How to Auto-Reply to Instagram Story Replies and Mentions
Stories are where your warmest followers hang out. Here's how to reply automatically when they respond to a story or mention you, and turn those replies into leads and sales.
Reels bring new people in. Stories are where your closest followers spend time with you. When someone replies to your story, they're raising their hand. If you answer hours later, that moment is gone.
Story reply automation sends a DM the instant someone responds to your story, or thanks them automatically when they mention you in theirs. Here's how it works and how to use it well.
Two triggers, two jobs
Story replies
Someone taps "Send message" on your story and types something. You can reply automatically to:
- any reply to your stories, or
- replies containing a keyword, such as "YES", "LINK" or "BOOK".
Story mentions
Someone tags you in their own story. You can automatically:
- thank them,
- share a discount code as a reward,
- or ask them for a review or testimonial.
Mentions are social proof. A quick, warm thank-you encourages more people to tag you.
Campaign ideas that work
"Reply YES for the link"
Post a story about your offer with the text "Reply YES and I'll DM you the link." Set a story-reply automation on the keyword "yes" that sends a button to your payment page.
This works better than a link sticker for many creators, because a reply starts a conversation and opens Instagram's 24-hour messaging window. That lets you follow up naturally if they have questions.
Poll or question follow-ups
Ask "Do you struggle with X?" in a story. Everyone who replies gets a DM with a free resource about X, delivered through a lead magnet page so you collect their email or phone.
Launch countdown
During a launch, post daily stories with "Reply EARLY to get the early-bird price." The automation sends the early-bird link, and you get a clear count of interested people.
Mention rewards
For product brands, reward every customer who tags you with a 10% discount code for their next order. For coaches, ask mentioners to share a one-line testimonial.
The rules Instagram enforces
Story automation runs through Meta's official Messaging API, with the same rules as other automated DMs:
- The person must contact you first. A story reply or mention counts as contact and opens a 24-hour window.
- 24-hour window. You can message freely for 24 hours after their last message. After that, automated promotional messages aren't allowed.
- Professional account required. Your Instagram must be a Business or Creator account.
- Relevance. Reply with what they asked for. Don't use story replies to blast unrelated promotions.
Monetive enforces the window automatically. If a scheduled message would fall outside it, Monetive skips it instead of breaking the rules.
Writing replies people actually read
For story replies:
Hey! Here's the link you asked for 👇 It's open till Sunday night. [Get the guide]
For mentions:
Thank you so much for the shoutout 🙏 Here's 10% off your next order as a little thank-you: THANKS10
Keep it short. Use one button. Make the first line deliver what they wanted.
Story replies vs comment-to-DM: when to use which
| Use story replies when… | Use comment-to-DM when… |
|---|---|
| You're talking to existing followers | You want reach from new viewers |
| The offer is time-sensitive (launches, slots) | The content is evergreen (reels, guides) |
| You want private conversations | You want public social proof in comments |
Most creators use both: reels with comment-to-DM for discovery, and stories with reply automation for conversion. See the comment-to-DM guide.
How to set it up in Monetive
- Connect your Instagram professional account in AutoDM → Settings (Creator plan or above).
- Click Create Automation and choose Replies to your Story or Mentions you in their Story.
- For story replies, choose "any reply" or add keywords.
- Write your DM and add a button to your payment page, lead magnet or booking page.
- Switch it on and test by replying to your own story from a second account.
FAQ
Does story reply automation work on every story?
Yes. The automation applies to replies on any of your active stories, filtered by keywords if you add them.
Can I reply automatically when someone mentions me?
Yes. Choose the story mention trigger. Instagram notifies Monetive when you're mentioned, and Monetive sends your message.
Can I send a link in the reply?
Yes, as a button. Buttons are easier to tap than raw links, and Monetive tracks the clicks.
What happens after 24 hours?
The messaging window closes. If they reply again, it reopens. Monetive won't send automated promotional messages outside the window.
Is it safe for my account?
Yes, when it runs through Meta's official API like Monetive does, and you only message people who contacted you first.