Waveloop runs on Instagram's official API, so Instagram's own rules apply to every message it sends. Here they are in one place.
They reach out first
Instagram only lets a business message people who contacted it: with a comment, a story reply or a DM. Every Waveloop automation starts with something the person did. Nobody gets a DM out of the blue.
A comment gets one private reply, within 7 days
- Within 7 days. The DM for a comment has to go out within 7 days of the comment. Waveloop sends it right away, so this only matters if your Instagram was disconnected for a while.
- One per comment. Each comment can get one private reply. That's the first message Waveloop sends for it. Anything after, like the link after a follow check, goes out once the person taps or replies.
A conversation stays open for 24 hours
When someone messages you, Instagram lets you answer for 24 hours after their last message. DM keyword and story reply automations answer right away.
A button can be refused in a first message
On some accounts, Instagram refuses a message with a button or a card when it's the first message to someone who has never messaged you. Waveloop then sends your message as plain text, straight away:
- A direct DM goes out as your text with the link pasted in.
- With follow to unlock on, the opening message asks them to "Reply LINK", and their reply continues the flow.
Instagram can refuse the plain text too, because the refused message used up the comment's one private reply. The person then sees an empty chat. If they send you any message within 7 days of their comment, Waveloop picks up where it stopped. They get your DM with the link, or with follow to unlock on, the follow check first. Once they've written to you, buttons work again for 24 hours.
Your account needs the right setup
- A professional account, Business or Creator.
- Allow access to messages switched on. In Instagram, go to Settings and activity, Messages and story replies, Message controls, then Connected tools.
- A second account to test from. Instagram doesn't let an account DM itself.
Someone says the DM never came? Work through this checklist.