> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/social/instagram-dm-keyword-automations.md).

# Instagram DM keyword automations

Set up Instagram keyword automations from the Social tab, so fans who comment or DM a keyword get an automated Instagram DM reply.

Instagram keyword automations send an automated Instagram DM when a fan **comments on one of your posts** or **DMs your account** with a keyword you choose. You set them up from the [Social](https://manager.cymbal.co/social) tab in Manager.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Plan:** Creating Instagram keyword automations requires the **Premium** plan. See [Starter & Premium pricing](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/pricing/starter-and-premium-pricing).
{% endhint %}

## Before you start

Connect Meta and allow the Instagram permissions Cymbal asks for, including messages and comments. See [Connecting Meta Ads](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/setting-up-cymbal/ads-setup/connecting-meta-ads).

{% hint style="info" %}
If you connected Meta a while ago, you may see "You need to refresh your Meta integration in order to send Instagram keyword responses." Click **Refresh here** and sign in to Meta again to grant the comments permission, then choose your Instagram account.
{% endhint %}

## How to create an Instagram keyword automation

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Go to the [Social](https://manager.cymbal.co/social) tab.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Under **Automations**, click **Create new**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click the **Trigger** card, **User comments or DMs a keyword**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Under **When a customer comments or DMs a word**, enter a **Keyword**. Keywords are not case sensitive. Click **+ Add more keywords** to add others, then click **Done**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Instagram account** and choose the account that should send the replies.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Under **Reply message**, write the **Message** fans will get. Then open the button card below it to set the button text and the link it opens, like a **Tickets** button that goes to your ticket page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Turn on** when you're ready for the automation to start replying.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

After it's on, open the automation's **Analytics** tab to see its sends and clicks.

{% hint style="info" %}
Each automation DMs the same Instagram account at most once every 2 hours, so a fan who comments or DMs your keyword again within 2 hours won't get a second reply.
{% endhint %}

If Cymbal shows an error when you choose the Instagram account, like "The Instagram account owner has disabled access to Instagram direct messages" or "Your Meta user does not have sufficient permissions to send DMs on behalf of this Instagram account", see [Fix the Instagram direct messages disabled error](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/social/fix-the-instagram-direct-messages-disabled-error).

## Related

* [Fix the Instagram direct messages disabled error](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/social/fix-the-instagram-direct-messages-disabled-error)
* [Social](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/social)
* [Connecting Meta Ads](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/setting-up-cymbal/ads-setup/connecting-meta-ads)
* [Missing Facebook & Instagram pages](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/ads/troubleshooting/missing-facebook-and-instagram-pages)
* [Text Keyword Automations](https://docs.cymbal.co/help/text/text-automations/text-keyword-automations), for keywords fans text to your number