> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.xpressbot.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Instagram Triggers

> The triggers available for Instagram automations — comments, Live, Story replies, and referral links.

## What is this?

Instagram automations have their own trigger types, on top of the generic ones covered in [Triggers](/workspace/automation/triggers/overview). Most Instagram flows start with someone commenting or clicking a link, not sending a direct message.

## What can I do here?

| Trigger                                | Runs when…                                                           |
| -------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **User comments on your Post or Reel** | Someone comments on your Instagram post or reel                      |
| **User comments on your Live**         | Someone comments during your Instagram Live                          |
| **User replies to your Story**         | Someone replies to your Story in DMs                                 |
| **User clicks a referral link**        | An Instagram referral link or ad entry point starts the conversation |

## How to use it

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the workflow on the Instagram channel">
    Go to **Automation → Create Automation**, choose your Instagram channel, and pick the trigger.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scope a comment trigger">
    For **Post or Reel** and **Live** comments, select which post, reel, or Live the trigger watches — or leave it open to all of them.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add comment steps">
    Comment triggers unlock comment-specific steps — reply publicly, send a private reply into DMs, or moderate the comment. See [Instagram Steps](/workspace/automation/steps/instagram-steps).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test, then activate">
    Trigger the real event once (comment, Story reply, or referral click) and confirm the flow runs, then activate — see [Manage Live Flows](/workspace/automation/manage-live-flows).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Pair **User comments on your Post or Reel** with a private reply step to move the conversation from a public comment into DMs.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting / Technical Notes

* **The flow never runs.** Check that it's **Active**, points at the correct post, reel, or Live, and that the Instagram channel is still connected.
* **Comment steps are missing from the palette.** They only appear when the trigger is a comment trigger.
* **A private reply doesn't send.** Private replies to comments have a limited response window — check Instagram's own reply-time limits.

## Related docs

* [Triggers](/workspace/automation/triggers/overview)
* [Instagram Steps](/workspace/automation/steps/instagram-steps)
* [Instagram Overview](/workspace/instagram/overview)
* [Create a Workflow](/workspace/automation/create-a-workflow)