Skip to content

Instagram DM automation

Turn a DM into
a helpful next step.

A DM keyword starts the conversation. Your flow sends a helpful answer or shop link, with your team ready to take over.

Get started with Waabot
Your businessEXAMPLE

CATALOGUE

Looking for something new? You can explore our collection through the shop link.

Your shop link →
Your words. Your customer experience.
EXAMPLE FLOW
  1. CATALOGUECustomer sends a DM
  2. Keyword matchesYour chosen trigger
  3. Helpful replyFlow starts
01

Choose the message that starts a flow.

Choose the DM keyword that starts your reply.

How this works

Set a keyword such as CATALOGUE or DELIVERY. Choose whether an incoming DM must match the keyword exactly or contain it. Add the keyword to your own calls to action so customers know what to message your business.

EXAMPLE FLOW
  1. Your answerWrite the reply
  2. Your shop linkAdd an HTTPS link
  3. Your collectionCustomer browses
02

Send a clear answer and a useful link.

Give customers an answer and somewhere useful to go.

How this works

Build a sequence of text replies and HTTPS links in the visual editor. Answer a delivery question, explain how to order or point customers to your Waabot shop. You can branch based on the starting DM to make the reply more relevant.

EXAMPLE FLOW
  1. DraftWrite your messages
  2. TestTry a sample DM
  3. PublishWhen you’re ready
03

Test before your customers see it.

Try the conversation before you publish it.

How this works

Try a sample DM in the builder to check keyword matching and the reply path. Save changes as a draft, review the messages and publish when the flow is ready. Editing a draft does not immediately replace the published version.

EXAMPLE FLOW
  1. New DMCustomer needs help
  2. Team handoffPause automation
  3. Personal replyYour team takes over
04

Keep your team in the conversation.

Keep Instagram and WhatsApp conversations in one inbox.

How this works

Add a handoff step when a customer needs help. Manage Instagram and WhatsApp conversations in the same inbox, with channel filters to find each one. Your team can read Instagram messages, reply and take over from automation.

COMING SOON

A comment starts it.
A DM continues it.

Invite someone to comment a keyword. Send a private reply with the next step.

Planned feature. Comment triggers are not available yet.

Your business
Example product post with a leather bag and skincare

Love the collection? Comment SHOP.

A customer SHOP
PRIVATE MESSAGE

Thanks for your interest! Here’s a link to explore our collection.

Your shop link ↗PLANNED EXAMPLE

GET CONNECTED

From setup to your first flow.

An eligible Instagram professional account and an active connection are required. Availability depends on the account permissions and connection setup shown in your dashboard.

  1. Create your Waabot account and connect your Instagram professional account.
  2. Choose a DM keyword, write your replies and add any shop or product links.
  3. Test the flow, check your connection status and publish when you are ready.

Common questions

Does this work with a personal Instagram account?

The connection is designed for Instagram professional accounts. Check your account type and complete the connection steps in Waabot before publishing a flow.

Can a comment trigger an automatic DM?

Comment-to-DM is coming soon. The planned feature will let a comment keyword start a private message. Today, Instagram flows start from incoming DM keywords; comment and story-specific triggers are not yet supported.

Can a flow ask questions and wait for new answers?

Instagram flows support text replies, links, conditions on the starting DM and team handoff. They do not currently pause to collect new answers. Hand the conversation to your team for a longer exchange.

Will connecting import all my old Instagram messages?

Earlier message history is not imported. The inbox handles conversations received through the connected account after setup.

Make your next reply
a helpful one.

Get started