> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ownchat.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ownchat.app/instagram-channel/automation.md). # Automation This document provides a complete guide to: * Accessing Instagram automation settings * Setting up Universal Trigger automation * Configuring comment-based automation * Creating post-specific automation Managing and updating automation workflows {% embed url="" %} ### 1️⃣ Access Instagram Automation Settings There are two ways to access the Instagram Automation page. One way is to use the top search bar in Ownchat or press Ctrl + K on your keyboard Follow these steps to navigate to automation: 1. Click the **Settings icon** (top-right corner) 2. Select **Instagram** under channel settings 3. Click the **Automation** tab {% embed url="" %} ### 2️⃣ Setup Universal Automation (All Content) Universal automation allows you to apply automation across all Instagram content. #### Step 1: Start Setup * Click **Setup Automation** πŸ‘‰ This opens the **Setup Universal Trigger** configuration panel {% embed url="" %} #### Step 2: Select Content Scope 1. Click **Content Scope β†’ All Content** #### **Available Options:** * **All Content** – Applies automation across all content types (posts, stories, and live sessions) * **Posts Only** – Applies automation only to post comments * **Stories Only** – Applies automation only to story replies * **Live Only** – Applies automation only to live session interactions πŸ‘‰ Selecting **All Content** ensures automation is triggered across all supported Instagram content types {% embed url="" %} #### Step 3: Configure Trigger Keywords * Enter keywords in the **Comment Trigger Keywords** field **Options:** * Use \* β†’ Apply automation for **all comments** * Enter specific keywords (e.g., sample) * Remove keywords using the **remove button** * Select keywords from dropdown suggestions πŸ‘‰ This defines when automation is triggered {% embed url="" %} #### Step 4: Audience Configuration * Select target audience **Options:** * Everyone * Existing Followers * Non-followers πŸ‘‰ Example: Select **Everyone** to apply automation to all users {% embed url="" %} #### Step 5: Select Automation Actions Choose actions to perform when comments match trigger keywords: **πŸ”Ή Reply to Comment** * Enable **Reply to Comment** * Enter your reply message Example: Thank you for your comment! **πŸ”Ή Comment Limit** * Default limit: **500 comments** **πŸ”Ή Send Direct Message (DM)** 1. Enable **Send Direct Message** 2. Choose message type: * Text * Template 3. Select **Text** to send a custom message 4. Enter your message **Example:** Hi! How can I help you? {% embed url="" %} #### Step 6: Save Automation * Click **Setup Universal Trigger** βœ… Your universal automation is successfully created ### 3️⃣ Edit Universal Automation You can modify existing automation: * Add new trigger keywords * Example: * Add keyword β†’ Hi * Select from dropdown * Click **Update Universal Trigger** πŸ‘‰ Updated triggers will apply immediately {% embed url="" %} ### 4️⃣ View Trigger Configuration * View all configured trigger keywords * Verify which keywords activate automation {% embed url="" %} ### 5️⃣ Create Post-Specific Automation You can create automation for individual Instagram posts. #### Step 1: Start New Automation * Click **New Automation** {% embed url="" %} #### Step 2: Configure Post Automation * Click **Setup Comment Automation** {% embed url="" %} #### Step 3: Add Trigger Keywords * Enter keywords in the **Comment Trigger Keywords** field **Examples:** * Hello * How to automate? * Select keywords from dropdown suggestions {% embed url="" %} #### Step 4: Audience Selection * Select **Everyone** or a specific audience group {% embed url="" %} #### Step 5: Configure Automation Actions **πŸ”Ή Reply to Comment** * Enable **Reply to Comment** * Enter your reply message {% embed url="" %} **Example:** Thank you for your comment **πŸ”Ή Send Direct Message** {% embed url="" %} 1. Enable **Send Direct Message** 2. Select message type β†’ **Text** 3. Enter your custom message **Example:** Hi! How can I help you? {% embed url="" %} #### Step 6: Save Automation * Click Configure Automation {% embed url="" %} βœ… Your post-level automation is successfully created ### 6️⃣ Enable / Disable Automation {% embed url="" %} You can control the status of your automation workflows: **Disable Automation** 1. Toggle the automation switch **OFF** 2. A confirmation message appears: β€œComment automation has been disabled successfully.” **Enable Automation** 1. Toggle the automation switch **ON** 2. A confirmation message appears: β€œComment automation has been enabled successfully.” ### πŸ“Œ Important Notes **Universal automation applies to:** * Stories * Live sessions * Posts Post-specific automation overrides universal triggers Trigger keywords define when automation is activated Using \* enables automation for all comments Automation actions include: * Comment replies * Direct Messages (DMs) ### βœ… Summary With Instagram Automation in Ownchat, you can: * Automate replies to comments * Send instant DMs based on user interactions * Apply automation across all content or specific posts * Customize triggers and audience targeting * Manage automation dynamically (enable, disable, edit)