Instagram Messaging Automations allow you to send automatic private messages (DMs) to users based on how they interact with your account's content.

This feature transforms user actions, such as comments on posts, Story replies, direct messages, or Story mentions, into automated conversations within Instagram Messenger.

Automations can be triggered in the following cases:

• Comment with a keyword on a post or Reel: For example: "If you want to receive the new oatmeal recipe, leave a comment with the word OATRECIPE". (Also compatible with sponsored posts).
• Reply to a Story with a keyword: For example, "Reply to this Story with the word SHORTS to receive a 15% discount". (Compatible with sponsored Stories).
• Direct message (DM) with a keyword: The automation is triggered when the user sends a message containing a predefined word.
• Story mention: Allows you to automatically respond to any user who mentions your account in a Story.

In addition to keyword-based automations, the tool allows you to:

• Create a persistent menu in Instagram Messenger with shortcuts to links or specific actions.
• Set up Ice Breakers (frequently asked questions) that appear when a user starts a conversation.
• Connect automations with promotions created in Easypromos, such as giveaways, games, or instant prizes.
• Limit an automation to account followers only. If the user does not follow the account, you can request that they follow to continue.
• Generate ig.me links and QR codes that allow users to start a conversation in Instagram Messenger directly from newsletters, web pages, or other external channels.

All interactions take place within Instagram Messenger. Each participant is uniquely identified by their Instagram account, allowing you to count users without duplicates.

This tutorial explains how to connect an Instagram account, create and manage automations, check users who have interacted, publish a persistent menu and ice breakers, use ig.me links, and connect an automation with an Easypromos promotion.

Instagram Messaging Automations are available on all Easypromos plans. The basic plan is 29 EUR/USD, and allows you to create unlimited automations on one Instagram account and connect up to 5,000 unique users. A 7-day trial is available. See more plans.
 

These are the contents of the tutorial:

1. 7-day trial and paid plans

2. Account management

   • 2.1. How to connect an account

   • 2.2. How to disconnect an account

   • 2.3. How to switch accounts

3. How to create an automation

   • 3.1. How to create a keyword automation for comments, Stories, or DMs

   • 3.2. How to create a Story mention automation

   • 3.3. How to manage my automations

   • 3.4. How to view and export users who have interacted

   • 3.5. How to run giveaways among users who have interacted

   • 3.6. Usage statistics

4. How to enable a Persistent Menu

   • 4.1. What is a persistent menu

   • 4.2. How to publish it

   • 4.3. Statistics

5. How to create Ice Breakers

   • 5.1. What are Ice Breakers

   • 5.2. How to publish them

   • 5.3. Statistics

6. ig.me links, what they are, and best practices

7. Connect an automation with a promotion

1. 7-day trial and paid plans

You can try the Instagram Messaging Automations tool for free for 7 days. During these 7 days, you can connect 1 Instagram account, create unlimited automations, and publish the menu and Ice Breakers. The 7-day trial has a maximum of 5,000 unique users.

What are unique users?

A unique user is a person who interacts with the automations of a specific Instagram account (DMs, comments, Story mentions, menu, or Ice Breakers).

Each user counts one time only per Instagram account, even if they interact multiple times.

Who can activate the 7-day trial? 

Any Easypromos account that meets these two conditions:

• It is the first time the Instagram Messaging Automations tool is being used in the account.
• No other Easypromos account has connected to the Instagram account.

What happens if I don't upgrade to a paid plan after 7 days?

Automations are paused, and the menu and Ice Breakers are unpublished. No automation is deleted. You will need to purchase a paid plan to reactivate them.

What are the paid plans?

There are four paid plans, available as monthly or annual subscriptions, depending on the number of Instagram accounts you can connect and the total number of unique users who have interacted.

• Basic Plan: 29 EUR/USD per month for 1 Instagram account and a maximum of 5,000 unique users.
• Basic PRO Plan: 49 EUR/USD per month for 3 Instagram accounts and a maximum of 10,000 unique users per account.
• Premium Plan: 149 EUR/USD per month for 5 Instagram accounts and a maximum of 30,000 unique users per account.
• White Label Plan: 349 EUR/USD per month for 10 Instagram accounts and a maximum of 100,000 unique users per account.

