How to Automate Instagram DMs with Visual Workflows

Why Automate Instagram DMs?

Instagram is one of the most powerful platforms for business communication. With over 2 billion monthly active users, handling DMs manually becomes impossible as your audience grows. Automation lets you:

**Respond instantly** to new messages, even while you sleep

**Qualify leads** with keyword-based routing

**Send personalized replies** based on what users say

**Run multi-step conversations** that guide users through a funnel

Getting Started with SkillChat

Step 1: Connect Your Instagram Account

Navigate to **Connections** in your dashboard and click "Connect Instagram". You'll need a Business or Creator account with the Instagram Graph API enabled.

Step 2: Create a New Workflow

Click **New Workflow** and select the "Chat Automation" category. Give it a name like "Welcome DM Bot".

Step 3: Add a Message Trigger

Drag a **Message Trigger** node onto the canvas. This fires every time someone sends you a DM.

Step 4: Add Keyword Matching

Connect a **Keyword Match** node to filter messages. For example, set keywords to "pricing, price, cost" with match mode "contains".

Step 5: Send Auto-Replies

Add **Send Message** nodes to both the "Matched" and "No Match" outputs:

**Matched**: "Thanks for your interest! Here are our plans: [link]"

**No Match**: "Hi! How can I help you today?"

Step 6: Activate & Test

Save your workflow, set the trigger type to "Webhook", and activate it. Send a test DM to verify everything works.

Advanced: Multi-Step Conversations

Use **Receive Message** nodes to wait for user replies, creating conversational flows:

Ask a question with **Send Message**

Wait for the answer with **Receive Message**

Branch with **Keyword Match** or **Condition**

Continue the conversation based on their response

The conversation state is persisted automatically — even if the user replies hours later.

Rate Limits & Best Practices

Instagram allows approximately **200 API calls per hour** per account

Always provide a way for users to reach a human ("type HUMAN to talk to a person")

Keep automated messages short and helpful

Test thoroughly before activating on your main account