Story replies
Story: "Reply YES and I'll send it."
Thanks for replying! Here's the link from my story.
Button: Open it
Love that you're in! Here's everything you need to get started.
Button: Get started
Guide · DM templates
Instagram DM templates, ready to paste
18 messages for comment-to-DM, story replies and DM keywords, each with a button label and a public comment reply, written to Meta's rules.
By HelloDM · Updated 10 November 2026
The short answer
A good automated Instagram DM is short, says why you’re messaging, and puts the link on a button rather than in the text. Below are 18 templates for freebies, product links, launches, bookings, giveaways, story replies and DM keywords. Each works as the reply in a comment-to-DM tool such as HelloDM; the public reply is what posts under the comment so others see it worked.
Freebies and lead magnets
Caption: "Comment GUIDE and I'll send it to you."
Here's the guide you asked for! It's free, no catch. Tap below to open it.
Button: Get the guide · Public reply: “Sent! Check your DMs 📩”
Thanks for commenting! Your checklist is ready. Save it so you can come back to it.
Button: Open the checklist · Public reply: “Just sent it over 🙌”
As promised, here's the template. If it helps, I'd love to hear how you use it.
Button: Download the template · Public reply: “In your inbox now!”
Product links and prices
Caption: "Comment LINK for the details."
Here's everything about the one in this reel: price, sizes and delivery. Tap below to see it.
Button: See the product · Public reply: “Details sent to your DMs!”
You asked for the link, here it is. There's a code on the page for your first order.
Button: Shop now · Public reply: “Check your DMs 🛍️”
Thanks for asking! These are the exact tools I used in this video.
Button: See my setup · Public reply: “Sent you the list!”
Launches and waitlists
Caption: "Comment EARLY to get in first."
You're on the list! I'll message you here the moment it opens. Want a sneak peek in the meantime?
Button: Sneak peek
Doors are open! Early-access pricing is live for the next few days.
Button: Join now · Public reply: “Sent you early access 🚀”
Bookings, calls and webinars
Caption: "Comment CALL to book a free session."
Happy to help! Pick a time that suits you below. It takes about a minute.
Button: Book a time · Public reply: “Sent you the booking link!”
Thanks for your interest in the workshop! Save your seat below and I'll send a reminder before we start.
Button: Save my seat · Public reply: “Check your DMs for the details”
Giveaways
Caption: "Comment WIN to enter." State the rules in the post.
You're entered! The winner is announced on my stories when the giveaway closes. Good luck 🍀
Public reply: “You're in! Good luck 🍀”
Thanks for entering! The full rules are below, including how the winner is picked.
Button: Read the rules · Public reply: “Entered! Check your DMs”
DM keywords
Bio or story: "DM me PRICE for my rates."
Thanks for asking! My current rates and packages are below. Reply here with any questions.
Button: See rates
Hi! Answers to the questions I get most are below. If yours isn't there, reply and I'll get back to you.
Button: Read the FAQ
Follow gate messages
Sent before the reply when the person doesn't follow you yet (HelloDM paid plans).
Almost there! This one's for followers, so tap follow and then the button below to get it.
Still not seeing a follow from you. Follow, then tap below and it's yours.
Using them in HelloDM
- Create an automation and pick the trigger: comment, story reply, share, DM keyword or Live comment.
- Paste the template as the reply and add the button with your link.
- Add a public reply (comment triggers) so the comment thread shows it working.
- On paid plans, add up to three more versions to rotate on busy posts.
Step by step: How to DM everyone who comments. For first messages from new people: Instagram welcome messages.
Questions
What makes a good Instagram DM template?
It says why you're messaging in the first line, is two or three lines long, and has one next step, usually a button. Leave the link off the text of the first message and put it on a button instead.
Why shouldn't the link be in the first message?
Unsolicited links are a common spam pattern, so HelloDM blocks a link in the opening automated message. A button carries the link just as well: the person taps it and it opens.
Should I use the same message for everyone?
On a busy post, rotate a few versions so a thousand people don't get identical text. HelloDM's paid plans rotate up to four versions per automation and can draft them for you.
How long can an automated Instagram DM be?
HelloDM caps each message at 640 characters. Shorter is better: most people read the first line and the button.
Try HelloDM free
1,500 DMs a month, unlimited automations and every safety control, free. No card. Set up your first comment-to-DM in about five minutes.