Instagram Automation allows businesses and creators to efficiently manage Direct Messages (DMs) and engagement using a chatbot.
Requirements
To enable automation, your account must be:
- An Instagram Business or Creator account (Professional Account).
- Connected to a Facebook Page.
Enable Message Access
For Chatbot Builder AI to manage your messages, you must grant permission inside the Instagram mobile app.
Open Settings
Go to your Instagram profile, tap the Menu (three lines), and select Settings & privacy.
Message Controls
Navigate to Messages and story replies > Message controls.
Toggle Connected Tools
Scroll down to Connected tools and turn ON the toggle for Allow access to Messages.
Without this setting enabled, the chatbot cannot receive or reply to your DMs.
Connect to Chatbot Builder AI
Once your Instagram settings are configured:
- Log in to Chatbot Builder AI.
- Go to Settings > Channels.
- Select Instagram and click Connect.
- Follow the Facebook authorization prompts (ensure you grant permissions for ALL accounts).
Building Instagram Flows
The process for building Instagram chatbots is the same as other channels.
Recommendation: Always use the Omnichannel message type when creating flows. This ensures compatibility if you decide to use the same content on Facebook Messenger or other platforms.
Important Limitations
Be aware of the following constraints enforced by Meta:
- Facebook Connection: Your Instagram account must remain connected to a Facebook Page.
- Group Chats: Automation is not supported in group threads (conversations with more than 2 people).
- Ads & IGTV: The Comment Automation tool does not work on Instagram Ads (Dark Posts) or IGTV videos.
- Private Profiles: The bot cannot retrieve the name or profile picture of users with private accounts; they will appear in your subscriber list with an empty name.
