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Configure AutoDM triggers & keywords

Pick the right trigger, keyword rules, reply and timing so the correct DM goes out every time.

4 min readReviewed Oct 2026

Every automation has three parts: a trigger (what starts it), match rules (which words count) and the reply. Getting these right is the difference between a smooth funnel and missed leads.

Before you start

  • A connected Professional Instagram account.
  • AutoDM switched on in Explore all apps.
1

Pick the trigger type

Under Instagram in the sidebar, each tab is a trigger: Reels and Posts (someone comments), DM auto-reply (someone DMs you), Stories (someone replies to your Story) and Follow-up flows (multi-step conversations). Open the one you need and create a new automation.

Pick the trigger type
2

Set the keyword rules

In the Keyword step choose “Specific keyword” or “All comments”. Add up to 10 keywords. “Contains” matches the word anywhere in the message. “Exact match” only fires when the message is exactly that word.

Set the keyword rules

Use “Contains” for broad capture. Use “Exact match” when a keyword could clash with normal conversation.

3

Write the reply (and a button)

In the Message step pick the DM type (Text + Button is best for links) and write the message. Keep the first line short: it’s what shows in the notification. DMGO’s AI writes extra versions of your reply so Instagram never sees the same text twice.

Write the reply (and a button)
4

Tune the timing, then launch

Open the “Timing” section at the bottom. “Cooldown” stops the same person getting the DM again within that window (e.g. 24 hours). “Send delay” waits before the DM goes out (at least 30 seconds) so it feels natural. Click “Launch automation” and test from a different account.

Tune the timing, then launch

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