What is an Instagram keyword auto reply?
It is a rule: when someone writes this word, send this message. On a single post, that is comment to DM. Global Triggers take the same rule account-wide, so the questions you get everywhere get answered everywhere, without setting them up post by post.
The questions that suit a Global Trigger are the ones that don't depend on the post: shipping, returns, sizing, opening hours, "menu", "book", "restock". You answer them once, in the words you'd use, and stop typing them forever. It works on posts you publish later, too.
How do Global Triggers work?
- 1
You add a keyword to the account, not a post
For example SHIPPING, with a DM that explains delivery times and links the policy page.
- 2
Someone uses it anywhere
In a comment on any post or reel, in a story reply, or in a DM.
- 3
ReplyRep answers
The DM goes out about three seconds later, the same as any other trigger.
- 4
New posts are covered automatically
There is nothing to add when you publish. The trigger is already listening.
| Keyword on one post | Global Trigger | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it listens | That post or reel | Every post, reel, story and DM |
| Future posts | No, set per post | Yes |
| Best for | A campaign: one guide, one drop | Questions you get everywhere |
| How many | Unlimited on every plan | 5 on Free, 20 on Lite, 50 on Boost, 500 on MAX |
What does a Global Trigger look like?
DM
Hi {first_name}! We ship in 1 to 2 working days, and delivery is free over $50. Full details: yourbrand.com/shipping Reply with your country if you want an exact estimate.
The shipping times and threshold above are the brand's own policy, which you write into the message. Write Global Trigger DMs so they make sense whichever post they fire on, because you won't know which one it will be. Ideas for which words to use are in the best Instagram comment keywords.
When should you use a Global Trigger?
- Ecommerce. SHIPPING, RETURNS, SIZE and RESTOCK, answered on every product post. See ecommerce brands.
- Restaurants. MENU and BOOK on every post and in DMs, so the reservation link is one word away. See restaurants.
- Coaches and consultants. CALL sends the booking link from any post. See coaches.
- Creators with a signature freebie. One evergreen keyword, like GUIDE, that works on every post you make about the topic.
- Real estate. VIEWING sends the booking form whatever listing the comment is under. See real estate.
Answer the same question once
5 Global Triggers are included free.
How do you set up Global Triggers in ReplyRep?
- 1
List your repeat questions
Scroll your last month of comments and DMs. The questions that show up on every post are your Global Triggers.
- 2
Add each one as a Global Trigger
One keyword per question. Let AI-generated triggers suggest variations people use.
- 3
Write a DM that stands alone
It has to make sense under any post, so don't refer to "this" product.
- 4
Test in a comment and a DM
Use the keyword in a comment on any post and in a direct message, and check both get answered.
Each trigger takes a minute or two; a whole account is usually done in about four minutes.
Which questions make good Global Triggers?
A good Global Trigger has three things: people ask it on many posts, the answer doesn't depend on the post, and the answer rarely changes. Shipping, returns, opening hours, booking and "where is the link to your shop" pass all three. Questions about a specific product don't, because the answer depends on which post they are under; put those on the post itself. Review your Global Triggers when a policy changes, because the DM is sent exactly as you wrote it until you update it.
How many Global Triggers does each plan include?
Global Triggers are counted per Instagram account. Free includes 5, Lite includes 20, Boost includes 50, MAX includes 500. Keywords set on a single post don't count toward that number and are unlimited on every plan. See pricing.
| Free | Lite | Boost | MAX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 | $10/mo | $25/mo | $100/mo |
| Global Triggers per account | 5 | 20 | 50 | 500 |
| Instagram accounts | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Default Triggers | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| AI-generated triggers | Included | Included | Included | Included |
What should you know about keyword auto replies?
- Pick words people use, not words you like. If customers type "delivery", a trigger on "shipping" misses them. Add both.
- Avoid words that appear in ordinary comments. "Love" or "yes" will fire on comments that weren't asking for anything.
- Post keywords and Global Triggers can live side by side. Use post keywords for campaigns and Global Triggers for the evergreen questions.
- Everything else goes to you or the AI. Questions no keyword covers can be answered by AI auto reply in your voice.
New to the term? See global trigger and keyword trigger in the glossary.