DM Spark
DM automation

Auto reply to Instagram DMs by keyword

Answer the questions people DM you every day, instantly.

By DM SparkPublished 2 min read

Updated

Quick answer

Create a DM automation, list the keywords people send you (PRICE, MENU, BOOK), and write the reply for each. When a new Instagram DM contains one of those words, DM Spark answers within seconds through Meta's official API. Messages without a keyword stay in your inbox for you to answer.

When a keyword auto reply helps

If people DM you the same few questions every day, a keyword reply answers them instantly and saves you retyping. It's also a clean way to deliver something you mention in a caption or video: "DM me PRESET and I'll send it."

Because it only answers messages with a keyword, it doesn't get in the way of real conversations.

How to set it up

  1. Choose "sends you a DM"

    Create a Spark and pick the DM trigger. It watches new messages to your connected account.

  2. Add the keywords to answer

    Add the words people actually send, like PRICE, MENU, HOURS, or BOOK. A message that contains any of them gets the reply.

  3. Write the answer

    Write the reply and attach links as buttons, like your price list or booking page. Add a reminder for people who don't click (Creator plan).

  4. Tell people what to send

    Mention the keyword in your bio, captions, or stories: "DM me MENU for this week's specials."

Keywords worth setting up

  • PRICE or RATES: your pricing page or rate card.
  • MENU or HOURS: today's menu and opening times.
  • BOOK: your booking link.
  • COLLAB: your media kit and business email.

Want to reach people before they message you? Pair this with comment-to-DM on your posts.

Questions

Can Instagram auto reply to DMs?

Instagram's app has saved replies and FAQ prompts, but it won't answer a keyword on its own. Tools built on Meta's official API can: DM Spark replies automatically when a DM contains a keyword you choose.

Will it reply to every message I get?

No. DM auto replies only answer messages that contain one of your keywords, so normal conversations stay with you.

Can I have different replies for different keywords?

Yes. Create one Spark per topic, such as PRICE for pricing and HOURS for opening times. Each keyword can belong to only one active Spark per account.

Does this work for story replies too?

Story replies have their own trigger, so you can answer them separately. See the story reply automation guide.

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