Story reply
They reply to the Story. You DM the link while it is still live.
Instagram DM automation
Automate Your Instagram DMs
Not only comments. CommentLink is Instagram messaging automation: automate Instagram DMs from posts, Reels, Stories, keywords, follow-gates, lead capture and the shared inbox — plus WhatsApp in the same workspace.
Free to use · No credit card · Instagram Business or Creator account
Scope
DM automation is bigger than comment-to-DM
Comment-to-DM is one trigger: someone comments, they get a message. Instagram DM automation is the rest of the inbox as well — Story replies, first-message openers, follow-ups you designed, and a human taking over when the script runs out.
CommentLink is Instagram and WhatsApp Business. It does not automate Facebook Messenger, SMS, email campaigns, or TikTok. If you need that wider stack, a multi-channel tool such as ManyChat may fit better. If you want Instagram DMs without buying credits, this is the product.
Inbox automation is the other half: once the DM exists, your team can answer from a shared queue, leave notes, and assign chats. Welcome openers cover people who wrote you first instead of commenting. Flows cover the cases where one message is not enough — qualify, branch, then hand off. None of that replaces comment-to-DM; it sits around it.
What you can automate
Capabilities CommentLink actually ships
Nothing here is a roadmap item. If it is on this list, it is in the app.
Comment-triggered DMs
Posts and Reels: a keyword or any comment starts a DM. Optional public reply on the same comment. This is the core comment-to-DM path.
Story reply automation
When someone replies to your Story, send the promo, booking page, or answer while the Story is still up.
Story mention DMs
Someone tags you in their Story. Send a thank-you DM — a good place for a code or the link you want reshared.
Welcome openers
When a new Instagram conversation starts, show up to four tappable buttons so they pick book, browse, track, or talk to a person.
Follow-gate and link delivery
Hold the URL until they follow (they tap I'm following, then a Meta follow check), or send the link in the first DM.
Lead capture
Ask for an email or phone number in the DM before the file or link goes out. Contacts land in your list with the thread attached.
Flows
Multi-step DM journeys on a canvas: ask a question, branch, wait, follow up, hand off to a human.
Inbox automation
Instagram and WhatsApp in one queue. Auto-handle the repetitive questions; assign the rest. Broadcasts use Meta-approved WhatsApp templates.
Stories
Story replies and mentions, not only comments
Story mention
They tag you. You thank them in DM instead of discovering it the next day.
Comment triggers are documented on Instagram comment to DM. Public versus private replies are on Instagram auto reply. Holding the link for a follow is Instagram follow gate.
Limits that still apply
Official APIs, not unlimited blasting
CommentLink does not sell DM packs, but Meta still rate-limits Instagram messaging. A viral Reel queues sends rather than dropping them. After 24 hours without a user action, WhatsApp needs an approved template to reopen a chat — that window is Meta's, on every vendor. Instagram DMs from CommentLink start from a comment, Story reply, mention, or inbound message, not from a purchased audience list.
You still need a Creator or Business Instagram account linked to a Facebook Page. Personal accounts cannot use messaging automation. Connecting never uses your Instagram password — Meta's login is the only door. The free Instagram DM automation page lists what CommentLink bills (nothing) versus what Meta may bill on WhatsApp.
Setup
From empty inbox to first automation
Connect Instagram (and WhatsApp if you use it)
Official Meta login for Instagram. Embedded signup for WhatsApp Business. No passwords stored by CommentLink.
Pick the moment
A post comment, a Reel, a Story reply, a mention, or an inbox opener — each has its own automation.
Write what should happen
Message, buttons, optional gate or email capture. Turn it on and watch the inbox.
FAQ
Instagram DM automation questions
Comment-triggered DMs on posts and Reels, Story reply and Story mention DMs, keyword or catch-all triggers, optional public comment replies, follow-gates, link delivery, email or phone capture, welcome openers, flows, and a shared inbox with WhatsApp.
Yes. When someone replies to your Story, or mentions you in theirs, CommentLink can send a DM while the Story is still live.
Yes. Instagram and WhatsApp sit in one inbox. WhatsApp conversation fees are billed by Meta to your own WhatsApp Business account. CommentLink does not mark those up.
No. CommentLink does not sell DM credits. Volume is still subject to Meta's rate limits, and a send queue paces messages when a post takes off.
No. Most automations are a form: pick the post, keywords, and message. Multi-step journeys use a drag-and-drop flow builder.
Keep reading
Related guides
Automate the DMs you already send by hand
Connect Instagram, pick a trigger, write the message. Free on CommentLink — Meta's own rate limits still apply.