IG DM bot · Free plan · Official Instagram API
A DM bot that answers Instagram messages, comments and story replies the moment they arrive, through Instagram's official API, with a free plan to start. No passwords, no scraping, no Facebook Page needed.
Built with security & compliance in mind
An Instagram DM bot is software that automatically sends and replies to Instagram direct messages on behalf of a business account. Using the official Meta Business Messaging API, a DM bot can respond to comment-triggered conversations, handle incoming story reactions, and answer frequently asked questions, all in real time, around the clock. Unlike unofficial automation tools that scrape Instagram or simulate human clicks, a compliant DM bot connects through Meta’s official OAuth and webhook infrastructure. Businesses use Instagram DM bots to qualify leads, deliver discount codes, collect email addresses, and provide instant customer support without manual effort. Zaprep's Instagram DM bot combines keyword triggers, retrigger scheduling, and follow-gate logic to give you full control over every automated conversation.
Zaprep covers every Instagram entry point (comments, DMs, and story replies) with one simple rule builder.
When someone comments on your post with a keyword like "link" or "price", Zaprep instantly slides into their DMs with your pre-written message. Works on Reels, carousels, and feed posts.
Learn about comment auto-reply →Turn story reactions and replies into automated conversations. Send a lead magnet, offer a discount, or start an email collection flow, triggered the moment someone reacts to your story.
Define keywords that fire your bot: "info", "price", "free", or anything else. Combine with follow-gate logic so the automation only sends to users who already follow your account.
See the full feature set on our Instagram automation page.
Meta sets the rules for every automated DM. A good bot works inside them. Here's what that means in practice.
The Free plan is $0 with no time limit: 1 Instagram account, up to 1,000 Active Contacts (people your automations message) a month, unlimited automation rules, and comment, DM and story reply triggers. DMs sent on Free include a short "Sent via @zaprep_official" signature. Follow Gate and email collection are on paid plans: Solo ($5.99/mo, 2 accounts, 5,000 Active Contacts) and Growth ($14.99/mo, 5 accounts, 15,000 Active Contacts, priority support).
See every trigger and flow in Instagram DM automation features and flows.
Or follow our step-by-step guide to automating Instagram DMs.
Sign in with your Instagram Business account via the official Meta OAuth flow. Takes 60 seconds: no API keys to copy.
Pick a trigger (comment, DM, story reply), add optional keyword filters, write your reply, and configure any follow-gate or retrigger settings.
Publish your rule and Zaprep starts listening instantly via Meta webhooks. Every qualifying trigger fires an automated reply in real time, 24/7.
The only Instagram DM bot you should trust is one built on the official Meta API. Here's how Zaprep keeps your account safe.
Every message is sent through Meta's Business Messaging API: the same infrastructure used by enterprise brands. No third-party clients, no browser automation.
Zaprep never scrapes Instagram, simulates likes, or uses emulated devices. All data comes from official Meta webhooks and Graph API endpoints only.
Every inbound webhook is verified using HMAC-SHA256 before processing. Only genuine Meta events trigger your automations.
Your Instagram access tokens are encrypted at rest using AES-256-GCM and decrypted only at the point of use, never stored in plain text.
Switching from a risky tool? See how Zaprep compares to ManyChat →
Start free. Upgrade only when you need more volume. Only need one account? Solo is $5.99/mo for 5,000 Active Contacts.
$0
Free, no card needed
$14.99
per month
A DM bot built on the official API works the way Meta intends: Zaprep connects through Instagram Business Login and sends messages only through Meta's official endpoints. Bots that scrape Instagram or log in with your password break Instagram's Terms of Use and can get accounts restricted. You still need to follow Instagram's messaging policies, for example, only replying to people who contacted you first.
An Instagram DM bot can automatically reply to direct messages, respond to comment-triggered DMs, send follow-up messages when users reply to your stories, collect email addresses from conversations, and route replies based on keywords. With Zaprep you can also set retrigger schedules and require a follow before the automation fires.
Sign up at Zaprep, connect your Instagram Business account via the official Meta OAuth flow, then create an automation rule. Choose your trigger (comment, DM, story reply), set your keyword filters if needed, write your reply message, and publish. The bot goes live instantly: no coding required.
Yes. Zaprep's Free plan is $0 with no time limit and no credit card: 1 Instagram account, up to 1,000 Active Contacts a month, unlimited rules, and comment, DM and story reply triggers. Free DMs include a short Zaprep signature. Follow Gate and email collection need Solo ($5.99/mo) or Growth ($14.99/mo).
No. Meta's rules only allow automated messages to people who started the conversation, by sending a DM, commenting on a post or replying to a story. Any tool that promises cold DMs to strangers is working outside the official API.
After someone messages you, a business has 24 hours to reply with automated messages. When the window closes, the bot can't send anything until the person writes again. Comments work slightly differently: you can send one private reply per comment, and the conversation continues if they answer.
Yes. Zaprep has Story Reply and Story Reaction triggers, so you can send a DM (a link, a discount code or a question) as soon as someone replies to or reacts to your story.
Yes, on the Solo and Growth plans. The bot asks for an email inside the DM conversation and saves the answer to your Contacts dashboard, with no Zapier or extra tools.
Bots that scrape data or use unofficial APIs violate Instagram's Terms of Service. Zaprep is different: it is built on the Meta Business Messaging API and the Instagram Graph API, both of which are Meta’s official products for businesses. Zaprep follows all platform policies.
Zaprep's Free plan costs $0: up to 1,000 Active Contacts per month on 1 Instagram account, with unlimited automation rules. The Growth plan is $14.99/month and unlocks 15,000+ Active Contacts, up to 5 accounts, Follow Gate, and email collection inside DM conversations. Solo is $5.99/mo for 2 accounts and 5,000 Active Contacts, with Follow Gate and email collection. All plans include the core DM bot features.
More questions? Read our blog or Instagram automation guide.
Respond faster, capture more leads and grow on Instagram without the manual work. Start on the free plan and upgrade only when you need more.