2026 guide
How to set up automatic messages on Instagram
Two paths: Meta's free automatic replies, which send a fixed text, or an AI seller that answers every comment by DM, talks, and gets you the contact. Here are both, step by step.
14 days free, no card.
Option 1: free automatic messages with Meta Business Suite
If you have a professional Instagram account (business or creator) connected to a Facebook Page, you can turn on automatic replies from the Meta Business Suite inbox, at no cost.
- 1
Switch to a professional account
In Instagram, go to Settings and switch to a business or creator account. Connect it to your Facebook Page.
- 2
Open the inbox automations
In Meta Business Suite, go to Inbox and then Automations.
- 3
Turn on the instant reply
It's the message someone gets the first time they DM you. Use it to say hi and tell them when you reply.
- 4
Set up the away message and FAQs
The away message replies outside your hours. FAQs show buttons with ready answers, like pricing or location.
Saved replies help too: texts you write once and paste with a tap when you answer by hand.
What free automatic messages can't do
They make sure nobody goes unanswered, but they always send the same text. If you sell on Instagram, they fall short where it matters:
- They reply with a fixed text: they don't understand the question or hold a conversation.
- They don't turn each comment ("price", "info") into a DM conversation that moves toward a sale.
- They don't ask for or save the phone or email of interested people.
- They don't write again to people who stop replying.
- They don't tell you who is ready to buy.
Option 2: AI automatic messages that answer comments
Walio is an AI seller for Instagram and Facebook. When someone comments on your post, it DMs them, talks using what you taught it, asks for the contact at the right moment, and follows up with people going cold.
- 1
Connect your Instagram or Facebook
With Meta's official login. No shared passwords.
- 2
Pick the post and the words
For example "price", "info", or "link". Every comment with that word gets a DM.
- 3
Brief it on your business once
What you offer, what to ask, and what to say. From then on it talks for you, in your tone.
When someone leaves their phone or email, it notifies you instantly by email and in your dashboard, with the whole conversation so you can close.
What about automatic replies on Facebook?
The same Meta Business Suite automations work for your Facebook Page: instant reply, away message, and FAQs. Walio also answers comments on your Facebook posts by private message, with the same conversation as on Instagram.
Free automatic messages vs Walio
| Feature | Meta Business Suite (free) | Walio with AI |
|---|---|---|
| Replies to the first DM | Yes, with a fixed text | Yes, by talking |
| Turns comments into DMs | No | Yes, by keyword |
| Understands questions and talks | No | Yes |
| Gets phone or email | No | Yes |
| Follows up with cold leads | No | Yes, automatically |
| Price | Free | From $19/mo, 14 days free |
FAQ
Are Instagram automatic messages free?
Yes. Meta Business Suite's instant reply, away message, and FAQs cost nothing. You only need a professional account connected to a Facebook Page.
Can I send an automatic DM when someone comments?
Yes, with a tool like Walio: you pick the post and the keywords, and every comment with that word gets a DM that starts a conversation.
Can Instagram ban my account for using automatic messages?
The risk comes from unofficial tools that use your password. Walio connects with Meta's official login and sends messages through Meta's platform.
How much does Walio cost?
From $19 a month with 250 contacts included. You only pay for the contacts you get, not for every comment. Try it free for 14 days, no card.
Let your comments turn into clients
Connect your Instagram and put an AI seller to work on your next post.