Comment-to-DM automation
Send a DM automatically when someone comments on Instagram
Turn matching comments into private conversations. Send a supplied link or an AI-written response through a comment-triggered workflow.
Account creation is free. Comment workflows require Advanced and Elite.
- Official Meta APIs
- Fixed or AI-written DMs
Comment-to-DM preview
Comment on your Reel
GUIDE 🙋♀️
Your fixed DM
Here's the free guide you asked for 👉 [your link]. Tell me how it goes!
Illustrative example. Sending requires an active workflow and an eligible comment.
What people use comment-to-DM for
Lead magnets
“Comment GUIDE and I'll send it to you.” Use a matching keyword to send your download link privately.
Tools for creators and influencersPrice questions
Share your supplied price list privately when a comment matches your rule.
Social media for small businessesBooking links
Send your booking page for matching questions about appointments.
Social media by industryProduct links
Use LINK as a keyword and put the relevant product URL in your fixed DM.
Social media for e-commerceOffer private support
Invite a customer to share details privately. A DM does not hide their comment or resolve the issue.
Comment moderationPublic reply too
Add a public reply step if useful. Avoid saying a DM was delivered before confirming the send succeeded.
Instagram comment auto-replyTry a comment-to-DM rule
Preview only. Nothing is sent or saved.
The “contains” rule is case-sensitive.
Keyword matches
Example fixed DM
Here’s your guide: [your link]. Reply if you have a question.
A match can enter your DM step. Delivery depends on your active workflow, account permissions and Meta’s limits.
Matching and message options
“Contains” also matches part of a word: GUIDE matches GUIDES. Uppercase and lowercase are different. This preview checks one rule; it does not create a workflow.
Use a fixed DM for a supplied link, or an AI message step for a contextual response. Give AI the facts it needs; it cannot infer current stock or delivery dates.
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 commentFor posts and Reels, the private reply must be sent within 7 days. An enabled workflow still depends on incoming events and API permissions.
- 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 case-sensitive “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.
Enable and test
Turn the workflow on, test a fresh matching comment, and check the result and the recipient’s message requests.
Plans and credits
Flat pricing per plan, not per seat. Each AI reply uses 1 credit.
Free
$0
- 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
Frequently asked questions
What is comment-to-DM automation?
It uses a matching comment to trigger a private message. 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. Delivery also depends on the workflow running, permissions and Meta accepting the request.
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.
Why did my keyword not trigger a DM?
OutReply’s contains rule is case-sensitive: GUIDE matches GUIDE please and GUIDES, but not guide please. Check the selected account and post, workflow status and account permissions. A matching rule alone does not confirm delivery.
Where will the private reply appear?
Meta says it appears in the inbox for followers, or message requests for people who do not follow your account. Ask the recipient to check requests. Follow-up messages require their response and must stay within the permitted messaging window.
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.
Turn comments into conversations automatically
Account creation is free. Comment workflows require Advanced and Elite.