Help · Automations
Building & running automations
Everything you need to know about setting up Instagram DM automations in Waveloop — the automation types, keywords, buttons, follow gates, lead capture, and what to check when one isn’t firing.
The basics
An automation is a rule: a trigger, then a DM
Every automation in Waveloop follows the same simple shape. You pick a trigger — someone comments on a post, sends a keyword, or replies to a story — and Waveloop sends them a direct message in return. Everything runs on Meta’s official Instagram Graph API at a conservative, human-like speed, so we never touch your password, never open a browser on your behalf, and never scrape anything.
The questions below cover how each piece works. If you get stuck, reach out — a real human answers.
What automation types can I build? +
Waveloop has three core automation types, each triggered a different way:
- Comment-to-DM — someone comments on a post or reel and gets an instant DM.
- Keyword DM reply — someone DMs you a trigger word and gets an automatic reply.
- Story-reply automation — someone replies to your story and gets a DM back.
You can run all three at once, and as many of each as your plan allows.
How do keywords work? +
You set one or more trigger words for an automation. When a comment, DM, or story reply contains any of them, the automation fires. Matching is case-insensitive — “LINK”, “Link”, and “link” all count. Add as many keywords as you like so people can trigger it however they naturally phrase it.
Can I reply publicly to the comment too? +
Yes. On a Comment-to-DM automation you can post a public reply to the comment in addition to the private DM — great for a quick “Check your DMs! 📧” that shows other people the automation is live. Public replies are sent within Meta’s 7-day comment-reply window.
Can I add buttons or links to the DM? +
Yes — you can add both buttons and links to your message. By default, links pass through Waveloop’s safe loader so you get click data, unless you turn link tracking off, in which case the raw link is sent as-is.
What is a follow gate? +
A follow gate requires the person to follow you before they receive the DM or link. If they’re not following yet, Waveloop asks them to follow first, then delivers the message once they do — a simple way to turn every automation into a follower magnet. Follow gates are free on every plan, including Hobby.
Can I collect emails or leads? +
Yes, on Creator and Business. After the DM goes out, Waveloop can ask the person for their email and capture it automatically, so every automation doubles as a list-builder. You can export the collected leads whenever you want. See Comment-to-DM for the full flow.
Can I send different message versions? +
Yes. Add multiple versions of your message to a single automation and each send picks one at random. Varying the wording keeps your replies feeling human and helps everything stay well within a natural, anti-spam sending pattern.
How many automations can I run? +
Hobby lets you run up to 5 automations at once. Creator and Business are unlimited. Compare everything on the pricing page.
Why isn’t my automation firing? +
Run through this quick checklist:
- • Your Instagram account is connected and active in Waveloop — see connecting Instagram.
- • The automation is turned on and points at the right post, or the incoming message actually matches one of your keywords.
- • The interaction is within Meta’s messaging window (24 hours for DMs, 7 days for comment replies).
- • The account isn’t paused and the automation isn’t at a plan limit.
Still stuck? Contact us and we’ll take a look with you.
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