How to Set Up Instagram Automated Messages (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Looking for how to set up Instagram automated messages to boost account engagement and sales? If yes, this article is for you. Scroll down and learn everything you need to know about setting up Instagram automated messages easily.

Your audience is continuously engaging with you. Are you listening fast enough? That’s the problem most content creators, influencers, and brands face in their everyday lives. 

Every time you share a post, carousel, or reel on Instagram, your comment section becomes a rush of reactions, emojis, monotone comment queries, and DMs. This results in missed comment replies, unanswered DMs, and, more importantly, slower engagement. And before you know it, you’re already buried in a pile of comment queries and DMs you meant to reply to “later”. 

This is exactly where you need to set up Instagram automated messages.

With Instagram automated messages, you can welcome new followers, auto reply to post and reel comments, auto respond to direct messages, share links, and boost engagement.  Whether your follower asks about pricing on your reel or comments “interested” on your post, setting up Instagram automated messages that instantly respond with direct messages. And the free Instagram automation tools like Earnly Magic Link help you build keyword-based workflows, auto-reply to comments and DMs, and send link DMs effortlessly.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to set up Instagram automated messages the right way for creators, including:

• Native Instagram auto-replies
• Keyword-based automation
• Welcome messages
• DM workflows using tools like Earnly Magic Link
• Real templates you can copy-paste

Understanding Instagram Automated Messages

Let’s learn what exactly Instagram automated messages are.

Instagram automated messages are personalized pre-written responses that trigger automatically to boost engagement and conversions when a user takes a specific action on your account. Think of them as your personalized replies on autopilot that act based on user behavior. For instance, when someone comments with smart triggers like “details?” on your reel or DMs you for a link, Instagram automation steps in to respond instantly, keeping the conversation going without waiting for you to log in. 

At its core, Instagram automated messages work in three parts:

1. Comment triggers (Smart triggers)
2. DM automation (Inbox triggers)
3. Workflow logic

Comment Triggers: Auto-reply To Monotonous Comment Queries

Let’s say you post a reel about a new skincare routine. Hundreds of followers comment things like “price?”, “link?”, or “where to buy?” You could either reply to each comment query manually, sending the same response. Or, you could set up keyword-based automation.

Here’s how comment triggers work.

When someone comments on your post or reel with a trigger keyword like “price please,” the automation instantly responds. The auto reply could be a direct message to the user, and a public reply under the comment, guiding them to check DM. 

The Instagram auto-reply setup helps you instantly respond to users’ comments in real time and boost engagement.

Direct Message Automation: Inbox Conversations That Run Themselves

Instagram DMs are where your user engagement turns into decisions. Automating your Instagram DMs enables you to create a funnel that provides personalized experience with human-like replies in real-time.

Follower messages can trigger Instagram automated flows based on:

1. Smart trigger keywords like “guide,” “collab,” or “shipping info”
2. Post comment triggers that lead users into your DMs
3. Entry points such as story replies or profile link clicks

The Instagram DM automation setup keeps your conversation natural, personalized, and non-spammy. The best Instagram automated messages tools guide, qualify, and eventually convert your followers, without waiting for you to log in.

Workflow Logic: The Real Brains Behind the System

What separates good automation from spam replies is the logic behind it. Most new-age automation tools allow you to create DM workflows based on user input.

Here’s what a basic automation workflow might include:

• Trigger input: Comment or DM contains a specific word/phrase
• Automated message: Custom auto reply response based on user action
• User reply routing: Based on response, message flow continues down Path A, B, or C
• Exit triggers: If the user stops replying or completes a goal, the sequence ends

This structure allows for personalization and adaptability. You can segment users, ask questions, and deliver content that aligns with their interests instead of sending the same cold message to everyone. 

Why Instagram Automated Messages Matter in 2026

The real power of Instagram for content creators and brands isn’t just in views and likes. It’s in the comments and DMs. That’s where your audience speaks directly to you, asking, reacting, and showing intent. When those comment queries and messages are kept unanswered for a long time, it reduces engagement and, even more, potential conversions.

That’s where Instagram DM automation can be the best social media strategy to keep your users engaged. Automating replies across your Instagram comments and direct messages helps you manage high volume while still keeping conversations active and meaningful. Here are some of the top reasons why setting up Instagram automated messages matters most in 2026. 

1. Quicker Response Times = Enhanced Engagement

Prompt replies on Instagram matter the most. Since your followers are talking to you in real time, replying late can mean missing out on interest. This is especially when your followers’ asking how to buy a product or register for a service. By setting up Instagram automated messages, you can reply to your followers’ queries in real time. For example:

• When someone types “price” on your reel, they get a message within seconds with the Instant DM feature.
• With Instagram auto-replies on comments, no comment queries are left unanswered.