If you need to connect more than 10 Instagram accounts and expect to exceed the 100,000 unique users limit, please contact our sales team.

What happens if I exceed the unique user limit?

If an Instagram account exceeds the unique user limit of its plan, you are granted a 7-day grace period before automations are paused. During this period, automations remain active, and the option to upgrade is shown.

2. Instagram account management

The first step to start using Instagram Automations is to connect your Instagram account.

Important: Only professional or creator Instagram accounts can be connected. Personal accounts are not accepted.

2.1. How to connect your first account

To do this, once you have logged in to your Easypromos dashboard, click on the "Instagram automations" menu, which you will find in the header of the panel:

Next, you will access the Instagram Messaging Automations setup and management page. If this is the first time you are connecting your Instagram account, click the "Connect Instagram account" button:

Now, a pop-up window will open where you can connect your Instagram account:

Note: If you already have an Instagram account connected to your account, you only need to select it from the list of connected accounts:

2.2. How to disconnect an account

Next, in the upper left corner, you can see the connected account:

If you need to disconnect the account, click on "Manage", and you will access the page where all connected accounts appear. To disconnect an account, click on the following icon:

2.3. How to switch accounts

 From this same page, you can switch the connected account, either by connecting a new account or selecting an account you already have connected:

3. How to create an automation

To start creating an automation, go to the "Automations" section and click the "Create DM automation" button. A pop-up window will open where you choose how you want the private message on Instagram to be triggered:

3.1. How to create a keyword automation for comments, Stories, or DMs

This automation allows you to automatically send a private message when people write a specific word. The automation starts when someone writes the trigger word in:

• A comment on a post or Reel.
• A reply to a Story.
• A direct message.

Example: "If you want to receive the new oatmeal recipe, leave a comment with the word OATRECIPE".

Below, we explain all the steps to create a keyword automation.

Step 1. Trigger configuration

To begin, you add the activation keyword(s), which are the words users have to write to start the automation. You can also decide where the trigger word should be detected for the automation to be triggered.

Specifically, you will find the following configuration options:

A. Activation keywords

This will be the word that triggers the automation. You can write several words, which can be useful to cover possible variations of the same word. Uppercase and lowercase are not distinguished.

B. Where should we detect the keyword? 

You can decide when you want the automation to start:

• When the user writes the keyword(s) in a post comment.
• When the user writes the keyword(s) in a direct message.
• When the user writes the keyword(s) in a Story reply.

C. Opening message

If the keyword is detected in a post comment, the system will send the user the opening message, which is necessary to continue the conversation beyond the automated response and to check if the person follows your account. You can customize this message.

Step 2. Configure the messages

Next, the following step is to configure the private message that will be sent to users when the automation is triggered.

To do this, go to the "Step 2 - Messages" tab, where you will find three configuration blocks:

A. Followers only access

The tool allows you to require users to follow your Instagram account to access the content.

In this way, when a non-follower writes the trigger word, the automation is triggered, and at that moment, the system checks if the user is a follower. If not, they will be required to follow to be able to continue.

B. Message

In this section, you can customize the message that users will receive when the automation starts. You can choose from the following formats:

• Text with button. You can configure a text message, along with a button. The button can have the following destinations:
  • External link. You can include the URL of an external web page that the user will be directed to when clicking the button.
  • File download. You can upload a file, which the user will download to their device when clicking the button. Allowed files: PDF, JPG, PNG. 
  • Enter a promotion. You can connect any Easypromos promotion and allow users to participate in giveaways, games, instant prizes, coupons, and other mechanics directly from Instagram Messenger. More information.
• Text message. You can customize the text message that will be sent to the user.
• Card with button. Allows you to customize the text message, which is accompanied by a card (600x600px) and a button.

C. Post-action message

This message is sent after the user clicks the button. 

