Overview
This automation lets you automatically send direct messages with links, files, or resources to users who comment specific keywords on your Instagram posts. It's perfect for delivering lead magnets, guides, or exclusive content without manual intervention.
Prefer watching? View the video tutorial here. ⬇️
What You'll Need
Instagram account connected to Spur
Files hosted online (for link method) OR video/image files under 16MB (for direct file upload method)
Specifiied keywords that you're directing users to comment on your Insta post(s)
Content ready for your automated responses
Step-by-Step Setup
Step 1: Create New Automation Flow
Navigate to Automation (lightning bolt icon) in your Spur dashboard
Click + New Flow in the top right corner
Select your Instagram account from the channel popup
Click Start from Scratch to build a custom workflow
Step 2: Set Up Comment Trigger
Click "Click to add a trigger" in the Starting Trigger box
Select Comment from the trigger list
Choose your scope:
All Publications: Automation works on every post on your account
Specific Post or Reel: Select particular posts for the automation
Step 3: Configure Keywords and Public Replies
Click the blue Configure Triggers & Replies button
Enter your target keyword in the Keywords field (e.g., "download", "guide", "link")
Add a public comment reply in the Reply In Comments section
Example: "We've sent you a download link in the DMs"
This lets users know to check their DMs
Click ✨ Add 10 Similar Replies with AI to generate variations
This prevents Instagram from flagging your comments as spam
Click Save to confirm settings
Step 4: Choose Your DM Method
You have two options for sending content via DM:
Method A: Send Button with Link (Recommended for Online Files)
Best for: Files hosted on your website, Google Drive, Dropbox, or other online platforms
Setup Process:
Drag from the circle on "First Step" to create the next step
Select Instagram/Facebook from content options
Choose Text With Buttons as message type
Write your message text:
Example: "Hey, click on this link to download the guide"
Click + Button to add action button
Enter button text (e.g., "Download")
Click the link icon next to the button name
Paste your complete URL in the Link Address field
Example:
https://yourwebsite.com/download/video.mp4
Method B: Send Media File Directly
Best for: Video or image files you want to deliver immediately within the DM
Setup Process:
Create a Text With Buttons message (follow steps 1-4 from Method A)
Add a button without a link (text like "View Video")
Drag from the circle on the button to create next step
Select Instagram/Facebook from content options
Choose Media as message type
Select Video (or Image/Audio) from dropdown
Upload your file with these requirements:
Video format: MP4 only
File size: Under 16MB maximum
(Optional) Add a text caption by clicking + Send Message and adding a Text block
Step 5: Save and Activate
Click Save in the top right corner
Toggle from Workflow Disabled to Workflow Enabled
Your automation is now live and ready to respond to comments
File Requirements and Limitations
For Direct File Uploads:
Video files: Must be MP4 format, maximum 16MB
Image files: PNG/JPG formats supported, under 5MB
Audio files: Supported formats, under 25MB
For Link Method:
Any file type supported since users download from your hosting platform
No size limitations (depends on your hosting service)
More flexibility for large files, multiple formats, or complex downloads
Advanced Features & Workarounds
Sending Multiple Messages (Instagram Limitation Bypass)
Instagram comment triggers can normally only send one message per comment. However, there's a workaround to send multiple messages, videos, or different content types:
The 24-Hour Window Strategy (employed in method 2 above):
Initial Response: Set up your comment trigger to send a message with a Quick Reply button
Example button text: "Get Video" or "Download Guide"
Follow-up Content: Create additional messages (videos, images, documents) connected to the button
How It Works: When users click the Quick Reply button, it counts as a regular message, opening a 24-hour messaging window. You can then send unlimited messages in any format for the next 24 hours.
Setup Process:
Create your initial comment trigger response with a Quick Reply button
Create a second message step with your video/additional content
Connect the Quick Reply button to the additional message step
Users click the button → 24-hour window opens → Multiple messages can be sent
Multiple Use Cases Beyond File Delivery
Immediate Engagement:
Automatically acknowledge comments with thanks or information
Respond to frequently asked questions in comments
Provide quick answers to common inquiries
Promotional Opportunities:
Trigger responses for promotion-related comments
Automatically share product information when users ask
Send special offers to engaged commenters
Customer Support Integration:
Address customer concerns mentioned in comments
Provide support resources automatically
Escalate complex issues to human agents
Brand Interaction:
Maintain active social media presence 24/7
Demonstrate commitment to customer engagement
Build community through consistent responses
Keyword Selection
Use simple, obvious keywords like "download", "guide", "free"
Avoid complex phrases that users might misspell
Test keywords with friends before going live
Consider multiple related keywords for the same automation
Comment Reply Strategy
Always include a public comment reply to set expectations
Keep replies friendly and professional
Use AI variations to avoid spam detection
Mention checking DMs specifically
Content Delivery
Host important files on reliable platforms (not social media)
Test all download links before activating automation
Include clear instructions in your DM message
Provide backup contact methods if downloads fail
Monitoring and Optimization
Track Performance
Monitor which keywords generate most responses
Check DM delivery rates and user engagement
Review public comment replies for effectiveness
Test different button text and messaging
Common Adjustments
Update keywords based on user behavior
Refresh comment reply variations periodically
Replace outdated links or files
Adjust messaging tone based on audience response
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use multiple keywords for the same automation? A: Yes, enter multiple keywords separated by commas in the Keywords field.
Q: What happens if someone comments the keyword multiple times? A: The automation will trigger each time, so they might receive multiple DMs. Consider this when choosing your trigger settings. You can add an exit condition to prevent that from happening though. An exit condition of ''has been in this flow'' in the ''last 1 day'' should work.
Q: Can I send different files to different keywords? A: Yes, you can use a condition block to facilitate that. You can use the variable ''{{comment.text}}'' to match what keyword got commented and branch out separate paths where you send different files based on which keyword got used.
Q: Why should I include a public comment reply? A: It lets users know to check their DMs and appears more legitimate to Instagram's algorithm than silent automation.
Q: What file formats work for direct uploads? A: MP4 for video, standard image formats (JPG, PNG), and common audio formats. All must be under 16MB.
Q: Can I track who downloaded my files? A: For direct file uploads, you can see who can see who clicked on the link you provided in the inbox when you check that person's chat. For links, you'll need tracking on your hosting platform.
Q: What if my file is larger than 16MB? A: Use Method A (link method) and host the file on your website, Google Drive, or cloud storage service.
Q: How do I prevent spam or unwanted triggers? A: Use specific, unique keywords rather than common words. Monitor the automation and adjust keywords if needed.
Q: Can I schedule when this automation is active? A: Currently, automations run 24/7 once enabled. You can manually disable/enable based on your needs.
Q: What happens if Instagram flags my comments as spam? A: Using AI-generated reply variations significantly reduces this risk. Keep replies natural and helpful.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Automation not triggering:
Verify the workflow is enabled
Check that keywords match exactly what users are commenting
Ensure Instagram account is properly connected
Users not receiving DMs:
Confirm Instagram allows your account to send DMs
Check if users have DM restrictions enabled
Verify message content doesn't violate Instagram policies
Files not uploading:
Ensure files meet size and format requirements
Try uploading smaller or different format files
Use link method for problematic files
Links not working:
Test all URLs before activation
Use complete URLs including https://
Verify hosting platform allows direct downloads
This automation transforms Instagram comments into a powerful lead generation and content delivery system, providing immediate value to engaged users while capturing their attention in DMs.