How I Used Manychat to Auto-Reply to Instagram Comments and Send DMs (Step-by-Step)

When one of my Reels went viral, hundreds of people commented “ENJOY” asking for the tutorial.

If I had replied manually to every comment and DM’d each person individually, I would’ve spent hours typing the same message over and over.

Instead, I set up a simple Manychat automation that:

• Detects a specific keyword in comments
• Automatically replies to that comment
• Instantly sends the user a DM with the tutorial link
• Delivers the link even if I’m offline

Here’s exactly how you can build the same system.

What You Need Before Starting

• A Creator or Business Instagram account
• A Facebook Page connected to your Instagram
• A Manychat account (free plan works)
• The link you want to send (blog, PDF, Notion, etc.)

Step 1: Connect Instagram to Manychat

1. Go to Manychat.com

2. Click Settings → Instagram

3. Connect your Instagram Business account

4. Approve all permissions

Make sure:
Your Facebook Page is linked properly. If not, Instagram automation won’t work.

Step 2: Create a Comment Trigger

This is what listens for the keyword.

1. Go to Automation → New Flow

2. Choose “Instagram Comments” as the trigger

3. Select:

   • Specific Post (recommended for viral reels)

   • Or Any Post (if you want universal automation)

4. Add a Keyword condition:
   Example: ENJOY

Now, whenever someone comments “ENJOY”, the automation fires.

Step 3: Autoreply to the Comment (Optional but Recommended)

Inside the trigger settings:

Enable:
Reply to comment

Example reply:
“Check your DMs 👀”

This boosts:
• Engagement
• Social proof
• Curiosity for other viewers

Now people see that something happens when they comment.

Step 4: Send the Automated DM

Inside your Flow builder:

1. Add a Message node

2. Write your DM message

Example:

“Hey 👋
Here’s the full tutorial you asked for:
[Insert Link]

If you have questions, just reply here.”

Keep it simple.

Do NOT spam.
Do NOT send 5 messages in a row.
Instagram doesn’t like aggressive automation.

Step 5: Add a Smart Delay (Optional Pro Tip)

To make it feel human:

Add:
Typing delay → 3–5 seconds

This increases perceived authenticity.

Step 6: Publish the Flow

Click Publish.

Test it using a second account.

Comment your keyword.
Make sure:
• Comment reply triggers
• DM arrives
• Link works

Always test before going viral.

Advanced Version (Optional)

If you want to level this up:

• Add a tag like “Reel - Lead Machine”
• Track how many people entered the flow
• Add a follow-up message 24 hours later:
“Did you get a chance to try it?”

Now it’s not just automation.
It’s a nurture system.

Important Gotchas

1. Instagram 24-Hour Rule
   You can only freely message users within 24 hours of interaction.

2. Don’t Use Spammy Language
   Avoid words like:
   “Free money”
   “Guaranteed income”
   “Crypto giveaway”

3. Keep It Value-First
   If your DM feels salesy, people will report it.

4. Viral Volume Stress
   If your Reel explodes, automation handles scale - but your backend link must handle traffic too.

Why This Strategy Works

Psychology:

• Commenting feels low effort
• Public comment increases commitment
• DM feels personal
• Automation removes friction
• Instant gratification increases trust

This is how you scale engagement without burning out.

Final Thought

Viral content is unpredictable.

Automation is predictable.

If you combine both, you build leverage.

If you want more automation breakdowns like this, reply “MORE” in the DM.