Step 3. Activate the automation

Finally, once the automation is configured, the last step is to activate it. To do this, click the "Exit" button to access the "Automations" menu:

Next, click the "Start" button to activate the automation:

Your automation will appear as "Live", which means it is ready to start sending messages to users when the configured keyword is detected. 

3.2. How to create a Story mention automation

This automation allows you to automatically send a private message when people mention your brand in a Story. The automation starts when a public Instagram profile mentions your account in a Story.

Ideal for rewarding mentions, sharing exclusive content, or thanking people for sharing your brand.

Note: The user must have a public profile. 

Example: "Reply to this Story with the word SHORTS to receive a 15% discount".

Below, we explain the steps to create a Story mention automation.

Step 1. Automation trigger

This automation is automatically triggered when a user posts a Story and mentions your Instagram account.

Important notes:

• The user must have a public profile.
• Stories from private accounts will not trigger this automation.
• It's not possible to filter by keywords or hashtags. The automation will apply to all Stories that mention your account while it is active.

Step 2. Configure the messages

Next, the following step is to configure the private message that will be sent to users when the automation is triggered.

To do this, go to the "Step 2: Messages" tab, where you will find three configuration blocks:

A. Followers only access

Allows you to require users to follow your Instagram account to access the content.

In this way, when a non-follower user posts a Story with a mention of your Instagram account, the automation is triggered, and at that moment, the system checks if the user is a follower. If not, they will be required to follow in order to continue.

B. Message

In this section, you can customize the message that users will receive when the automation starts. You can choose from the following formats:

• Text with button. You can configure a text message, along with a button. The button can have the following destinations:
  • External link. You can include the URL of an external web page that the user will be directed to when clicking the button.
  • File download. You can upload a file, which the user will download to their device when clicking the button. Allowed files: PDF, JPG, PNG.
  • Enter a promotion. You can connect any Easypromos promotion and allow users to participate in giveaways, games, instant prizes, coupons, and other mechanics directly from Instagram Messenger. More information.

C. Post-action message

This message is sent after the user has clicked the button. 

Step 3. Activate the automation

Finally, once the automation is configured, the last step is to activate it. To do this, click the "Exit" button to access the "Automations" menu:

Next, click the "Start" button to activate the automation:

Your automation will appear as "Live", which means it is ready to start sending messages to users when they post a Story mentioning our Instagram account:

3.3. How to manage my automations

From the "Automations" section, you can always see the list of all your automations and manage them. 

For each automation, you will have the following management options:

• A. Check the automation status monitor: Pending, Paused, or Live.
• B. Start / Pause the automation. 
• C. Edit the automation. Allows you to access the automation settings.
• D. View and export users who have interacted with the automation. More information.
• E. View statistics for the automation. More information.
• F. Get the conversation start link (ig.me). Allows you to obtain a link or QR code to start the conversation on Instagram and automatically trigger the automation. 
• G. Delete the automation. 
• H. View quick stats of the most relevant automation data: 
  • Number of times the automation has started.
  • Number of times the automation has finished.
  • Number of new followers gained.
  • Number of clicks on the button.

3.4. How to view and export users who have interacted

For each automation, you can obtain data on users who have interacted to analyze how the automation performed. To do this, click on the following icon:

When you click, you will see the list of all users who have interacted with the automation, where you can obtain the following data:

• A. User information: Username, if they became a follower, date the automation started, etc.
• B. Export function: Allows you to download a .CSV file with users who have interacted with the automation.
• C. Create a giveaway: Allows you to run a giveaway among all users who have interacted. More information.

3.5. How to run giveaways among users who have interacted

In this same section, you have the tool available to run a giveaway among all users who have interacted with this automation. This tool uses the Easypromos technology for random winner selection, so the system will generate a certificate of validity, which confirms that the giveaway was conducted transparently and randomly with the platform.

