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How to Set Up Auto-DM on Instagram Comments (Step-by-Step Guide)

April 16, 2026By Reply in DM

Auto-DM (automatically sending a direct message when someone comments on your post) is one of the most effective ways to convert Instagram engagement into real business results. Here's how to set it up.

What is auto-DM?

Auto-DM means: someone comments on your Instagram post → they instantly receive a direct message from you with whatever you want to send (a link, discount code, PDF, or text message).

You've seen it in action when creators post "Comment LINK and I'll DM you the details." That's auto-DM.

Why use auto-DM?

•Capture interest at peak moment. When someone comments, they're engaged right now. A DM arrives while they still care.

•Scale your responses. Reply to hundreds of comments without manually sending a single DM.

•Build subscriber lists. Every commenter can become a subscriber you can message later.

•Higher open rates than email. Instagram DMs get 80-90% open rates vs. 20-30% for email.

Step-by-step setup with Reply in DM

Step 1: Create a free account

Go to replyindm.com and sign up with Google or email. No credit card needed.

Step 2: Connect your Instagram account

Click "Connect Account" in your dashboard. You'll go through Meta's official OAuth flow — the same secure login used by every major social media tool. Reply in DM only gets permission to listen for comments and send DMs.

Step 3: Create a post or pick an existing one

You can either:

•Create a new post directly in Reply in DM with media, captions, and scheduling

•Pick an existing post from your feed — Reply in DM will retroactively DM everyone who already commented

Step 4: Set your reply rules

Choose one of two rule types:

Catch-all: Every comment triggers a DM. Good for posts where you want everyone to get your link.

Keyword: Only comments containing specific words (like "LINK", "YES", "DEAL") trigger a DM. Good for targeted engagement.

Then write your DM message. You can include text, links, file attachments, and discount codes.

Step 5: Activate and you're done

Toggle the rule to active. From now on, every qualifying comment gets an instant DM. You can monitor activity, pause rules, and adjust messages from your dashboard.

Tips for better results

•Use a clear call-to-action. "Comment LINK to get the guide" is better than "let me know if you're interested."

•Keep the keyword short. One word (LINK, YES, DEAL, INFO) works best.

•Deliver real value in the DM. A specific link, code, or resource — not just "thanks for commenting."

•Add a subscribe option. Include a subscriber list opt-in so you can broadcast to these people later.

Is this allowed by Instagram?

Yes. Reply in DM uses Meta's official APIs. Auto-DM through official APIs is fully compliant with Instagram's platform policies. Your account stays safe.

What does it cost?

Reply in DM is free forever. Unlimited DMs, posts, and rules. The only difference on the free plan is a small "Sent via replyindm.com" note in DMs. The Pro plan ($9/month) removes it.