to-DM for

Lead magnets

“Comment GUIDE and I'll send it to you.” Everyone who comments gets the download link by DM.

Tools for creators and influencers

Price questions

Reply publicly with “Sent you a DM!” and share prices or a quote privately.

Social media for small businesses

Booking links

Send your booking page to anyone who asks about availability.

Social media by industry

Product links

Comment LINK on a product post and the shopper gets the product page in their DMs.

Social media for e-commerce

Move complaints out of public view

Pair an AI check with a DM to take a problem into a private conversation quickly.

Comment moderation

Public reply too

Add a public reply such as “Check your DMs!” so other followers see you answered.

Instagram comment auto-reply

A fixed DM or one written by AI

Pick per workflow: a fixed link suits lead magnets, an AI-written message suits open questions.

Fixed DM

Everyone who comments the keyword gets the same message, such as your guide, discount code or booking link.

“Here's the free guide you asked for 👉 [your link]. Enjoy!”

AI-written DM

The DM is written for that person from their comment, the post and your business details. Each AI message uses 1 credit.

“Hi! The linen shirt in medium is back in stock, here's the link. Shipping to Spain takes 3 to 5 days.”

Meta's rules for comment-to-DM

Comment-to-DM uses Meta's private replies, so every tool that offers it works within the same limits.

Source: Meta's Instagram private replies documentation. Coming from another tool? See OutReply vs Manychat.

One private message per commentEach comment can trigger a single private DM, linked to that comment.
Within 7 days of the commentThe private reply has to be sent within a week of the comment being posted. Workflows send it within moments.
The conversation continues if they replyOnce the person answers your DM, you can keep talking within Meta's standard 24-hour messaging window.
Professional accountsYour Instagram account must be a Business or Creator account connected through Meta's official API.

Set up comment-to-DM in four steps

Connect Instagram
Connect a professional account with Instagram Login or through its Facebook Page.
Pick the post and keyword
Create a workflow on new comments for one post or all posts, with a “contains” rule for your keyword.
Write the DM
Type a fixed message, or add an AI message step that writes it from your business details.
Reply publicly and switch on
Optionally reply “Sent you a DM!” under the comment, then turn the workflow on.

Plans and credits

Flat pricing per plan, not per seat. Each AI reply uses 1 credit.

Free

1 brand, up to 2 social accounts
2 collaborators per brand
30 AI credits a month
AI reply drafts you review and send

Advanced

$30/mo or $300/yr

3 brands, up to 5 social accounts each
10 collaborators per brand
1,300 AI credits a month
Real-time reply, DM and moderation workflows

Elite

$45/mo or $450/yr

10 brands, up to 25 social accounts each
50 collaborators per brand
2,400 AI credits a month
Real-time reply, DM and moderation workflows

Compare plans on the pricing page

Frequently asked questions

What is comment-to-DM automation?

It sends a private message to anyone whose comment matches a keyword you choose. On Instagram and Facebook it uses Meta's private replies, which link the DM to that comment.

How many DMs can I send per comment?

One. Meta allows a single private reply per comment. The conversation can continue if the person replies to your DM.

Is there a time limit?

Yes. Meta only accepts a private reply within 7 days of the comment being posted. OutReply's workflows send it as soon as the comment arrives.

Can the DM be personalised?

Yes. An AI message step writes each DM from the person's comment, the post and your business details, using 1 credit per message. Fixed messages use no credits.

Which plans include comment-to-DM?

Comment-triggered workflows are included on Advanced and Elite. The Free plan drafts AI replies for you to send yourself.

Does it work on Facebook?

Yes. The same workflow can send a private Messenger reply to people who comment on your Facebook Page.

How much does OutReply cost?

Free ($0): 1 brand with up to 2 social accounts and 30 AI credits a month. Advanced ($30/mo or $300/yr): 3 brands with up to 5 social accounts each and 1,300 AI credits a month, plus automation workflows. Elite ($45/mo or $450/yr): 10 brands with up to 25 social accounts each and 2,400 AI credits a month, plus competitor tracking. Each AI reply uses 1 credit, pricing is per plan rather than per seat, and credit packs top you up when you need more.

Instagram comment auto-reply

Tools for creators and influencers