8 Powerful Automations. One Dashboard.

Yes. Instagram permits DM automation through its official Messaging API, which is part of Meta's developer platform. Tools that connect via the official API using OAuth — rather than scraping or using your password — are explicitly allowed under Instagram's platform policy. The Instagram Messaging API lets authorized tools send direct messages on behalf of a connected account, respond to story replies, react to live comment events, and trigger welcome messages to new followers. To use it, the tool must go through Meta's App Review process and receive specific messaging permissions. Liffio holds all required permissions and uses the official API only. The distinction matters practically: accounts that use automation tools built on official API access do not face action from Instagram. Accounts that use tools operating outside the official API — browser automation, credential scraping, or unofficial endpoints — risk suspension regardless of volume.

Comment-to-DM automation sends a direct message to someone automatically when they comment a specific keyword on your Instagram post or Reel. Here is how it works: you connect your Instagram account via the official API, choose a post, set a trigger keyword (such as LINK, PRICE, or GUIDE), and write a DM template. When any commenter types that keyword, the automation fires and sends your pre-written DM — after a short configurable delay of 10 to 60 seconds — without you doing anything manually. For example: you post a Reel about a digital product and tell viewers to comment FREE to get the download link. Every person who comments that word receives the link in their inbox automatically, even if you are asleep or offline. One limitation: comment-to-DM only fires on posts you explicitly enable it for. It does not apply to all posts on your account automatically.

No, not if you use a tool that connects through Instagram's official API. Instagram acts against accounts that use bots or tools that access your account by logging in with your password, simulating browser behavior, or using unofficial endpoints. The official Instagram Messaging API works differently. You authorize Liffio through Meta's own OAuth screen — the same login flow used by major apps like Hootsuite or Later. Your password is never entered into Liffio at any point, and Liffio never stores credentials. Meta issues an access token directly to Liffio, which you can revoke at any time from your Instagram settings under Apps and Websites. Beyond authentication method, send frequency matters. Liffio adds a 10–60 second configurable delay between trigger and send, which distributes DM volume over time and avoids the burst patterns associated with spam accounts. Running at normal usage volumes with a compliant tool carries no meaningful ban risk.

Yes. With keyword-trigger tools like Liffio, you can automate replies to five types of incoming Instagram interactions: comments on posts and Reels, story replies, live stream messages, inbound DMs, and new follower events. Each automation type works through the same mechanism: you define a trigger condition (a keyword, any reply, or a follower event), write the message, and set a delay. When the trigger fires, Liffio sends the message automatically via Instagram's official API. For example: if you run a coaching business, you could set up a DM trigger so that anyone who sends you the word APPLY in a DM receives your application form link instantly — without you checking your inbox. The delay is configurable between 10 and 60 seconds per automation. Instant zero-delay replies can trigger spam detection patterns; a short delay makes sends feel like a human responded quickly. That distinction matters for account safety at high volumes.

Liffio. It has a free plan with no credit card required that runs comment-to-DM automation in production — not just as a demo. Paid plans start at $9/month. For comparison: since ManyChat's March 2026 pricing change, its free tier is capped at 25 Active Contacts per month, and paid plans start at $14/month for 250 contacts with per-contact overage fees as your audience grows. SendDM and LinkDM are simpler tools with focused feature sets; pricing varies. SuperProfile bundles bio-link storefronts with automation and prices accordingly. What makes Liffio structurally cheaper for Instagram-focused creators is that there are no per-contact fees. You pay the same $9/month whether you automate DMs to 100 people or 10,000 people. ManyChat charges based on how many people you interact with each month, which means a single viral Reel can trigger overage charges unexpectedly. The free plan includes unlimited Instagram accounts, unlimited automated DMs, comment keyword triggers, and basic analytics — enough to validate whether automation works for your use case before paying anything.

Liffio supports 8 automation types: comment-to-DM, story reply, live stream DM, inbound DM reply, ask for follow, smart re-engage, data collection, and welcome DM for new followers.

Yes. Liffio offers the same core comment-to-DM, story automation, and keyword trigger features as ManyChat - with unlimited automated DMs on every plan, simpler pricing, and a generous free tier.

DMs send after your chosen delay - from 10 to 60 seconds after the trigger (comment, story reply, etc.). You control the timing for more human-like replies while staying on autopilot.

Each automated message sent to a unique user counts as one DM. Replies within the same conversation thread do not count as additional DMs.

Yes! Liffio uses official Instagram APIs. Your account is fully compliant with Instagram's terms of service.

Yes. All plans include unlimited Instagram accounts. Agency adds white-label workspaces for managing client brands at scale.

Yes, through the Ask for Follow feature. When someone comments a keyword and is about to receive the promised link or resource, Liffio first prompts them to follow your account — displaying your profile card inside the DM conversation. Liffio tracks follow conversion rates in analytics so you can see exactly how many new followers each campaign generated.

Yes — no coding or technical knowledge is required at any point. Setting up a comment-to-DM automation involves three inputs: choosing your trigger keyword, writing your DM, and setting a delay. Everything is done through a visual dashboard. Connecting your Instagram account is a single OAuth step — no API keys, no webhooks, no developer needed. Most creators complete their first live automation in under five minutes.

Yes. All of Liffio's comment-based automations work on Instagram Reels in exactly the same way as on feed posts and carousels. When someone comments your keyword on a Reel, the DM and public reply fire after your configured delay. Reels are the most common use case — the comment CTA is a standard Reel hook that drives high comment volume, which Liffio handles automatically regardless of how many comments come in.