Instagram keyword DM automation: reply to DM keywords instantly
A direct message is the highest-intent signal on Instagram — and keyword automation answers it instantly, every time. Someone DMs you the word PRICE and your price list arrives in seconds. This guide covers the keyword trigger: when to use it, how to set it up, and how it differs from comment automation.
Also read:Comment to DM guide · First-DM automation
When the keyword trigger beats the comment trigger
Comment triggers are public — great for reach, awkward for prices. The keyword trigger handles the private side: someone DMs you a word, and the answer comes back instantly. It's how solo creators offer "DM me for pricing" without babysitting the inbox, and how sellers deliver menus, catalogs, and booking links on autopilot.
Because the conversation is already private, there's no public reply step — the DM simply arrives the moment their message containing your keyword lands.
Setting it up
- connectConnect your Instagram Business or Creator account to AutomateDM through Meta's official login.
- triggerCreate a new automation and choose the direct DM trigger.
- keywordsAdd one or more keywords — PRICE, MENU, BOOK. Any DM containing the keyword fires the automation.
- messageWrite the auto-reply: your price list, catalog link, booking calendar — with a button if it's a link.
- publishPublish and test it by DMing yourself the keyword.
Making keywords work
- Announce the keyword everywhere. Pinned comment, story text, bio link page, Reel captions — the keyword only works if people know it.
- One keyword, one job. Keep separate automations for PRICE, BOOK, and GUIDE so each answer stays specific.
- Avoid words that appear in normal messages. "HI" fires on every greeting; "PRICING" fires on intent.
- Follow up with value, not just the answer. A one-line "want me to recommend which option fits you?" turns a bot reply into a conversation.
Put it to work
These templates already follow the recipe above — open one and it loads pre-configured in the editor:
FAQs
What's the difference between the keyword trigger and the comment trigger?
The comment trigger watches public comments on posts and Reels; the keyword trigger watches incoming direct messages. Comment automation gets you public reach, keyword automation gets you instant private answers. Many creators run both.
Can different keywords send different replies?
Yes — each keyword set belongs to its own automation, and each automation sends its own message. Build one for PRICE, another for BOOK, another for GUIDE.
Do keyword replies count against my plan?
Every outbound DM counts as a send. The free plan includes 500 DMs a day; inbound messages never count.