You’ve seen it on reels: “Comment GUIDE and I’ll send it to you.” A few seconds after commenting, a DM shows up with the link. It feels personal, it pushes the reel in the algorithm because of all the comments, and it collects leads while you sleep.
Setting it up yourself takes about ten minutes. Here’s the whole thing, step by step.
Before you start
- Your Instagram account must be a Professional account (Creator or Business). You can switch for free in Instagram settings.
- In Instagram settings, under Messages and story replies, allow access to messages for connected tools.
- Have the thing you want to send ready: a link, a PDF, a discount code, or a product page.
Step 1: Connect Instagram
In Boomly, open Channels and connect Instagram. You log in through Meta’s own window and approve the permissions. Boomly never sees your Instagram password.
Step 2: Create the automation
Go to Automations and create a new one with the trigger “Someone comments on a post”. Choose whether it should run on one specific post or reel, or on all of them.
Step 3: Pick your keyword
Add the word people should comment, like LINK, PRICE or GUIDE. Short, one word, easy to type on a phone. You can add a few variations too, since people will write “link”, “Link pls” and “send link”.
If you turn on “Match any keyword”, every comment on that post gets a DM. That’s fine for a giveaway, but for normal posts a keyword keeps it from replying to “nice video 🔥”.
Step 4: Choose what happens
For comment-to-DM, pick “Send a DM”. If you only want to answer in the comments, pick “Reply publicly” instead. Public replies are plain text, one per comment, so anything with a link, image or button belongs in the DM.
Step 5: Write the DM
Keep it short and human. Say thanks, give them what they asked for, and add one clear next step. For example:
“Hey! Here’s the guide you asked for 👇 [link]. If you want help choosing the right plan, just reply here and I’ll answer personally.”
Add the link as a button (up to three per message) rather than plain text. Buttons get tapped more.
Step 6: Turn it on and test
Save, switch the automation on, then comment the keyword on your post from a different account (a friend’s phone works). The DM should arrive within a few seconds. Don’t test by commenting on your own post from the same account; that isn’t a reliable test.
Why it sometimes doesn’t send
- You tested from the same account that owns the post.
- The keyword doesn’t match. Check spelling and add common variations.
- Message access for connected tools is turned off in Instagram settings.
- The automation is set to a different post than the one you’re testing.
- Another tool is also connected and replying, or Instagram has limited it. Disconnect the old tool.
Ideas that work well
- Creators: “Comment RECIPE for the full recipe” or “Comment PRESET for my free Lightroom preset”.
- Stores: “Comment PRICE” on a product reel, with the product link and today’s offer in the DM.
- Coaches: “Comment CLASS” to get the free webinar link, then ask one question to qualify the lead.
- Real estate: “Comment SITE” to get the brochure and a slot to book a site visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is comment-to-DM allowed by Instagram?
Yes, as long as the tool uses Meta’s official Instagram API, which Boomly does. Tools that ask for your Instagram password are the ones to avoid.
Does it work on reels and carousels?
Yes. It works on any post type on a Professional account: reels, carousels and single photos.
Can I send the DM in Hindi?
Of course. Write the message in Hindi, Hinglish or any language you like. The keyword can be in any language too.