Quicker replies to user comments and DMs often lead to deeper engagement. Your followers feel acknowledged, and every interaction becomes the entry point for long-term relationships.

2. Reduced Manual Work = More Time for High-Impact Tasks

If you have fewer comments and DMs to reply daily, that can be easily done manually without investing much time. In case your daily content receives a high volume of comments, that’s a lot of replies to send. Responding to each comment now becomes a tedious task and requires hours of manual work. 

With Instagram automation, you can save hours of work spent on handling repetitive replies.

3. Consistent Replies = Elevated Follower Satisfaction

Your trust among the followers builds when you respond promptly, and your communication stays consistent. That’s hard to maintain with manual replies, especially when you’ve to handle a large number of comments and DMs.

Instagram automated messages setup gives you control over how you speak to your followers. You can even maintain a tone of voice and include facts or other critical information. Every DM or comment reply you send can be:

• Personalized message written in your voice
• Tested across multiple segments (like first-time engagers vs returning fans)
• Localised with Hinglish or in your regional language

Instagram auto responder not only helps you engage with your followers timely manner, but also maintains a consistent brand voice.

4. Boost Conversions = Higher Income

Most leads on Instagram arrive in the form of DMs, while others drop quick comments like “link”, “price”, “interested”, etc. Replying late often leads to missed conversions, especially when the commenter is ready to purchase or take action. 

Automated Instagram messages let you:

• Reply instantly as soon as someone comments on your post or reel
• Share links directly to the commenter’s inbox
• Route leads to WhatsApp, your website, or a sales page instantly
• Send multi-step reply flows to generate leads or upsells

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up Instagram Automated Messages

Whether you’re managing an influencer account, or a brand page on Instagram, automation isn’t a luxury in 2026. It is the only way to handle followers’ interactions timely and consistent, while you focus on creating engaging content. Here’s how content creators, influencers, and brands can easily set up Instagram automated messages that actually engage, convert, and carry your voice.

Step 1: Choose an Automation Tool Built for Instagram

There are thousands of Instagram automation tools available in the market, but not all play well with Instagram. Start your Instagram DM automation setup journey by selecting a tool that is Instagram-approved and connects directly through Meta’s official APIs. This ensures two things: 

• Your account stays compliant with Instagram’s messaging policies.
• You’re able to manage both comments and DMs with one tool.

Magic Link by Earnly.in is a powerful Instagram automation tool that enables creators and brands to send automatic DMs triggered by comments on posts and reels. Built on official Meta APIs, it’s a free, Instagram-approved solution designed specifically for influencers and businesses aiming to grow through message automation.

With the Magic Link automation tool, you can deliver personalized messages, share exclusive offers or links instantly, and nurture leads without manual effort. The tool is easy to set up, requires no coding, and helps boost engagement, drive traffic, and convert followers into customers, all from your Instagram inbox.

Step 2: Connect Your Instagram Account With Automation Tool

Once you’ve picked your Instagram DM workflow automation tool, link your Instagram account. Most automation tools will require account permissions flow that connects your profile securely. Before connecting your account for Instagram DM automation setup, make sure it is a business or creator account, as the Instagram auto-reply setup won’t work in personal accounts.

Step 3: Set Trigger Keywords for Comments

Once you have successfully connected your Instagram account with the Instagram automation tool, now is the time for Instagram auto-reply setup. To automate post and reel comments or trigger DMs from post engagement, list a set of trigger keywords that should activate a response. 

Think in words or phrases that your followers use the most. For example:

• “Link”, or “Link please”
• “Price”, or “Pp”
• “DM”
• “Offer”
• “Guide”
• “Interested”
• “Freebie”

Be sure to connect the trigger keyword with a message flow. For example, when someone comments “Link”, they might get a comment reply that says, “Thanks! I’ll DM you in a sec”, and then immediately receive a personalized DM with your link.

Step 4: Create Personalized Responses That Sound Like You

This is the point where most content creators and brands started losing. Automation doesn’t mean to sound robotic or send the same responses again and again. Take time to craft pre-written responses that sound natural and human-like. Keep them short, friendly, and actionable. 

Build templates for:

• Public replies on post and reel comments
• Private DMs triggered from comments
• DM replies triggered from inbox messages

You can even add emojis, Hinglish, or brand phrases to keep the conversation natural and human-like.

Here’s a simple Instagram automation template to start with:

• Hook: “Hey! 👋 Thanks for reaching out.”
• Info: “Here’s the info you asked for 👉 [link].”
• CTA: “Hit reply if you’ve got any questions!”

Create multiple variations of pre-written responses for each scenario so your followers aren’t getting the same response every time. Rotate pre-written messages for trigger keywords as well to keep it dynamic.

