AutoDM
AutoDM FAQ
Answers to common AutoDM questions, including what Instagram does and doesn't allow and why a campaign didn't reply.
Quick answers about AutoDM. AutoDM is marked Beta in the dashboard.
Why didn't it reply?
I commented the keyword and nothing happened
Your own comments and messages never trigger a campaign. Test from a friend's account.
A follower commented and got nothing
Check that the campaign shows Active, not Paused or Setup needed. Check it listens to comments, and applies to that post (or All posts). Check the keyword is inside their comment. If they triggered the same campaign in the last 12 hours, it stays quiet on purpose.
Nothing is replying at all
Your Instagram access may have lapsed. Open a campaign's Trigger and click Select posts: if Soul says "Your Instagram authorization has lapsed", reconnect. See Connect Instagram.
The DM shows as plain text with no button
Buttons appear on the Instagram mobile app only. On desktop, Instagram may show the message as plain text.
What Instagram allows
Can I DM all my followers at once?
No. Instagram only lets you message people who commented or messaged you first. Use an announcement for your email list.
Can I require people to follow me first?
No. AutoDM doesn't check whether someone follows you. Anyone who comments the keyword gets the reply.
Can I put a button or file in the public comment reply?
No. A comment reply is plain text. Put your link in the DM.
Does it work with story replies?
Yes. Set the Trigger source to Direct messages and story replies. See Reply to DMs and story replies.
Does it work with Reels and carousels?
Yes. Comments on Reels and carousels work like any post, and you can select them under Applies to.
Can I use a personal Instagram account?
No. Only Business or Creator accounts can be connected.
Can I connect two Instagram accounts?
No. One account per portal, and an account can only be connected to one portal.
Campaigns
Why can't I use the same keyword twice?
Two active campaigns would both answer the same comment or DM. Use the same keyword only on campaigns that target different posts and listen to comments only. See Target specific posts.
Does case or punctuation matter?
Case doesn't. The keyword just has to appear somewhere in the text, so "GUIDE please!" matches guide.
Where can I see how many people a campaign reached?
Campaign results (clicks, leads and revenue) aren't shown in the dashboard yet.
Can Soul AI set up a campaign for me?
Yes. Ask Soul AI, for example "Set up an AutoDM that sends my free guide to anyone who comments GUIDE." You can then review it on the Setup tab.