---
description: Learn how to automatically send private messages to users who comment on your Instagram posts, reels, ads, or live stories.
title: Instagram: Auto Private Replies
image: https://assets1-proxy.respond.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F11f7a662b80a4675973850b067c01fa5%2F3f43c48b21b24f4e8b02b100c0c8fab0
---

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4. Instagram: Auto Private Replies

# Instagram: Auto Private Replies

![Avatar](https://assets2-proxy.respond.io/ph8r57dk1q9w/4GvzCieeTBRY4TRJUbIr4y/b92428e6b049d23f546269180534f7ea/Ryan_Tan_Avatar.svg)

Joshua Lim

· 28 Aug 2025

2 min read

Auto Private Replies for Instagram allow you to automatically send private messages to users who comment on your Instagram content. Whether it’s a post, reel, ad, or live story, this feature helps you proactively engage potential customers and streamline lead conversion.

## What are Auto Private Replies?

Auto Private Replies are automated Instagram Direct messages triggered when someone comments on your:

* Posts
* Reels
* Ads (that appear on Instagram)
* Live stories (only during the live session)

These replies can be configured to send across all content or only on specific posts/reels.

> **Note**: A Contact will only be created in respond.io after the user replies to your private message.

## Getting Here

1. Go to **Settings** \> **Channels**
2. Select your **Instagram Business Account**
3. Click on the **Private Replies** tab

## Configuring Auto Private Replies

Once you’ve opened the **Private Replies** tab in your Instagram Channel settings, choose how you’d like to configure your automatic replies.

> This reply will be delivered in the person’s **Inbox** folder if they follow your Instagram Professional account, or in their **Message Request** folder if they do not follow your account.

### All Posts, Reels, and Live Stories

Send the same reply to every comment across your Instagram content.

1. Select the option **“All posts, reels, and live stories”**  
![](https://assets2-proxy.respond.io/ph8r57dk1q9w/leZbpRwCGxAsRatRQzS4S/c15b6740ca7994070772638850c548e0/ig1.png?fm=jpg&q=80&w=640)
2. Enter your message in the **Autoreply message** text box  
Example: _“Hi $contact.firstname! Thanks for your comment. Let us know how we can help.”_
3. Click **Save**. This reply will be automatically sent to all new comments.

> **Tip:** You can use Contact variables like `$contact.firstname `and` $contact.name.`

### Specific Posts and Reels

Set up unique replies for selected Instagram content.

1. Select the option **“Specific posts and reels”** to customize replies for each item.  
![](https://assets2-proxy.respond.io/ph8r57dk1q9w/388DSdwfQUecvx68FOWapd/31330ccd4bced715f439412403e8078a/ig2.png?fm=jpg&q=80&w=640)
2. Click **\+ Add post.** A dialog will open to configure your reply for a specific post or reel  
![](https://assets2-proxy.respond.io/ph8r57dk1q9w/7s5McRavg5TYFi0ZtiVENL/cd745bc679d092d31d6901a36859434a/ig3.png?fm=jpg&q=80&w=640)
3. Select **a post or reel** from your published content in the dropdown. Posts and reels are labeled.
4. Enter your message in the **Autoreply message** text box  
Example: _“Hi $contact.firstname! Thanks for your comment. Let us know how we can help.”_
5. Click **Add.** The configured item will appear in a list below.
6. **View on Instagram** or click **Edit** next to any item to modify its message. (Optional)  
![](https://assets2-proxy.respond.io/ph8r57dk1q9w/5nEsNh53RsHJklsibJ7gCd/cc6ee165a664157f333bb252dfc25592/ig4.png?fm=jpg&q=80&w=640)

## Limitations

| **Limitation**        | **Details**                                                        |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **One-time Message**  | Only one private message can be sent per comment.                  |
| **Message Window**    | Replies must be sent within **7 days** of the comment.             |
| **Live Stories**      | Replies only work **while live**,not after.                        |
| **IGTV Comments**     | Not supported.                                                     |
| **Contact Creation**  | User must reply to your message to become a Contact on respond.io. |
| **Contact Variables** | Supports: $contact.name, $contact.firstname.                       |

## FAQ and Troubleshooting

### Why isn’t my message sending?

* You tried replying to a live story after it ended.
* Your Instagram channel token is invalid — reconnect the channel.

### Why can’t I find a post or reel in the dropdown?

* That post/reel is already configured in your Private Replies.
* Your account might not have eligible content fetched — try refreshing channel permissions.

### What happens if I switch between All Posts and Specific Posts?

* Your current setup will be deleted.
* This action is irreversible — you’ll need to manually reconfigure your previous setup.

### Can I use Contact variables in my messages?

Yes. Supported variables are:

* $contact.name
* $contact.firstname

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## 

Related articles 👩‍💻

* [Instagram Quick StartConnect an Instagram Business account to chat with customers. ](/help/instagram/instagram)
* [Instagram OverviewGet an overview of the Instagram channel and its capabilities. ](/help/instagram/instagram-overview)

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2025-12-05T03:58:00.256Z

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