How-to guide
How to auto DM on Instagram
step by step, without risking your account.
Automatic DMs work when someone has just interacted with you, for example by commenting a keyword on your Reel. This guide shows what you need, the exact steps, and what Instagram does not allow.
Last updated October 5, 2026
What you need first
- An Instagram professional account (Business or Creator). Personal accounts cannot use the official messaging API.
- A tool that connects through Instagram's official API. It asks you to log in with Instagram and never asks for your password.
- A reason for the person to be messaged: they commented a keyword, replied to your Story, mentioned you, or messaged you first.
What you can and cannot auto DM
| Situation | Automatic DM? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Someone comments your keyword on your post or Reel | Yes | They started the interaction. You reply with a private message. |
| Someone replies to or mentions you in a Story | Yes | They contacted you. |
| Someone messages you first | Yes, within Instagram's messaging window | You are replying to them. |
| Strangers who never interacted with you | No | Cold outreach is not allowed through the official API. |
| Mass messaging a purchased or scraped list | No | It breaks Instagram's rules and risks your account. |
Instagram's rules and limits change. Check Meta's current documentation if you are unsure about a specific case.
Tips that make it work better
- Use a short, unusual keyword such as GUIDE or PLAN, so it is not triggered by normal comments.
- Put the keyword in your caption and on the video, and say what people will get.
- Keep the first message short, with one clear link or button.
- Add Follow-Gate if you want people to follow you before the link is sent.
- Test with a second account before you publish.
Set up an auto DM in ReplyKaro
- 1
Switch to a professional account
In Instagram, go to Settings and choose to switch to a professional account, then pick Creator or Business.
- 2
Sign in and connect Instagram
Go to ReplyKaro, choose Start free, and log in with Instagram. No password is shared.
- 3
Create the automation
Open Create with AI and pick a template such as Lead magnet, or choose Create Automation. Choose where it runs: a specific Reel, all posts or your next post.
- 4
Set the keyword, message and link
Enter the keyword people will comment, your message and your link, a PDF or products. Turn on Follow-Gate if you want it.
- 5
Test it
Comment the keyword from a second account and check that the DM arrives and the link opens.
- 6
Turn it on and post
Activate the automation and publish a post asking people to comment your keyword. Check results in your dashboard.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to auto DM on Instagram?
You can start free. The ReplyKaro Free plan includes 1 Instagram account, 3 active automations and 1,000 DMs a month.
Will auto DMs get my account banned?
Tools that use Instagram's official API and only message people who interacted with you follow Meta's rules. Tools that use your password or bots that act like a browser are the ones that risk bans.
Do I need a Facebook page?
You need an Instagram professional account. ReplyKaro connects through an Instagram login.
How fast does the DM arrive?
Usually within a few seconds of the comment. When many people comment at once, messages are queued and sent at a safe pace.
Can I DM everyone who follows me?
Not automatically through the official API. You can DM people who comment a keyword, reply to or mention your Story, or message you.
Set up your first auto DM
Connect Instagram, start from a template, and test it before you publish.