Step 5: Test Your Automation and Launch

Before launching your Instagram DM workflow automation, run a few tests to ensure that your instant replies are working correctly. Here, you need to check: 

• Trigger every keyword manually from a test account
• Ensure Instagram auto reply messages are sending correctly
• Check message tone, punctuation, and emoji rendering
• Check that the links are delivered correctly

These are the simple steps to get started with Instagram automated messaging. Some chatbots may also require setting up conversation flows to fully leverage the power of Instagram DM workflow automation.

Step 6: Keep Your Automation Updated and Monitored

Review your Instagram DM automation setup every 3-4 weeks. Look out for auto-reply messages that need an update, replace outdated links with newer ones, add new trigger keywords based on followers’ comments, and ensure your brand tone is still consistent.

Check for common drop-offs and improve DM workflow where needed. For example, if your DM replies stop after a second message, maybe message one isn’t clear enough. Optimize the auto-reply message flow to keep the conversation going.

Why Earnly Magic Link is the Best Free Instagram Automation Tool for DMs and Comments

If you’re serious about Instagram automation, you need a tool that is easy to set up, fast, native to your content, and most importantly, Instagram-approved.

Magic Link by Earnly is an Instagram-approved DM automation tool designed to turn follower comments into meaningful conversations, and those conversations into sales through link-based DMs. Built on official Meta APIs, Magic Link offers safe, customizable messaging automation for both Instagram comments and DMs with smart, trigger-based logic.

Here are the reasons you should choose Earnly Magic Link as your prime Instagram DM automation tool. 

1. Easy Instagram DM Automation Setup That Anyone Can Use

Earnly Magic Link is designed in a way that anyone can set up Instagram automated messages within minutes. There’s no complex dashboard, no API or tech setup required, and no delays waiting for connections across multiple apps. To deploy Instagram DM workflow automation with Earnly Magic Link:

• You connect your Instagram account with Earnly Magic Link.
• You configure Instagram automated messages setup with trigger keywords, pre-written responses, and links.
• Your follower comments with a trigger keyword or phrase.
• The automation system instantly responds with a pre-written message based on that input.

2. Free Instagram DM Automation Tool – No Cost. No Catch.

Instagram automation should be easily accessible to all, not only to big brands with deep pockets. Most Instagram automation tools available online come with a heavy subscription or offer very little automation flexibility in their free versions. That’s not the case with Earnly Magic Link.

Magic Link by Earnly is a free Instagram DM automation tool for all, whether you’re a content creator, solopreneur, regional influencer, or an early-stage brand. Unlike other IG automation tools, Earnly Magic Link offers: 

• Unlimited comment replies.
• Unlimited DMs.
• Unlimited post links.
• No cap on automation workflows 

Magic Link provides you with complete access to DM automation without any limits. That alone makes Earnly Magic Link automation tool stand out, especially when most alternatives come with several limitations on their free account.

3. Built for Instagram – Not a Generic Bot

Earnly Magic Link is designed specifically for Instagram DM automation, including all the things content creators and brands actually want:

• Send personalized DMs when followers interact in a post or Reel with a trigger keyword. 
• Deliver customized replies instantly when someone comments on Instagram posts or Reels with a trigger keyword. 
• Share product links, lead magnets, PDFs, offers, etc., directly in Instagram DMs.

And since Earnly Magic Link uses Instagram’s official APIs, you won’t get flagged or penalized for automation.

4. Compatible with Instagram’s Messaging Policies

Instagram has pretty strict rules when it comes to automation. If you use any tool, bot, or Chrome extension that offers automation without official Meta API access, you risk your account getting shadowbanned, blocked from DMs, or flagged by the platform.

Earnly Magic Link is built in full compliance with Instagram’s API permissions, meaning your account stays safe for Instagram DM automation.

5. No API. No Complex Setup Required

Unlike several Instagram automated messages tools where you need integrations, plug-ins, or complex workflow setups, Earnly Magic Link is quite simpler. You can easily configure Instagram DM automation workflows in just a few clicks. Just log in once, create your flows, and access your Magic Link. No technical or coding skills are needed.

Conclusion and Next Steps for Content Creators and Brands

You don’t need to spend hours replying to repetitive comments and DMs. You just need a smart Instagram automated messages tool.

By now, it is very clear what Instagram automated messages can do. It is one of the smartest social media strategies to streamline your communication and engage with your audiences in real time. With the right Instagram DM automation tool in place, you can acknowledge repetitive comments, turn every comment query into a consistent touch point, reply instantly to DMs, deliver links automatically, and increase engagement without manual effort. 

Whether you’re a solo creator, influencer, or a growing brand, the way you handle followers’ interactions can define your growth. Posts and reels drive your reach, but it is the comments and DM replies that bring engagement, build trust, and push followers to act or purchase. By setting up next-gen Instagram DM automation tools like Earnly Magic Link, you get advanced features like keyword-based automation, DM workflows, and automatic link sharing. 