To run this giveaway, you only need to click on the "Create a giveaway" link and then select the organizing brand and enter the title of the giveaway:

3.6. Usage statistics

Finally, from the Automations list, you can check the usage statistics for each automation. To do this, click on the following icon:

When you click, a pop-up window will open with the statistics details that can be obtained:

4. How to enable a persistent menu

To create a persistent menu, go to the corresponding section:

4.1. What is a persistent menu

The Persistent Menu allows you to create a fixed menu in your private Instagram conversations, offering users quick access to your brand's main resources, such as customer service hours, product catalog, or store location.

This menu is always visible within the conversation, making it easy for anyone to consult this information at any time while interacting with your brand.

Note: You can add a maximum of 5 items to the persistent menu.

4.2. How to publish it

With Easypromos, you can create the Persistent Menu and publish it on your Instagram account, adding the items and content you want to appear in this menu.

Specifically, you can add different types of items to offer relevant information and shortcuts for your users, such as:

1. Send a message

Allows you to configure a message that will be sent automatically when the user clicks this menu item. The message can be customized with the following formats:

• Text with button.
• Text message.
• Card with button.

The button can direct the user to different destinations:

• External link. You can include the URL of an external web page that the user will be redirected to when clicking.
• File download. You can upload a file that the user will download to their device when clicking the button. Allowed files: PDF, JPG, and PNG.
• Enter a promotion. You can connect any Easypromos promotion and allow users to participate in giveaways, games, instant prizes, coupons, or other mechanics directly from Instagram Messenger. More information.

2. Start an automation

Allows you to connect the menu with an automation that will start when the user clicks this item.

Example: The brand has an active "Trigger word" type automation to send a private message when a user writes the word OATRECIPE. This automation sends a message with a download link to the brand's recipe book.

In this way, the brand can give visibility to this automation from the Persistent Menu.

3. Open a URL

Allows you to add a shortcut to an external web page. You only need to indicate the title of the item and the destination URL.

This type of item always appears at the bottom of the menu.

4.3. Statistics

Finally, you can check the usage statistics of the Persistent Menu. To do this, go to the "Statistics" section and click on "View details":

A pop-up window will open where you can see the following information:

• Overall statistics: total number of clicks recorded on the different menu items.
• Clicks by menu item: number of clicks recorded on each menu item.
• Recent interactions: shows the most recent interactions performed by users, detailing which menu items they clicked on.

5. How to create Ice Breakers

To create Ice Breakers, go to the "Ice Breakers" section:

5.1. What are Ice Breakers

Ice Breakers allow you to define predefined questions that appear when users start a private conversation with your Instagram account. 

Note: You can set up a maximum of 4 frequently asked questions.

5.2. How to publish them

With Easypromos, you can create frequently asked questions (Ice Breakers) and publish them on your Instagram account. 

Specifically, you can add two types of predefined questions:

1. Send a message

Allows you to configure a message that will be sent automatically when the user clicks on this frequently asked question. The message can be customized with the following formats:

• Text with button.
• Text message.
• Card with button.

The button can direct the user to different destinations:

• External link. You can include the URL of an external web page that the user will be redirected to when clicking.
• File download. You can upload a file that the user will download to their device when clicking the button. Allowed files: PDF, JPG, and PNG.
• Enter a promotion. You can connect any Easypromos promotion and allow users to participate in giveaways, games, instant prizes, coupons, or other mechanics directly from Instagram Messenger. More information.

2. Start an automation

Allows you to connect a frequently asked question with an automation that will start when the user clicks on this question.

Example: The brand has an active "Trigger word" type automation to send a private message when a user writes the word OATRECIPE. This automation sends a message with a download link to the brand's recipe book.

In this way, the brand can give visibility to this automation from the Ice Breakers.

5.3. Statistics

Finally, you can check the usage statistics of the Ice Breakers. To do this, go to the "Statistics" section and click on "View details":

A pop-up window will open where you can see the following information:

• Overall statistics: total number of clicks recorded on the Ice Breakers.
• Clicks by frequently asked question: number of clicks recorded on each frequently asked question.
• Recent interactions: shows the most recent interactions performed by users, detailing which frequently asked questions they clicked on.

6. ig.me links, what they are, and best practices

ig.me links are URLs that allow you to open Instagram Messenger directly and quickly connect with your automations. They are ideal for integrating into newsletters, ads, or QR codes, offering users direct access to start conversations with your brand on Instagram.

In this way, ig.me links are very useful for facilitating direct interaction with users on Instagram Messenger and can be used in multiple scenarios, especially within digital campaigns. 

Some common uses are:

• Newsletters: Allow recipients to open a conversation in Instagram directly from the email and access promotions, support, or exclusive content.
• Social media ads: In ads on Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms, an ig.me link can take the user directly to the chat, increasing the interaction and participation rate.
• Landing pages and websites: Ideal for adding quick contact buttons, contests, or resource downloads, making it easy for users to interact without leaving the page.
• QR codes in digital or printed materials: From, for example, digital flyers, event banners, or printed QR codes, users can scan the code and instantly open Instagram Messenger to access information or participate in promotions.
• Support and customer service: Makes it easy for users to quickly contact your team through automations or direct chat, reducing steps and improving the experience.
• Promotions and contests: ig.me links can be used for participants to register, send their data, or receive prizes directly via automated messages.

6.1. How do the ig.me links work?

The behavior of the link depends on whether the person has spoken with your brand before or not:

A. If there is an existing conversation

Instagram Messenger opens directly in the existing chat, and the automation can start automatically according to the established configuration.

B. If it is the first contact

Instagram will display an initial screen. The person must:

• Tap an ice breaker, or
• Send a message manually.

The automation will begin only after that action. This step is required for the user to give their consent and start the conversation.

6.2. Best practices

To get the best results with your ig.me links:

• Optimize the first contact experience: Remember that new users will see an initial screen and must tap an ice breaker or send a message to activate the automation. Design your digital communication considering this extra step to avoid frustration. See here how to create an ice breaker. 
• Strategic link placement: ig.me links can be placed in the digital channel that best fits your marketing strategy, such as:
  • Buttons inside emails or newsletters.
  • QR codes on landing pages.
  • Buttons in ads or digital banners.

6.3. Check the ig.me links for your automations

A very useful feature of Instagram Messenger is that each automation you configure automatically generates its own ig.me link. This means that each message flow has a unique link that can be shared directly with users.

Having an ig.me link for each automation has the following advantages:

• Direct and controlled sharing: By having a specific link for each automation, you can direct users exactly to the flow you want without confusion. For example, you can have one link for support inquiries and another for promotions or contests.
• Campaign flexibility: You can integrate each link into different channels according to the digital strategy (newsletters, ads, landing pages, or QR codes). This allows you to adapt the message and experience to the channel and campaign objective.
• Smoother user experience: By opening up directly in the correct automation, the user receives the appropriate information or interaction from the first message, improving the experience and increasing the likelihood of conversion.

From the "ig.me Links" section, you can check the ig.me link corresponding to each configured automation:

7. How to connect an automation with a promotion

You can enable Instagram Messenger as a new access channel for your promotion. This means that users will access the promotion directly from a private conversation with your brand on Instagram.

Thanks to this integration:

• Users are automatically identified in the promotion by their Instagram @username.
• They can skip manual registration, as their identity is already verified.

User experience

1. The user sends a keyword by comment or direct message (DM) on Instagram.
2. This triggers an automatic automation, which sends the user a link to access the promotion.
3. By clicking the link, the user is automatically identified with their Instagram @username and can participate directly in the promotion.

Depending on the promotion, users may:

• Enter a prize draw.
• Spin a prize Wheel.
• Complete a puzzle or play a game.
• Upload a purchase receipt.
• Answer a survey.
• And other mechanics available in Easypromos.

Compatibility and advantages

• This connection with Instagram Messenger is compatible with all types of Easypromos mechanics.
• You can limit participation to Instagram followers if desired.
• Participation is carried out entirely within the Instagram environment, which improves the user experience and increases conversion.

Note: This feature is only available for promotions created with the White Label version of the platform.