Last updated: October 2026
Chatfuel is a chatbot builder for WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and websites. Zaprep does one job in depth: comment-to-DM automation for Instagram and Facebook, with keyword triggers, story replies, Follow Gate and email collection. All on the official Meta API.
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Built with security & compliance in mind
Zaprep is a strong Chatfuel alternative if your main goal is turning Instagram or Facebook comments into DMs. Chatfuel is a multichannel chatbot builder covering WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and website chat, with a visual flow builder. Zaprep is narrower and simpler: it replies to keyword comments, sends a personalized DM within seconds, answers story replies, can require a follow first (Instagram) and collects email addresses inside the conversation. Everything runs on the official Meta Graph API. The Free plan is $0 for 1,000 Active Contacts a month, Solo is $5.99/mo for 2 accounts and 5,000 Active Contacts, and Growth is $14.99/mo for 15,000+. Active Contacts count only the people you message each month, not every contact you have stored. Most people set up their first automation in under 5 minutes. Last verified: June 2026.
Your growth runs on comments
If most of your leads start as a comment on a post or Reel, you need fast, reliable comment-to-DM automation more than a general chatbot builder. That is the one job Zaprep is built around.
You need a tool that speaks Instagram
Instagram's API is fundamentally different from WhatsApp or Messenger. DM webhook formats, comment subscription requirements, story reply events, and the three-ID account model all require deep Instagram-specific integration that general chatbot platforms rarely get right.
Multi-channel tools add complexity you don't need
If Instagram is your primary growth channel, a multi-platform chatbot builder adds configuration overhead, pricing tiers you pay for but never use, and support teams that don't specialise in Instagram. An Instagram-first tool ships faster and breaks less.
Focused on comment-to-DM automation. Chatfuel details come from its public website; check chatfuel.com for current features and pricing.
| Feature | Zaprep | Chatfuel |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram support | ✓ Instagram and Facebook Pages | ✓ Alongside WhatsApp, Messenger and web chat |
| Comment → DM automation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Keyword triggers | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Story reply automation | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Follow gate | ✓ Built in (Instagram) | Not a built-in feature |
| Email collection from DMs | ✓ Built in | Via the flow builder |
| Inbox | ✓ Unified inbox | ✓ Live chat inbox |
| Official Meta Graph API | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Free plan | Yes, 1,000 Active Contacts/mo | See chatfuel.com |
| Paid plans | From $5.99/mo (Solo), $14.99/mo (Growth) | Varies by plan and channel |
Chatfuel covers more channels, including WhatsApp and website chat. Zaprep is the simpler choice when comment-to-DM on Instagram and Facebook is the main job.
Zaprep covers the full comment-to-DM workflow on Instagram, built natively on Meta’s latest Graph API, and the same core flows work on Facebook Pages.
Comment → DM automation
When someone comments on your post with a keyword (“link”, “info”, “price”) Zaprep instantly sends them a DM. Works on feed posts, Reels, and carousels. You reply publicly and privately at the same time to maximise reach.
Story reply automation
Capture high-intent story viewers automatically. When someone replies to your story, Zaprep fires a DM with your chosen message: a discount code, a link, or a multi-step conversation to collect their email.
Follow gate
Set any rule to require a follow before the automation fires. Non-followers receive a polite gate message. The moment they follow, Zaprep detects the “new follower” event and immediately delivers the gated content.
Email collection from DMs
Run a multi-step DM conversation to collect email addresses. Zaprep manages the conversation state (prompting, validating, and storing the email) so you grow your list on autopilot from every post and story.
Unified inbox
Read and reply to all your Instagram DMs from one clean interface. See automation history alongside manual replies. No need to jump between the Instagram app and a dashboard.
Official Meta Graph API
Every action Zaprep takes goes through graph.instagram.com: the same infrastructure Meta provides for approved business integrations. No scraping and no unofficial endpoints: the things that get accounts suspended.
No developer needed. No complex flow builder to re-learn.
Create a free Zaprep account
Sign up with email or Google. No credit card required. Your free plan is active immediately.
Connect your Instagram Business account
Authorise via the official Meta OAuth flow. Takes about 60 seconds and needs an Instagram Business or Creator account; no Facebook Page is required.
Recreate your automation rules
Set a keyword trigger or comment trigger, write your DM reply text, configure optional follow gate or email collection, and toggle the rule live.
Why look for a Chatfuel alternative for Instagram?
Usually because comment-to-DM is the main job and a full chatbot builder is more than you need. Chatfuel is built for multichannel bots across WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram and websites. Zaprep is set up in minutes for one workflow: someone comments a keyword, gets a DM, and can be asked to follow you or share their email.
Is Zaprep a good Chatfuel alternative for Instagram?
Yes, if comment-to-DM is your focus. Zaprep runs on the official Meta Graph API and covers comment-to-DM flows, keyword triggers, story reply automation, Follow Gate and email collection from DM conversations, for Instagram Business and Creator accounts and Facebook Pages.
Does Zaprep work with the official Instagram API?
Yes. Zaprep connects exclusively through the official Meta Graph API (Instagram Business Login). No scraping, no unofficial bots, and no third-party automation layers. Your account remains fully compliant with Instagram's Terms of Service.
How much does Zaprep cost compared to Chatfuel?
Zaprep's Free plan is $0 (1,000 Active Contacts/mo, 1 account, unlimited rules), and the Growth plan is $14.99/mo for 15,000+ Active Contacts, 5 accounts, Follow Gate, and email collection. Solo is $5.99/mo for 2 accounts and 5,000 Active Contacts, with Follow Gate and email collection. Active Contacts are the unique people you message in a month, not every contact you have stored, so your bill doesn't grow with your follower count.
How long does it take to migrate from Chatfuel to Zaprep?
Most users are live within 5 minutes. Connect your Instagram Business account via Meta OAuth, create a keyword trigger rule, write the automated DM reply, and toggle it on. No developer needed, no complex flow builder to learn.
Free plan available. No stored-contact limits. Switch from Chatfuel in under 5 minutes.