---
title: "What are Instagram ice breakers?"
description: "What are Instagram ice breakers? The tappable FAQ prompts in a new DM chat: Meta's limits, examples by business type and how to set them up."
url: https://replyrep.io/glossary/ice-breakers
updated: 2026-10-19
---

# What are Instagram ice breakers?

Ice breakers are up to four frequently asked questions a business can show when someone opens a conversation with it in Instagram DMs. Tapping one starts the conversation, so the person doesn't have to think of an opening line. Meta sets them through its Ice Breaker API, and they are not shown on desktop. In ReplyRep, the matching feature is Conversation Starters.

## How do ice breakers work?

A business sets a list of questions through Meta's Ice Breaker API. When someone opens a chat with the account, the questions appear as tappable options. Meta's limits: a **maximum of four** questions, and the feature is **not available on desktop**, so desktop users just see an empty chat.

## What are good ice breaker examples?

| Business | Four ice breakers |
| --- | --- |
| Salon | Book an appointment / See prices / Opening hours / Gift cards |
| Online store | Track my order / Shipping and returns / Size help / Today's discount |
| Coach | How does coaching work? / Prices / Free resources / Book a call |

## Why do ice breakers matter for DM automation?

Meta requires the person to start any conversation with a business. A tapped ice breaker is the person starting it, which opens the standard [messaging window](https://replyrep.io/glossary/messaging-window) and gives your automation a clear question to answer. Each tap also tells you what people want most.

## How does ReplyRep handle ice breakers?

ReplyRep's Conversation Starters put up to four tappable prompts in front of anyone who opens your inbox, on every plan. Pair each one with an automation so the tap gets an answer straight away. For a menu that stays inside the chat, Smart Menu adds up to four buttons with links, booking pages and key resources. See [Instagram DM flows](https://replyrep.io/features/instagram-dm-flows), [automatic Instagram DMs](https://replyrep.io/features/instagram-auto-dm) and the [Instagram auto reply guide](https://replyrep.io/guides/instagram-auto-reply).

**Give every new chat a head start** Set your four Conversation Starters on any plan.

## Related terms

- [Keyword trigger](https://replyrep.io/glossary/keyword-trigger): the other way to start an automation.
- [DM funnel](https://replyrep.io/glossary/dm-funnel): where an ice breaker can be the first step.

Sources:
- [Meta: Ice Breakers](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/instagram-platform/instagram-api-with-instagram-login/messaging-api/ice-breakers)
- [Meta: Persistent menu](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/instagram-platform/instagram-api-with-instagram-login/messaging-api/persistent-menu)
- [Meta: Send a message (Messenger Platform)](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/messenger-platform/send-messages)

## Frequently asked questions

### How many ice breakers can I have on Instagram?

Up to four. Meta's Ice Breaker API allows a maximum of four questions. Choose the four questions you are asked most often, and make each one short enough to read at a glance on a phone.

### Why can't I see ice breakers on desktop?

Meta says the ice breakers feature is currently not available on desktop. They show in the Instagram app on phones. Desktop users see a normal empty chat, so make sure your automations also answer typed questions.

### What is the difference between ice breakers and a persistent menu?

Ice breakers appear when someone opens a conversation, to help them start it. A persistent menu is always available inside the conversation, with links and options. Meta recommends five menu items at most for the best experience.

### Do ice breakers answer the question automatically?

No. The ice breaker only starts the conversation. You need an automation or a person to reply. Linking each ice breaker to an automated answer means the person gets a reply in seconds.

Last updated 2026-10-19. Source: https://replyrep.io/glossary/ice-breakers