How to Auto DM on Instagram Step-by-Step

Denish Vithani
May 27
4 min read

By now, you understand the benefits of automating your Instagram DMs—but how exactly do you set it up? Is it complicated? Do you need to code anything? Will it take hours to build workflows?

No, not at all.Thanks to advanced yet beginner-friendly tools like ReplyRush, setting up auto DM on Instagram is a quick, no-code process. Whether you're a creator, coach, business owner, or marketer, you can launch your first auto-reply flow in less than 10 minutes.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start sending Instagram DMs on autopilot.

🔧 Step 1: Convert to a Business or Creator Account

Before you can use any automation tool—including ReplyRush—you must connect an Instagram Business or Creator account.

⚠️ Personal Instagram accounts are not eligible for API-based automation.

Here’s how to switch:

Open your Instagram app.
Go to your profile → Tap Settings & Privacy.
Tap Account type and tools → Select Switch to Professional Account.
Choose either Business or Creator.
Connect your Facebook Page (you must have one linked).

Done! Your account is now ready for automation tools.

🔌 Step 2: Sign Up on ReplyRush.com

Now, go to ReplyRush.com and create your account. It’s free to get started—no credit card required.

Once inside, you’ll be prompted to:

Connect your Instagram Business Page
Authenticate via Facebook Login
Grant the required permissions (read messages, manage comments, etc.)

Everything is done via Meta’s official API—completely secure and compliant.

⚙️ Step 3: Choose a Trigger for Auto DM

Triggers define when your auto DM gets sent. ReplyRush offers multiple powerful triggers:

Trigger Type	What It Does
New Follower	Sends a DM when someone follows your profile
Comment Keyword	Sends a DM when a specific word is commented
Story Mention	Sends a thank-you or offer when someone mentions you in a story
Custom Trigger Link	Sends a DM when someone clicks your unique bio link
DM Keyword	Auto-responds when a message contains specific words

You can select the trigger that matches your goal:

Growing followers? Use New Follower Trigger
Launching a giveaway? Use Comment Trigger
Running influencer campaigns? Use Story Mention Trigger

📝 Step 4: Create Your Message Flow

Once a trigger is selected, you can build your auto DM flow.

With ReplyRush, it’s as easy as:

Add text for your first message
Use variables like {first_name} to personalize it
Add buttons or quick replies (e.g., “Learn More”, “Shop Now”)
Create follow-up messages based on user responses

Example:

“Hi {first_name}! 🎉 Thanks for commenting! Here's your special 10% OFF coupon: INSTA10 💬 Tap below to start shopping now!”

You can add:

Links to product pages
Booking calendars
Lead capture forms
PDF guides or freebies

The entire setup is done through a visual builder—no tech skills required.

📋 Step 5: Review & Test the Flow

Once your message sequence is ready:

Preview the message flow inside the dashboard
Use the built-in test mode to send it to your own Instagram inbox
Check for typos, links, or logic issues
Adjust delays between messages (avoid spamming users too fast)

Remember: A smooth flow = better engagement.

🚀 Step 6: Activate the Automation

Hit Publish or Activate, and your Instagram auto DM is now live.

From this point forward:

Every follower who triggers the set condition will get your message
Every comment or story mention gets an automated, on-brand reply
You stay connected with your audience without lifting a finger

You can monitor all activity in the ReplyRush dashboard, including:

Number of DMs sent
Open rates
Click rates
Message responses

📈 Bonus: Set Up Multiple Flows for Maximum Impact

You’re not limited to just one automation.

Here are examples of combining different auto DM flows:

Comment “FREE” → Send eBook download link
Story mention → Send thank-you + referral offer
New Follower → Send welcome message + ask what they’re interested in
Clicked Bio Link → DM them with exclusive offer or video guide

Each flow helps you convert casual followers into loyal customers.

💡 Real Use Case Example

Scenario: You’re a fitness coach offering a free meal plan.

Step-by-step flow:

Create an Instagram post:“Want a FREE 7-day meal plan? Comment MEAL below 👇”
Set up a Comment Trigger in ReplyRush:
- If someone comments "MEAL", send:
“💪 Hey! Here’s your FREE meal plan guide 🥗 Click to download 👉 [Link]”
Add a second message:
“Want custom coaching? Tap below to book a 1-on-1 consult 💬”

With just one post and a ReplyRush automation, you're:

Growing your list
Providing value
Getting leads
Booking calls—all hands-free

🔁 Maintain & Optimize

Once your automation is live:

Track performance weekly
Update copy based on audience feedback
Add emojis, CTA buttons, or questions to increase replies
A/B test two different messages

The more optimized your flows, the higher your conversions.

Final Thoughts

Setting up auto DM Instagram flows in 2025 is no longer a technical challenge. Thanks to tools like ReplyRush, anyone—from solopreneurs to big brands—can launch DM automation in minutes.

You don’t need to hire a developer. You don’t need to be online 24/7.All you need is: