Welcome DMs help you start a conversation with new followers by automatically sending a welcome message after they follow you back. 💬
Welcome DMs are available exclusively on Advanced plans.
This guide explains how to set up your message, personalize it, and track your DM activity from the Engagement page.
What Is a Welcome DM?
A Welcome DM is an automatic direct message sent to new followers after they follow you back through Kicksta.
You can use it to introduce yourself, thank them for following, share a discount code, or ask a friendly question. A short, relevant message is a simple way to make your new followers feel welcome and encourage a conversation.
How to Set Up Welcome DMs
Open the Engagement page in your Kicksta dashboard.
Find the Welcome DM card.
Click Turn on Welcome DM or use the toggle to enable the feature.
Click the pencil icon in the message area to open the Welcome DM message editor.
Write your message in the Write tab.
Use Preview to check how your message will look.
Click Save when you’re happy with it.
You can edit your message at any time using the pencil icon. Remember to click Save after making changes.
To turn Welcome DMs off, use the toggle on the Welcome DM card.
Writing and Personalizing Your Message
The message editor allows you to write up to 1,000 characters.
Under Add to your message, you’ll find personalization options such as:
Full name
Username
Followers
Following
Posts
These options let you include details about the recipient in your message.
If you need help getting started, choose one of the available templates: Friendly, Question, Creator, or Local business, then adjust the wording to fit your brand.
Preview Before Saving
The Preview tab shows how your message would appear using a sample follower. This helps you check the wording and personalization before saving.
Previewing a message does not send it.
Tips for a Welcoming Message
Keep it short and easy to read.
Use a tone that matches your profile.
Ask one simple question or include one clear invitation.
Add a few emojis if they suit your style. 👋
For example:
Hey! Thanks for the follow 👋 Happy to have you here! What kind of content would you love to see from us?
Tracking Your Welcome DMs
You can review your DM activity in three places on the Engagement page:
Follower engagement: The DMs sent metric shows how many DMs were sent over the last 90 days.
Daily activity: Select Welcome DM to view your DM activity chart.
Recent DMs sent: Check the section inside the Welcome DM card to review recent messages sent.
If no messages have been sent yet, you’ll see “No DMs sent yet.”
Important Things to Note
Welcome DMs are available only on Advanced plans.
The feature must be enabled and a message saved before it can send your welcome message.
Messages are triggered after new followers follow you back, so they may not arrive immediately.
Sending is subject to Instagram’s messaging limits and restrictions.
Use Save to apply edits before leaving the message editor.