Instagram auto reply sends a response automatically when someone comments, messages you or replies to your story. Meta Business Suite covers simple DM replies for free: a greeting, an away message and FAQs. To send a link to every comment in seconds, use a keyword tool approved through Meta App Review, like likecmtshare.
What you can auto reply to
| When someone… | They get |
|---|---|
| Comments a keyword on a reel or post | A DM with your link, plus an optional public reply under the comment |
| Replies to your story | A DM with your link or file |
| Comments during a Live | A DM while you keep streaming |
| Sends you a DM with a keyword | An instant answer |
| Comments on any of your posts | The same reply, from one global keyword |
Does Instagram have a built-in auto reply?
Yes, a basic one. In Meta Business Suite, open Inbox and then Automations. You get:
- Auto reply: a greeting the first time someone messages you
- Away message when you're not available
- Frequently asked questions: up to 4 on Instagram, shown when someone starts a chat
- Custom keywords: desktop only, exact match and case-sensitive, sent after 15 minutes unless you reply first
- Comment to message: sends a DM when a comment contains your keywords or phrases, desktop only
Step-by-step setup, every limit and fixes when it stops working: Meta Business Suite auto reply guide.
Instagram is also rolling out AI auto-replies. They answer DMs only, and you first need to build a creator AI in Meta AI Studio.
Sources: Meta Business Help Centre, About Inbox automations; Instagram Help Centre, FAQs on chats and AI auto-replies. Checked 25 October 2026.
How to set up Instagram auto reply
- Switch to a Business or Creator account. Free, in your Instagram settings, and required by Meta's API.
- Connect Instagram. Log in with the official Meta login. Your password is never shared.
- Pick a reel or post. Or turn the automation on for every post you make.
- Choose the keyword. Something short like LINK or PRICE.
- Write the DM. Add up to 2 link buttons, an image or a PDF.
- Turn it on. Test it by commenting from a second account.
What the follower sees
PRICE
Sent! Check your DMs 💌
Here's the price list and sizes 👇
Open price listAuto reply message examples
Copy one, then change the link and the details.
- Price: "Here's the price list and sizes 👇" with a button to your catalogue
- Link: "All 5 products from this reel 💛" with a button to the shop list
- Freebie: "Your free 7-day plan is ready. Drop your email and I'll send it 📩"
- Booking: "Pick a slot for your free call 📞" with a booking button
- Location: "Follow me and I'll send you the café location 📍" with a follow gate
Want more? The free auto DM template builder has 18 templates by niche and goal.
Is Instagram auto reply safe?
Yes, if the tool uses Instagram's official API and you log in through Instagram itself. Instagram only allows automatic DMs to people who interacted with you first, so it's never cold messaging.
- Use a tool approved through Meta App Review, never one that asks for your password
- Reply only to people who commented, replied or messaged first
- Vary the wording: likecmtshare rotates up to 5 variations per keyword
- Let the tool slow down automatically when a reel goes viral
FAQ
Does Instagram have a built-in auto reply?
Yes, a basic one. Meta Business Suite can send an instant reply to a first message, an away message, answers to up to 4 FAQs, keyword replies (desktop only, sent after 15 minutes unless you reply first) and a comment to message automation (desktop only). Replies in under a second, story replies, Live comments, a follow gate and lead capture need a tool such as likecmtshare.
Is Instagram auto reply free?
Meta Business Suite automations are free. likecmtshare has a free plan with 1,000 auto DMs a month on one account, and paid plans from ₹449 a month.
Can I auto reply to Instagram comments?
Yes. Set a keyword on a reel or post and every comment that contains it gets a DM, plus an optional public reply under the comment. Comment-to-DM is on the free plan; public comment replies are on Pro.
Can I auto reply to story replies?
Yes. When someone replies to your story, likecmtshare can send them a DM with your link or file. Live comments work the same way.
What's the difference between auto reply and auto DM?
Auto reply is any automatic response, public or private. An auto DM is the private message. Most creators use both: a short public reply under the comment and a DM with the link.
Will auto replies get my account banned?
Not with a tool that uses Instagram's official API and logs in through Instagram. Reply only to people who interacted with you first, vary your wording, and let the tool slow down when a reel goes viral. Unofficial bots that ask for your password are the real risk.
Do I need a Business or Creator account?
Yes. Instagram's API and Meta Business Suite automations both need a professional account. Switching is free in your Instagram settings.
Try it free
likecmtshare passed Meta App Review, has a free plan with 1,000 DMs, UPI billing and takes about a minute to set up.
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