Automate Instagram DMs Using ManyChat setup with keyword triggers, story replies, and lead generation features – 2025 guide

Instagram DM Automation is one of the smartest ways to streamline your engagement and scale conversations on autopilot. To Automate Instagram DMs using ManyChat would be the best way to do it. 

TLDR;

If you’re overwhelmed managing Instagram messages, ManyChat lets you set up keyword-triggered auto-replies, story mentions, and even DM campaigns, all while you sleep.
It’s fast, easy, scalable, and personal. It’s perfect for Instagram users who want to save time, convert more leads, and build a responsive sales funnel inside Instagram.

Why Use Instagram DM Automation?

Instagram DM automation isn’t just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a time-saving, lead-generating engine. Here’s why:

Answer FAQs 24/7

There is no more personal than answering the same questions. Allow automation to handle always-on, cost-effective, repetitive chores.  

In fact, one ManyChat user saves 15 hours per month answering Instagram DMs, freeing up valuable time to focus on content or strategy.

Collect and Qualify Leads

Build a list of potential buyers right inside your DMs. Segment them and engage only with qualified prospects. Real Example:

Candace Juné, founder of Epic Fab Girl, implemented ManyChat and saw a 118% increase in leads versus traditional landing page opt-ins, all while saving 15 hours/month on manual replies.

Automate Your Sales Funnel

From product drops to booking consultations, DM flows shorten the path from interest to conversion.

Drive More Sales Through Conversations

Launch giveaways, special offers, or quizzes, all while you sleep.

Boost Engagement & Personalization

Respond with a human touch. ManyChat lets you personalize messages with names, emojis, and delays to mimic natural typing.

Attract Leads from Ads or Organic Content

Running Instagram Ads? Automate the follow-up DMs and keep the conversation going.

Real Example:

Content creator Kahlea Wade added 2,500+ email subscribers by using ManyChat’s keyword-triggered DMs for her free resources. Results showed up in just a week.

More broadly, ManyChat reported: “A 99% decrease in response time, a 118% increase in leads, and 15 hours per month saved answering DMs.”

How to Set Up and Automate Instagram DMs using ManyChat?

To Automate Instagram DMs using ManyChat is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Here’s your roadmap:

1. Create a ManyChat Account & Connect Instagram

  • Go to ManyChat and sign up 
  • Connect your Instagram Business or Creator account (must be linked to a Facebook Page)

2. Create Your First Flow Using Flow Builder

  • In ManyChat, automated messages are called flows 
  • Use the visual Flow Builder to drag-and-drop messages 
  • Customize replies with your tone, emojis, and CTAs

3. Use Keyword Triggers

  • Create a keyword (e.g., “freebie”) 
  • When someone DMs this keyword, the bot sends an automated response

Example: A follower sends “Freebie”, and ManyChat sends them a link to your PDF.
Or add filters to qualify leads using custom conditions.

4. Set Up Story Mention Replies

  • Trigger a flow when someone mentions your account in a Story 
  • Collect user info like Name or Email to build your lead database 
  • Customize the reply or connect to an existing flow

5. Automate Comment-to-DM Replies

  • Turn post or reel comments into DM conversations 
  • Each comment triggers a personalized auto-DM, improving interaction and conversion rates.

6. Use Instagram DM Lists (Beta)

  • Think of these like email newsletters, but for DMs 
  • Send challenges, updates, or offers to followers who’ve opted in 
  • Great for re-engagement campaigns and product announcements

Thus, Instagram DM automation using ManyChat is not just about saving time, it’s about creating real business growth through smarter conversations.

With a few clicks, you can:

  • Auto-reply to leads 
  • Send offers while you sleep 
  • Convert comments into customers 
  • Build a targeted audience list 

Now you are fully equipped with how to Automate Instagram DMs Using ManyChat. So if you’re serious about scaling your brand or business on Instagram, start your journey with ManyChat today. 

Also Read: Automate Instagram DMs using SendPulse