Instagram auto-reply let you share a link directly with anyone who comments on your Instagram post. Whether you're a creator sharing exclusive content, a business promoting a new product, or an influencer running a giveaway, this feature helps you boost engagement by sending personalized messages to your audience through Instagram direct messages when they interact with your posts or Reels.
With this feature, you can:
Streamline content delivery: Automatically send a link to specific content when someone comments on your Instagram post or Reel.
Boost engagement: Encourage followers to interact with your content by offering something valuable in return.
Simplify user journeys: Direct your audience to the content they’re interested in with minimal effort.
Steps to set up Instagram auto-reply
Go to the Instagram auto-reply page in your Linktree admin.
Connect your Instagram account (if not already connected) by clicking Connect Instagram and following the prompts.
Tap + Create an auto-reply.
Choose the Instagram content that will trigger the DM:
One specific post or Reel: Send the DM when a specific post or Reel is commented on.
All posts or Reels (Available on Pro and Premium plans): Trigger the DM for any comment on any post or Reel.
Next post or Reel (Available on Pro and Premium plans): Apply the DM automatically to the next post or Reel you publish.
Tap Next.
Choose how the DM will be triggered:
Any comment: Send the DM whenever any comment is made.
Only comments with specific keywords: Send the DM when a comment contains specific words (e.g., "enter" for a giveaway). You’ll be asked to select the keywords.
💡 Tip: Tick Smart match relevant comments similar to these keywords to catch common misspellings or close matches. (Available on Pro and Premium plans)
Tap Next.
Craft the message that will be sent via DM. For example, “Hey, thanks for reaching out! ❤️ Check out this link 👇”
Customize the button label that accompanies the link, such as "Check it out 🚀"
(Optional) Set up public replies by toggling on (
) Setup public replies and customizing up to four responses.Tap Next.
Choose what you’d like to link to in your DM:
A product or collection in my shop: Directs to a product or collection in your Linktree shop.
Something on my Linktree: Links to an existing link on your Linktree.
For this option you'll have additional options to choose what happens when they click the link in the DM:
Send them to your Linktree: The Link button will be highlighted when visitors arrive on your Linktree from the DM.
Skip Linktree (Available on Starter, Pro and Premium plans): Send visitors directly to the destination URL.
A new URL: Direct visitors to a custom URL not listed on your Linktree.
Tap Next.
Review your settings and click Complete.
That’s it! Now, when your audience comments on your chosen content, they’ll receive a DM from you with your link.
Troubleshooting
Auto-replies aren’t sending
If people comment on your post or Reel but don’t receive a DM:
Check that your Instagram account is public.
Instagram auto-replies only work with public accounts.
Confirm the correct post or Reel is selected.
Make sure you’ve set the auto-reply to the right post, Reel, or to "All posts or Reels."Ensure the DM trigger is set correctly.
Double-check if it's set to "Any comment" or "Only comments with specific keywords."💡 Tip: If using keywords, make sure your followers are commenting with those exact words or use Smart match to catch variations (Available on Pro and Premium plans).
Verify that your DM limit hasn’t been reached.
Plans have monthly DM limits. Go to the Instagram auto-reply page in your admin to check your usage.
Re-authenticate your Instagram connection.
If the connection between Linktree and Instagram was interrupted, disconnect and reconnect your Instagram account. You can do this from the Instagram auto-reply page in your Linktree admin.
My followers see a “Get Updates” button instead of the link
If someone opens your DM on a desktop browser, Instagram may show a “Get Updates” button instead of your custom button label.
📝 Note: The link will still work when they click the button, even if the label appears differently. To see your original button text, followers can open the message in the Instagram app on mobile.
FAQs
How can I monitor the performance of my Instagram auto-reply?
Track your campaign performance in the Instagram auto-reply page in your Linktree admin. You’ll see data on the number of messages sent, views and link clicks.
Is there a limit to how many DMs the auto-reply will send?
Yes, monthly limits apply based on your plan. These limits reset at the start of each month:
Free: 1,000 DMs
Starter: 1,500 DMs
Pro: 2,500 DMs
Premium: Unlimited DMs
When should I use Instagram auto-reply?
Instagram auto-replies are ideal for boosting engagement on your Instagram content. Here are some ideas:
Exclusive content delivery: Offer followers exclusive content like a downloadable eBook or a discount code directly through a DM when they engage with your posts.
Contest or giveaway management: Automatically send contest details when someone comments with a specific keyword on your contest post.
Product launch promotion: Share direct links to new products when followers engage with your promotional posts.
Will the button in the DM work if the link is inactive on my Linktree?
Yes! Even if the link is inactive, the button in the DM will still work and direct users to your Linktree.
Can I send Instagram auto-replies if my account is set to private?
Your Instagram account must be public to use this feature. However, followers with private accounts will still receive your DMs without issue.