Glossary / Instagram

Internet speak

Insta DM

An Insta DM is a private direct message on Instagram, the chat inbox separate from public posts and comments.

Also called: Instagram DM, DM, direct message, slide into DMs

By Aulto · Last reviewed

Why do DMs matter for creators and brands?

They're one-to-one and private, they get noticed, and a link in a DM is clickable, unlike a caption.

Can you DM people automatically?

Yes, through Meta's official API, when someone has interacted first, for example by commenting a keyword or messaging you.

Example

"Check your DMs": a creator replies to a comment and sends the full guide privately.

Doing it with Aulto

Reply Drop sends an Insta DM to everyone who comments your keyword, instantly.

See how it works →

  • Comment-to-DM

    Comment-to-DM is when someone comments a keyword on an Instagram post and automatically receives a direct message with a link or reply.

  • Reply Drop

    Reply Drop is Aulto's Instagram comment-to-DM feature: when someone comments your keyword on a post, they get your message and link in their DMs instantly.

  • Keyword comment

    A keyword comment is a single word you ask people to comment on a post, like SONG or RECIPE, which triggers a reply sent to their DMs.

  • Auto-reply

    An auto-reply is a message sent automatically in response to a DM, comment or keyword, so people get an answer without waiting for someone to type it.

  • Carousel post

    A carousel post is an Instagram post with several photos or videos that people swipe through, up to 20 in one post.

  • Close Friends

    Close Friends is an Instagram list of people you choose; content shared to it is seen only by them and marked with a green badge.

Turn every click and comment into a fan you can reach

Smart links, pre-saves, bio pages and Reply Drop for Instagram, in one place.

Start free trial