How to Set Up a Comment-to-DM Funnel
A comment-to-DM funnel replies publicly when someone comments on your post and delivers a link or document by DM — optionally only after they follow you. Automations run on published posts through the official Meta API.
Before you start
- At least one published Instagram post
- Instagram connected
Steps
- 1
Create the automation
On the Automations page click New automation and pick a published post. Regent pre-fills sensible defaults you can edit.
- 2
Choose the trigger
Any comment, or a keyword (for example "GUIDE") with contains/exact matching. Keyword triggers pair naturally with a call-to-action in your caption.
- 3
Set the public reply
The comment Regent posts publicly, with up to three rotating variants so replies do not look identical.
- 4
Write the DM
The private message that delivers the value. Placeholders: {first_name}, {trigger}, and {doc_url} — the link to the post's published companion document. Optional buttons with custom labels.
- 5
Configure the follower gate
On by default: non-followers get a polite gate message asking them to follow first, with an "I followed" button that re-checks and then delivers the DM.
- 6
Enable and monitor
Toggle the automation on. The card shows sent, failed, and skipped counts for the last 30 days. Reply-once-per-user is on by default.
Frequently asked
Is DM automation allowed by Instagram?+
Yes, through the official Meta API on Business/Creator accounts, which is how Regent operates. Unofficial bots that simulate the app violate Instagram's terms and risk bans.
What is the follower gate?+
An optional step that asks commenters to follow you before the DM with the link is delivered. It converts comment traffic into followers and is enabled by default.
What does {doc_url} send?+
The public link to the post's companion document — the long-form guide Regent generates with each reel or carousel, published from the Documents page.
Related guides
Public beta — 100 creator cap