How to Set Up Instagram Auto Reply: A Step-by-Step Guide for DMs and Comments

8 Minutes Read

Your Instagram post is a hit. Your comments and DMs are blowing up asking for links. What if this becomes a daily chorus? In a world where at least 50% of Instagram users interact with brands every 24 hours, replying to DMs is a full-time job. Sending links manually for hours to a never-ending stream of messages is tiring, isn’t it? That’s where Instagram Auto reply enters as a saviour, automatically sending links, saving your tremendous time and efforts. This blog is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to set up Instagram auto reply and unleash the true potential of your brand.

What is Instagram auto reply?

Auto reply is a feature that responds to messages when a user types a specific word or message with minimal manual effort. For example, when a user comments “link”, Instagram auto-replies, automatically sends the desired link without your intervention. You can set up automated messages in two ways:

Quick reply – Manual setup
Auto reply – Automated setup

How to set up Quick reply on Instagram?

Do you get the same inquiries every now and then? So, you must be tired of typing the same messages every time, right? To get rid of this unnecessary effort, Instagram has an in-built feature of Quick Replies. However, this feature is only limited to business and creator accounts. Follow these quick steps to enable quick replies with just a few clicks.

Step 1: Go to Account Settings

Click on the three-line menu at the top right.
Select Settings and Privacy option.
Under the’ Creator tools and controls’ option, select the Saved replies option.

Step 2: Create a Quick reply.

Click on the ‘+’ icon at the top right.
In the Shortcut option, add the word that will prompt the quick reply. Make sure the word is short and easy to remember, like Link, Address, etc.
In the Message field, type out the full Instagram auto reply message you want to send when prompted.

Step 3: Send the Quick Reply

Whenever you get a message, type in the shortcut word in the chatbox.
A bubble will appear showing your shortcut message.
Tap on the Bubble and hit send.

Voila! You have successfully established your Quick reply.

How to set up Instagram DM Automation?

Even though Quick Reply is a great feature, it requires manual triggering and is not completely automated. Instagram doesn’t have a built-in feature to completely automate replies. However, you can use third-party apps and platforms to automate replies and enable Instagram chatbots. Some of the best platforms to set up an auto reply are:

Here’s a quick walkthrough on how to set up Instagram Auto reply using a third-party platform.

Step 1: Switch to Business/Creators account

The first requirement of setting up an auto reply bot is to have a professional account.

Step 2: Connect your Instagram to a third-party app

Sign up on Waakif, ManyChat, or any other platform that suits your needs.
Connect your Instagram Account through Meta Business Manager.
Grant the necessary permissions for automation and messaging.

Step 3: Choose the type of Auto reply you want

Most apps allow you to automate:

Send Welcome messages – Greet new followers
FAQ replies – Respond to frequently asked questions, such as price, shipping, and delivery time.
Story DMs – Send DM when someone reacts to your story
Comment Reply: Auto reply to post comments to drive engagement

Step 4: Set up your automated reply flow

Go to the app’s dashboard
Select ‘Automation’ or ‘Create Flow’
Type your Reply messages. For example: Thank you for commenting, here’s your ‘link’.
Add keywords or trigger (When someone types “Price”, send the catalog automatically)

Step 5: Customize replies

Add a touch of personalization, like a username, to make your automated reply sound personal.
Use emojis and a friendly tone to sound more approachable and less robotic.
Add CTA like ‘Shop Now’, ‘Get Offer’, etc.

Step 6: Test your auto reply

Send yourself dm or comment to check if the Instagram auto reply bot is working properly.
Make changes and adjustments if needed.

Ta-da! Your auto reply flow has triumphantly taken flight!

Best Practices for Instagram Auto Replies

To make the most out of your auto reply flow, follow these quick tips:

Personalize the message and use user details as and when possible.
Be clear, concise, and send exactly what’s demanded
Add a human touch by using a friendly tone
Segment responses, such as FAQs, comment replies, DM replies, etc., for better management
Monitor the automated flow and make changes timely manner to maximize its potential

Why set up Instagram Dm automation?

Setting up Instagram DM automation with waakif is a win-win situation, as Waakif offers a great deal of features at the most affordable rates. Have a look at what all you get on signing up with Waakif:

Instantly reply to comments with ready templates
Easy Instagram DM automation with ready-made templates
Ask customers to tag you in posts and reward them with loyalty points
Directly send product offers to potential customers
Run a viral giveaway with ease and pick up winners automatically from comments
Enable DM to contest – Customers send a keyword and get a quick quiz, and unlock discounts by answering it correctly

All this feature enhances your brand’s credibility and visibility, and due to quick replies, customer satisfaction is enhanced, improving the brand’s trustworthiness.

Instagram auto reply message template

Here are some Instagram auto-reply message templates you can use right away.

Welcome message: When someone sends the first message
- Hey there! 💌 Thanks for sliding into our DMs. We love chatting with our community. What brings you here today?
- Hi [Name] 👋 , Thanks for reaching out! We’ll get back to you shortly. Meanwhile, check our latest collection here: [link]. ✨
Pricing inquiries: When someone sends “Price”, “Cost”, etc.
- Thanks for asking 💜 . Prices vary based on design. You can explore all options here 👉 [link].
- Our products start at just ₹499 ✨ . Here’s the catalog: [link]. Do you want me to share current offers too?
Order related
- We’re excited to serve you! 🛒 You can place your order directly on our website here: [link].
- Want to book? ✅ Just reply with Book Now and we’ll send you the payment & confirmation details.
Customer support
- Sorry to hear you’re facing trouble 💙 . Kindly tell us your concern, and we’ll fix it ASAP.
- We’re here to help! 😊 Please share your order ID so our team can resolve your query quickly.
Comment/Story replies
- Thanks for showing love 💖 . We’ve just DMed you a little surprise 🎁.
- Your support means the world 🌎✨ . Check your inbox for something special!
Discounts and Offers
- Lucky you! 🎉 Use code WELCOME10 to get 10% OFF on your first order 💕 . Shop here: [link].
- Yes, we’ve got offers just for you 😍 Tap here to claim 👉 [link].
Outside business hours
- Thanks for reaching out 🌙 Our team is offline right now, but we’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Meanwhile, you can explore FAQs here 👉 [link].
- Hi there 👋 We’ve received your message. Our support team works Mon–Sat, 10 AM–6 PM. Expect a reply soon!
For food/ meal prep/ cloud kitchen
- Hey foodie, 😋 Thanks for DMing us! 🍴 Our weekly meal menu is here 👉 [link]. What’s your craving today?
- Want to place an order? ✅ Just reply ORDER and we’ll send you today’s menu + payment link.
- Yum! 🥗 Use code FIRSTBITE for flat ₹50 OFF on your first meal box. Order now 👉 [link].
For customised/handmade gifts
- Hi [Name] 💜 , Thanks for showing interest in our resin art! ✨ Every piece is handmade and customizable. Explore 👉 [link].
- Planning a celebration? 🥳 Tell us the occasion, and we’ll suggest the perfect hamper for you!
- Special deal for you ✨ : Free shipping on all orders above ₹999. Order today 👉 [link].

Conclusion

Get excited—it’s time to set up your Instagram auto reply! With these handy templates at your fingertips, you’re just a few steps away from enhancing your engagement effortlessly. Follow this quick guide and watch your interactions soar with your new auto replies!

Start automating today with Waakif (or your tool of choice) and free up your time for what matters most—growing your brand