What makes a story reply DM work?
Stories disappear in 24 hours, so the people replying are acting on something they saw minutes ago. The DM should finish the story's sentence. Story reply automation answers keyword replies, and story mention auto replies thank people who tag you.
- Reference the story: "the cardigan from today's story".
- Deliver in one message. Story replies are private, so there is no public reply to write.
- Thank mentions fast, while their story is still live.
- Templates without a keyword below are for story mentions, which fire when someone tags you.
Story reply DM templates for creators
DM
Here's the link from today's story, {first_name}: {link} It's the one I was wearing in the second clip.
DM
Here's tonight's dinner, {first_name}: {link} Swap the cream for yogurt if you want it lighter.
Follow up
Did you make it? Send me a photo, I share my favourites.
Story reply DM templates for shops and brands
DM
It's back, {first_name}. The cardigan from today's story: {link} Oatmeal sells out first.
DM
Thank you for the shout-out, {first_name}. That made our day. Here's 15% off your next order: {code}
Story reply DM templates for coaches and course creators
DM
Love it, {first_name}. Here's everything about the 8-week program: {link} Reply with any question and I'll answer personally.
Follow up
Any questions about the program? Enrollment closes Friday.
DM
This made my week, {first_name}. Thank you for sharing. Can I repost it to my story? Just reply YES.
Story reply DM templates for local businesses
DM
Today's special is the mushroom risotto, {first_name}. Book a table for tonight: {link}
DM
Thanks for the tag, {first_name}. Your next coffee is on us. Show this message at the counter.
Story reply DM templates for agencies and client accounts
DM
You're on the reminder list, {first_name}. We'll send the link here when the countdown hits zero on Thursday.
Follow up
It's live: {link}
DM
Thank you for tagging us, {first_name}. This looks great. Would you be happy for us to share it on our page? Reply YES and we'll credit you.
Answer every story reply automatically
Story keywords and story mention thank-yous, set up once.
How do you adapt these templates?
- Use the same keyword your story sticker shows. Say it on screen and in the text.
- Make the keyword a [Global Trigger](/features/global-keyword-triggers) if it appears across many stories, so it works on posts and DMs too.
- Write mention thank-yous that fit the moment: a code for customers, a repost ask for UGC.
- Never repost without permission. Ask in the DM and wait for the yes.
- Test it. Test every template from a second account before the post goes live. Setup takes about four minutes, and a test comment shows you exactly what a follower will see.
Our guide on how to automate Instagram story replies covers setup in detail.
What should the story itself say?
Stories have no caption, so the call to action goes on the frame. Large text, one keyword, and what they get.
- "Reply LINK and I'll send it to you."
- "Reply DROP for the restock link."
- "Tag us in your story and we'll send you a thank-you."
More thank-you codes are in the discount code DM templates.