How Does Instagram Automation Work for Influencers and Creators?

6 min read

Purby Lohia

CTO, Co-Founder

Published: 5/22/2025

How Does Instagram Automation Work for Influencers and Creators?

If you go through any influencer’s Instagram comments in 2025, chances are you’ll find dozens, if not hundreds of fans commenting “link,” “recipe,” “DM please,” or a keyword like “donut 🍩.” Just three years ago, this would have seemed odd. Why would someone comment a dessert emoji just to get a skincare recommendation?

Welcome to the era of Instagram automation that still works.

The creator economy has evolved, and so have audience expectations. Followers want quick replies, product links, exclusive discounts and they want it instantly. That’s where smart Instagram automation comes in.

But not all automation is made equal. In this blog, we’ll explore how Instagram automation works for influencers and creators, real use cases, limitations of existing tools, and how platforms like Deepsolv are bridging the gap between scale and personalization.

Why Automation Became a Creator Necessity

DM inbox screenshot showing hundreds of unread fan messages

In the early days, creators would manually reply to DMs and comments. But as follower counts grew, that became impossible.

Today, influencers need tools to:

  • Distribute affiliate links or product pages
  • Manage brand partnerships and queries
  • Engage followers instantly with updates or reminders
  • Collect leads for newsletters or online programs

Many Instagram creators widely use automation for DMs and comments. This is supported by the availability of numerous specialized automation tools (e.g., Deepsolv, ManyChat, SendPulse) and Instagram's official API which allows for legitimate automated responses.

And the reason is clear: without automation, you miss out on monetization.

How Instagram Automation Works for Creators

Flowchart of Instagram comment triggering an automated DM with a product link

At its core, Instagram automation for creators is powered by three key mechanics:

1. Comment Triggers → Automated DMs

When someone comments a specific word on a post (like “donut 🍩”), an automation tool detects it and sends them a DM automatically.

Example: @thatsheengirl, a fashion and beauty creator with 214K+ followers, often uses this trick. In one reel, she asked fans to comment “donut 🍩” for product links. Moments later, each person got a DM with the shopping link.

Try it yourself on this reel- you’ll see it in action.

This flow helps distribute affiliate links, landing pages, or discount codes without requiring the creator to do anything manually.

2. Story Replies → Smart Sequences

Tools like Deepsolv allow influencers to set up sequences that start when someone replies to a Story.

Example: “Reply ‘WORKOUT’ to get my free fitness plan.”The automation tool sends the plan via DM and can also follow up with reminders, bonus resources, or even payment links.

3. Follower Segmentation and Personalization

Basic automation tools treat everyone the same. But newer platforms like Deepsolv allow creators to segment audiences:

  • Engaged vs. passive followers
  • New vs. returning fans
  • People who clicked a link but didn’t buy

This allows creators to tailor follow-ups more intelligently, something basic bots can’t do.

But Automation Isn’t Perfect: Where Most Tools Fall Short

A chatbot interface sending generic replies in a DM conversation

Let’s be honest. Most automation tools are still clunky. Here’s where they fail:

❌ Can’t handle unknown queries

If someone types something unexpected (like “where can I get the green dress from your last reel?”), most bots go silent or reply with something irrelevant.

❌ Feels robotic

Many tools don’t mimic the creator’s tone or warmth. Speed shouldn’t come at the cost of human connection.

❌ Lacks context

The automation doesn’t track past conversations. So if someone asked for skincare tips last week and returns today, the tool won’t “remember” that journey.

Speed should never replace sincerity. And that’s where contextual automation platforms like Deepsolv make a difference.

Real Influencers Who Use Smart Instagram Automation

Instagram automation dashboard with keyword tracking and DM flow analytics

Let’s look at a few real examples beyond @thatsheengirl:

🔥 Kylie Jenner (Global)

With over 390M followers, Kylie Jenner often uses Instagram to launch Kylie Cosmetics products. While we don’t have backend access, it’s likely she uses automation to handle the scale of DMs asking for:

  • Product links
  • Launch reminders
  • Back-in-stock alerts

Imagine the chaos if every DM had to be answered manually. But more importantly, imagine the missed opportunity if those messages couldn’t be personalized.

💪 Michelle Lewin (Fitness Creator)

Michelle often shares CTAs like “DM ‘ABS’ to get started.” These lead fans to a quick fitness plan or product offer.

However, the deeper value would come if the bot could ask follow-up questions like:

  • “What’s your current fitness level?”
  • “Are you looking for gym-based or home workouts?”

Right now, most tools can’t do this. But this is where adaptive automation (like what Deepsolv offers) begins to matter.

Instagram Automation That Still Works in 2025

Instagram automation dashboard with keyword tracking and DM flow analytics

What makes automation still effective this year?

  • Keyword triggers tied to DMs still work incredibly well for affiliate, product, and link-sharing use cases.
  • DM Funnels: Creators are setting up mini sales funnels inside their inboxes. Comment → Link → Discount → Feedback = Loop.
  • Multi-layered responses: Tools that can follow up after 24 hours, check if users clicked links, or send offers later are winning.

Check out our blog on navigating Meta’s 24-hour and 7-day messaging windows to see how to stay compliant while scaling.

Common Use Cases for Influencer Automation

Six common use cases of influencer automation displayed visually

"Comment ‘SKIN’ to get my nighttime skincare kit." DM automation sends the affiliate link.

Giveaways

Comment to enter, auto-DM the form or bonus entry details. Check out our full giveaway strategy guide.

Lead Generation

Get emails from fans in exchange for a freebie, all via DM.

Launch Countdown Reminders

Use Deepsolv to auto-remind users who commented “Notify Me” on a teaser post.

Q&A Automation

Reply “HAIR” to see all products I used for this tutorial.

Community Engagement

Auto-respond with community invite links, thank you notes, or exclusive access to Lives.

How Deepsolv Helps Influencers Automate Without Losing the Human Touch

Deepsolv isn’t your average automation tool. Here’s why creators love it:

  • Contextual DMs that feel like real human conversations
  • Audience segmentation for smarter follow-ups
  • Retargeting your visitors based on link clicks or non-responses

Integration with Instagram comments, Stories, and DMs

Final Thoughts: Automate to Connect, Not Just Scale

Instagram automation in 2025 isn’t about replacing the creator—it’s about extending their reach without losing authenticity. From fashion influencers to fitness experts, the smart ones use automation to deepen their connections, not just multiply replies.

Want to see how Deepsolv can help you automate without sounding like a bot?Book a free demo and watch your DMs go from chaos to conversions.

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