What is comment-to-DM?

Comment-to-DM is an Instagram automation: someone comments a keyword on your post, and they automatically receive a link or message from you in a private reply. Creators use it to deliver a freebie, a product link, or a guide without replying to every comment by hand.

Is Distinct's comment-to-DM available now?

Not to everyone yet. It is built and being tested with Instagram before it opens up. When it does, it appears in your account with no extra sign-up.

Is Instagram comment automation allowed?

Yes, when it uses Instagram's official API and private reply feature, which is how Distinct's works. It only replies to people who commented on your post, which is the case Instagram's private replies are designed for.

Do I need a business account to automate Instagram DMs?

You need a professional account, which can be a creator or a business account. Personal accounts cannot use Instagram's messaging API.

Why didn't someone get my DM?

Common reasons: they commented more than 7 days ago, they already received a reply for that post, the comment did not contain the keyword, or the messaging permission was removed by reconnecting Instagram without it. The activity log shows which.

Comment-to-DM · For creators

Instagram comment to DM automation

Distinct's Instagram comment-to-DM automation, which is built and in testing but not yet open to everyone, sends a link in a private reply to anyone who comments a chosen keyword on a chosen post or reel, using an Instagram professional account connected through Instagram Login.

Coming soon

Comment-to-DM is built and being tested with Instagram. It is not open to everyone yet. Sign up now and it appears in your account when it opens.

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How it works

1. Connect Instagram
Connect a professional Instagram account through Instagram Login, then grant the extra permission to reply to comments and send messages.
2. Pick a post or reel
Choose the post the automation watches.
3. Set the keyword and the message
Choose the keywords that trigger it, write the message, and add the link it sends. Optionally add a public reply under the comment.
4. Turn it on and watch the log
Every comment it acts on appears in an activity log. Pause or resume the automation at any time.

What's included

Keyword triggers per post

Each automation watches one post or reel for the keywords you choose.

Your message and your link

Write the private reply in your own words and include the link you want people to get.

Optional public reply

Reply under the comment too, so other people see it worked and comment themselves.

Pause, resume, and an activity log

See each comment the automation acted on and what Instagram reported back.

What makes it different

Uses Instagram's own login and permissions: It runs on Instagram Login and Instagram's private reply feature. The messaging permission is a separate opt-in, so your base connection stays read-only until you choose it.
Honest status, no inflated numbers: The log says a message was accepted by Instagram, not that it was read. If Instagram does not confirm a send, Distinct marks it uncertain instead of trying again and messaging someone twice.
Next to everything else you run: The link you send can be your media kit, your link in bio page, or a brand's tracked link, all from the same account.

What it does not do

Not open to everyone yet. It is built and being tested with Instagram.
Instagram only, and it needs a professional (creator or business) account connected through Instagram Login.
It only messages people who comment on your post. It never sends cold DMs.
One private reply per comment, and Instagram allows that reply only within 7 days of the comment.
It does not reply to story replies or direct messages.

Common questions

What is comment-to-DM?: Comment-to-DM is an Instagram automation: someone comments a keyword on your post, and they automatically receive a link or message from you in a private reply. Creators use it to deliver a freebie, a product link, or a guide without replying to every comment by hand.
Is Distinct's comment-to-DM available now?: Not to everyone yet. It is built and being tested with Instagram before it opens up. When it does, it appears in your account with no extra sign-up.
Is Instagram comment automation allowed?: Yes, when it uses Instagram's official API and private reply feature, which is how Distinct's works. It only replies to people who commented on your post, which is the case Instagram's private replies are designed for.
Do I need a business account to automate Instagram DMs?: You need a professional account, which can be a creator or a business account. Personal accounts cannot use Instagram's messaging API.
Why didn't someone get my DM?: Common reasons: they commented more than 7 days ago, they already received a reply for that post, the comment did not contain the keyword, or the messaging permission was removed by reconnecting Instagram without it. The activity log shows which.

Learn more

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