Instagram Automation Guide February 2026
Manychat
Comment-to-DM
Automation
The single best workflow for creators right now
Why DM Automation?
• 90% open rates (vs 17-35% for email)
• 60% reply rates (vs 1-2% for email)
• 28% click-through rates (vs 2-3% for email)
• 64% of Instagram purchases start with a DM
30 DAYS FREE
Use code: OHNEIS [Link]/creators
Free resources at [Link]/resources
@ohneis652
01 The Comment-to-DM Flywheel
The Best Workflow for Creators
This workflow does two things at once:
1. Boosts Reach 2. Captures Leads
More comments = Instagram Moves people to DMs
shows post to more people where sales happen
The Flow
Comment [KEYWORD] -> Get Link in DM
Example: You post a Reel saying:
"Comment 'TRIAL' and I'll send you the free guide!"
The bot handles everything automatically
The 3C Formula (from Manychat CEO)
Capture Converse Convert
Get attention Build trust Make sales
Code OHNEIS = 30 days free @ohneis652
02 Phase 1: The Trigger
Phase 1: The Trigger (Public)
Setup Steps
Trigger: User comments on your Post or Reel
Condition: Comment contains specific keywords
Examples: TRIAL, CODE, OHNEIS, FREE
Tip: Use "contains" instead of "is" so it catches
sentences like "I want the TRIAL please"
Public Reply: Bot replies to their comment publicly
Critical: Create 3-5 different reply variations so
Instagram doesn't flag you as spam
Example Reply Variations
"Sent! ■" "Check your DMs! ■" "On its way! ■"
"Just DMed you! ■" "It's in your inbox! ■"
Code OHNEIS = 30 days free @ohneis652
03 Phase 2: The DM
Phase 2: The DM (Private)
First Message
Keep it short and friendly:
"Hey! ■ Here is the 30-day free code you asked for."
Then add a button:
Get 30 Days Free → Buttons get higher CTR
Why Use Buttons?
Buttons have significantly higher click-through rates than plain
text links. They feel more interactive and trustworthy to users.
Pro Tips for DM Messages
• Personalize with the user's name when possible
• Keep messages short and mobile-friendly
• Match expectations: deliver exactly what you promised
• Sound like yourself, not a robot
• Include a clear call-to-action
Code OHNEIS = 30 days free @ohneis652
04 Phase 3: The Follow-Up
Phase 3: The Smart Follow-Up
This separates good automation from great automation
1. Smart Delay Set a timer for 20 minutes
2. Condition Did the user click the button?
If NO: If YES:
Send gentle nudge: Do nothing
"Hey! Just wanted to make (or tag as "Converted")
sure the link worked? ■"
Why This Works
• People get distracted — a gentle reminder converts more
• Shows you care (feels personal, not robotic)
• Only bugs people who didn't take action (respectful)
Code OHNEIS = 30 days free @ohneis652
05 Growth Hack
The Follower Gate
Convert viral traffic into followers automatically
How It Works
Before sending the link, add a condition:
Is user following me?
If YES: Send the link immediately
If NO: Send this message:
"I'd love to send this, but my settings only allow
me to DM followers! Hit 'Follow' and tap the
button below to retry. ■"
Why This Is Powerful
• Viral posts attract non-followers — this converts them
• People who follow for content = quality leads
• Builds your audience while delivering value
Code OHNEIS = 30 days free @ohneis652
06 Safety & Best Practices
Important Checklist
Safe Mode
Don't set public reply speed to "Immediately" if expecting
100+ comments/hour. Use random delay (1-60 seconds).
Keywords
Avoid generic words like "Link" or "Info" — too easy to
trigger accidentally. Use unique words: OHNEIS, START, etc.
Reply Variations
Always create 3-5 different public reply variations.
Instagram flags accounts that send identical replies.
You Won't Get Banned
Manychat is an official Meta Business Partner using the
official Instagram Graph API. 1M+ follower accounts use it.
Code OHNEIS = 30 days free @ohneis652
07 Quick Setup Guide
Get Started in 5 Minutes
Create Account
1 [Link]/creators — use code OHNEIS
Connect Instagram
2 Link your Business or Creator account
New Automation
3 Automation → New → Post/Reel Comments
Set Trigger
4 Choose post and set keyword (e.g., TRIAL)
Write Messages
5 Public reply variations + DM with button
Go Live
6 Click Go Live and test with second account
Code OHNEIS = 30 days free @ohneis652
Ready to automate
your Instagram DMs?
30 DAYS FREE
Code: OHNEIS
Use at [Link]/creators
Start Free Trial →
More AI guides & resources
[Link]/resources
@ohneis652