How to create a Spark

A walkthrough of the Spark editor, from trigger to go-live.

By DM SparkPublished Feb 12, 20263 min read

Updated Oct 13, 2026

Quick answer

Connect your Instagram professional account, pick what starts the Spark (a post comment, a story reply, a DM, or your next post), add keywords, write the message and link buttons people will receive, then go live and test it from a second account. Most Sparks take a few minutes.

Step by step

Connect Instagram
Sign in with your email, then connect your Instagram Business or Creator account through Instagram's login screen. DM Spark never sees your Instagram password.
Pick a trigger
Under "When someone…", choose comments on a post, sends you a DM, or replies to your story. Comments can be on posts you pick, every post, or your next post.
Choose the post and keywords
For comment triggers, pick the post or reel. Add keywords like LINK or GUIDE, or reply to every comment. You can also turn on a public reply that's posted under the comment after the DM goes out.
Write what they receive
Under "Then, in their DMs", choose One message, Ask, then send, FAQ menu, or Sequence. Write the message and add up to three link buttons. The phone preview shows exactly what people will see.
Go live and test
Create the Spark, then comment or send your keyword from a second account to check the DM arrives. Only then add the keyword to your caption or story.

Which trigger to pick

Comments on a postBest when a post or reel asks people to comment a word. More on comment Sparks
Comments on your next postSame as above, prepared before you publish. One can wait per account, and it expires after 12 hours if nothing is posted.
Replies to a storyFor offers and teasers in stories. More on story Sparks
Sends you a DMAnswers messages that contain a keyword. More on DM auto replies

Which message flow to pick

One message sends your text and links immediately. Free.

Ask, then send sends a short opener with a button, then the link once they tap. Free.

Sequence adds email capture, delays, and reminders for people who didn't click. Creator plan.

Tips

Use one short keyword. GUIDE is easier to type than "send me the guide." Add a few variations as extra keywords.
Lead with the link. People asked for something. Give it to them in the first line.
Say the keyword out loud. Put it in the caption, on screen, and in your voiceover.
Check the numbers. Each Spark shows messages sent, people reached, and link clicks.

Questions

What is a Spark?

A Spark is one automation in DM Spark: a trigger (a comment, story reply, or DM) plus the message it sends. You can run as many Sparks as you like.

Can I set up a Spark before I post?

Yes. Choose "comments on your next post" and the Spark attaches to the next post you publish. You can also save a paused draft with "Pick the post later" and choose the post when you go live.

Can two Sparks use the same keyword?

Each post can have one active comment Spark. For story replies and DMs, DM Spark stops you from giving two active Sparks the same keyword on one account, so it's always clear which one answers.

Can I edit or pause a Spark later?

Yes. Edit messages, keywords, and links, or pause, archive, and delete Sparks from the dashboard at any time.

What happens when I reach my message limit?

On Free, Sparks stop sending at 500 messages until the next month. Creator includes 25,000 messages each billing period. If you reach that, sending pauses until your next period unless you add 10,000 messages for $5.

DM automation