How to set up Instagram comment-to-DM automation (2026 guide)

What comment-to-DM actually does

Comment-to-DM turns a public comment into a private message. You end a Reel with "comment GUIDE and I'll send it to you", and everyone who comments GUIDE receives your link in their Instagram inbox a few seconds later.

It works better than "link in bio" for two reasons. The viewer takes one action instead of four, and every comment tells Instagram the post is worth showing to more people.

Before you start

Your Instagram account must be a Creator or Business account. In Instagram, open Settings, then Account type and tools, and switch to a professional account. It's free and you keep your followers.

Open Settings, then Messages and story replies, then Message controls, and make sure Allow access to messages under Connected tools is turned on. Without it, no tool can send DMs for you.

Set it up in LinkPlz

Create a free account and connect Instagram. You log in on Instagram's own page, so LinkPlz never sees your password.

Create an automation: choose a specific post or any post, type your keywords (for example LINK, GUIDE, SEND), write the DM and paste your link. The preview shows exactly what people will receive.

Add a public reply such as "Sent! Check your DMs 📩" so other viewers see that commenting works. Rotate two or three versions so your comment section doesn't look automated.

Write a caption that earns the comment

Say the keyword out loud in the video and put it in the first line of the caption. Use one short word in capitals; people copy what they see.

Promise something specific: "my 12-shot Reel template", not "more info". The more concrete the reward, the more people comment.

Check it works

Ask a friend to comment your keyword from another account. The DM should arrive within a few seconds and the click appears in your LinkPlz dashboard when they open the link.

If nothing arrives, check that message access is turned on in Instagram and that the automation is active and pointed at the right post.