Let’s revisit how to set up Instagram Automated Messages:

• Connect your Instagram account with automation tools like Magic Link
• Define trigger keywords that will start the Instagram automation
• Set auto-replies that sound natural and human-like.
• Test and launch your automation

And why you need Instagram automated messages setup on your creator or business account:

• Real-time replies to comments on reels and posts, bridging the gap between intent and action
• DM workflows that answer questions, share links, and qualify DMs
• Personalized messaging that reflects your tone, feels natural, and adapts to Hinglish or regional styles
• Scalable systems that remove the pressure of always being online

Try Earnly Magic Link today, and start taking every Instagram reel, post, and DM conversation to the next level!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Instagram automation?

Instagram automation is a process of automating routine tasks like scheduling posts, sending auto-replies to comments and DMs, and engaging with users in real time by using social media automation tools and workflows. These tools not only save time but also maintain a consistent presence and engagement without any manual effort.

Q: Are Instagram automated messages allowed?

Yes, Instagram automated messages are allowed on creator and business accounts as long as you use a tool that complies with Instagram policies. Meta’s own automation tool, Meta Business Suite, offers basic automation features like auto-replies, away messages, and automated responses via chatbots. There are also third-party automated messaging tools, such as Earnly Magic Link, that use Meta-approved APIs and follow Instagram policies for Instagram messaging automation.

Q: How to set up direct messages on Instagram?

Here are the steps to set up direct messages on Instagram:

• Make sure your Instagram account is switched to a Creator or Business account.
• Go to settings and open a professional dashboard.
• Now go to messages.

From here, you can manage your DM settings and enable features like Instant Replies, Away Messages, and FAQ responses.

For advanced direct message set up, like keyword-triggered replies, DM funnels, and link delivery, you need to comment on your Instagram account to DM automation tools like Earnly Magic Link. This tool provides you personalization and automates Instagram messages at scale at zero cost.

Q: Can I set up automated messages for a personal account?

No, you can not set up Instagram automated messages on your personal Instagram account. To enable automated messages, you need to switch your personal account to a Business or Creator account. Professional accounts activate messaging tools, automation features, and third-party integrations required for Instagram DM automation.

Q: Are Instagram automation tools free?

The native Meta Business Suite is completely free to use. Magic Link is another free Instagram automation tool, which is Instagram-approved and offers advanced features like keyword triggers, auto-replies, DM funnels, and automatic link delivery. Several other third-party tools offer Instagram DM automation setup by getting their paid subscription.

Q: Which tool is best for Instagram DM automation setup?

The best tool for Instagram DM automation setup depends on your business goals. However, if you want a powerful, cost-free, yet easy-to-use tool that offers keyword triggers, automated replies, link delivery, and DM funnels, Earnly Magic Link stands out as a top choice. It’s Meta-approved, complies with Instagram policies, and is designed for creators, brands, and small businesses who want to automate Instagram DMs beyond the basic auto-replies.

Why Earnly Magic Link is a great choice:

• Zero cost: Magic Link is a free Instagram automation tool  
• Keyword-triggered automation: Auto-replies to followers’ queries and DMs with customized replies
• Automatic link delivery: Perfect for delivering affiliate links, landing pages, freebies, guides, or offers instantly
• Easy setup: No coding or technical knowledge required
• Conversion-focused workflows: Built to help you generate leads and increase engagement

Instagram itself provides native auto-replies, such as Instant Replies, Away Messages, and FAQs for Business/Creator accounts. Additionally, tools like ManyChat and MobileMonkey are popular for more complex chatbot flows. For straightforward, high-impact Instagram DM automation with a focus on delivering value (like links and resources), Earnly Magic Link is often the best free option to get started.

Q: How to automate Instagram messages for free?

You can automate Instagram messages for free either via Meta Business Suite or by using third-party Instagram DM automation tools like Earnly Magic Link. Magic Link provides advanced Instagram DM automation setup for comment replies, DM funnels, and link delivery at zero cost.

Q: How to turn on auto DM?

To turn on auto DM on Instagram, you need a third-party Instagram automation tool like Earnly Magic Link. This is because Instagram does not have a native auto DM feature for comments. This can easily be done with Magic Link by connecting your account, setting a trigger keyword, and creating an automated message with links or info. 

Q: What risks are associated with Instagram automated messages?

There are significant risks involved with Instagram automated messages through unauthorized tools, APIs, and Chrome plugins, which are not compliant with Instagram policies. The major ones include account suspension, permanent deletion, security vulnerabilities, and damage to brand reputation. However, Instagram-approved tools like Earnly Magic Link, which uses Meta’s official APIs, make the Instagram automated messages safe.