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GUIDEApr 5, 2026

How to Automate Instagram DMs Using Zextra (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn how to turn Instagram comments into automated DMs, generate leads, and scale your audience using Zextra's powerful automation tools.

Zextra login screen showing sign-in options for Instagram DM automation

TL;DR

To automate Instagram DMs with Zextra: sign up at zextra.io, connect your Instagram account via Meta OAuth, create a new automation, select a post/reel as trigger, set keywords (e.g., 'link', 'price'), write your opening message with quick reply buttons, attach your link, and click Go Live. The entire setup takes under 2 minutes.
Zextra Editorial Team
Zextra Editorial Team
4 min read

Instagram creators, coaches, and brands receive dozens or even hundreds of comments and messages daily. Responding manually can quickly become overwhelming.

That's where Zextra comes in.

Zextra allows you to automatically reply to Instagram comments, send DMs, capture leads, and grow your audience — all without manual effort.

In this guide, we'll walk through the entire process of using Zextra:

  • Signing up
  • Connecting Instagram
  • Creating your first automation
  • Setting keywords and DM responses
  • Launching the automation
  • Managing leads and referrals

Let's get started.


Getting Started with Zextra

Zextra login screen showing sign-in options
The Zextra login screen with multiple sign-in options

The first step is creating an account.

Visit the official website: https://zextra.io

Once you arrive at the login page, you'll see multiple options to sign in:

  • Continue with Google
  • Continue with Phone
  • Login using Email and Password

After entering your credentials, click Sign In to access your workspace.


Quick Setup After Signup

Zextra onboarding question — How did you hear about us?
Zextra asks a quick onboarding question after signup

Once logged in, Zextra may ask a short onboarding question such as:

"How did you hear about us?"

Options include:

  • Google Search
  • LinkedIn
  • X (Twitter)
  • Friend / Colleague
  • Instagram
  • Other

This helps Zextra understand how users discover the platform.


Connecting Your Instagram Account

Zextra connect Instagram account screen with Meta Business Partner badge
Connect your Instagram account securely through Meta

The next step is connecting your Instagram account.

Click Connect Instagram, and you will be redirected to Instagram to authorize access.

Once the authorization is complete:

  • Your Instagram account will be linked
  • Zextra can now automate comments and messages
  • You'll return to the Zextra dashboard to continue setup

Zextra is a Meta Business Partner, ensuring secure integration with Instagram.


Exploring the Zextra Dashboard

Zextra dashboard showing Conversion Funnel and Followers metrics
The main Zextra dashboard with conversion funnel and follower metrics

After connecting your Instagram account, you'll see the main dashboard.

The dashboard provides key metrics such as:

Conversion Funnel

Tracks the performance of your automation:

  • Messages sent
  • Messages opened
  • Clicks generated

Followers Growth

Shows how many followers were gained through automation.

Performance Overview

Zextra Performance Overview chart showing activity for the last 7 days
Performance overview showing automation activity over the last 7 days

Displays activity data for the last 7 days.


Creating Your First Automation

Zextra dashboard showing the Live Automations section with Create First Automation button
The Live Automations section where you create your first automation

Inside the dashboard, you'll see the Live Automations section.

Click:

Create First Automation

A popup window will appear asking for an Automation Name.

New Automation popup asking for an Automation Name with Create & Edit button
Name your automation and click Create & Edit to start building

Example names:

  • Lead Magnet Bot
  • Free Guide Automation
  • Course DM Funnel

Click Create & Edit to start building your automation.


Step 1: Select a Post or Reel

The first step is selecting which Instagram post or reel will trigger the automation.

Zextra automation editor showing Select a Post or Reel step with post thumbnails
Select which post or reel will trigger your automation

You can choose:

  • A specific post
  • A reel
  • Or enable Any Post or Reel

When users comment on the selected content, the automation will start.


Step 2: Setup Keywords

Zextra automation editor showing Setup Keywords step with example keywords like nice, price, link, info
Configure trigger keywords that activate your automation

Keywords determine when the automation triggers.

Example keywords:

  • nice
  • price
  • link
  • info

When someone comments one of these keywords on your post, Zextra automatically activates the automation.

Keywords are case-insensitive, meaning:

"Price", "price", or "PRICE" will all work.

Step 3: Write the Opening Message

Zextra automation editor showing Opening Message configuration with quick reply button
Write the opening DM message and add quick reply buttons

Next, create the opening message that users will receive.

Example message:

Hey there! Thanks so much for your interest 😊
Click below and I'll send you the link in just a sec ✨

You can also add quick reply buttons such as:

  • Get Link
  • Learn More
  • Claim Offer

These make it easier for users to interact with the automation.


Zextra automation editor showing Send a DM step with Manage Links and Add Link options
Configure the final DM with your link or offer

The final step is configuring the DM message.

Example:

Tap to get your link!

Then attach your link using Add Link.

This could be:

  • Your website
  • A product page
  • A lead magnet
  • A course
  • An affiliate link

Publishing the Automation

Zextra automation editor with Go Live button highlighted and full DM flow preview
Review your complete automation flow and click Go Live

Once everything is configured:

  1. Click Save Changes
  2. Click Go Live

A confirmation message will appear:

"Automation is Live!"

Automation is Live! confirmation popup showing the automation is now active
Your automation is now live and responding to comments automatically

Your automation is now active.

Whenever someone comments using your keywords, they'll automatically receive your DM.


Managing Automations

Zextra Automations tab showing Dummy Automation with Live status, runs count, and last published date
The Automations tab lets you manage all your active automations

In the Automations tab you can:

  • View all automations
  • Check status (Live / Paused / Draft)
  • Monitor number of runs
  • Edit or update workflows

Tracking Leads and Audience

Zextra Leads & Audience section showing Total Leads, New Today, and interaction history
Track your captured leads and audience engagement in real-time

Zextra also tracks your generated leads.

The Audience section displays:

  • Total leads captured
  • New leads today
  • Interaction history

This helps you understand how users engage with your automation.


Earn with the Zextra Referral Program

Zextra Refer Your Friends page showing Earn a Flat 50% Commission with referral link
Earn 50% commission by referring friends to Zextra

Zextra also offers a referral program.

You can earn 50% commission when someone signs up using your referral link and subscribes.

Steps:

  1. Share your referral link
  2. Your friend signs up
  3. They subscribe to a plan
  4. You receive 50% commission

Final Thoughts

Instagram automation is becoming essential for creators and businesses that want to scale without spending hours replying to comments and messages.

With Zextra, you can:

  • Automatically respond to comments
  • Send personalized DMs
  • Capture leads from Instagram
  • Grow your audience faster
  • Monetize with referral commissions

Whether you're a creator, coach, marketer, or business owner, Zextra helps turn engagement into conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most users go from signup to their first live automation in under 2 minutes. Connect Instagram, pick a post, set a keyword, write a message, and click Go Live.

Yes. You can set automations to trigger on comments from specific posts, reels, or enable 'Any Post or Reel' to cover all your content.

Zextra offers a flat 50% commission when someone signs up using your referral link and subscribes to a paid plan.

Step-by-Step GuideZextra TutorialInstagram AutomationLead Generation

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Written by Zextra Editorial Team

We're passionate about helping businesses grow through intelligent automation. Our team combines expertise in social media, AI, and business strategy to deliver actionable insights you can implement today.

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