OpenReply
Self-hosted Instagram comment-to-DM automation: keyword comments trigger a private reply through Meta's API.
Keyword triggers, follow gate and an inbox, on your own server
OpenReply sends an Instagram private reply when a comment matches a keyword you set, like the comment-to-DM feature in ManyChat. It suits creators and developers who will deploy their own copy.
What it is
It watches comments on your posts and reels, queues a private reply with your link and can post a public reply too. It also fires on inbound DMs and Story replies, can require a follow before sending the link, and has an inbox for conversations within Meta's 24-hour window.
Who it's for
It suits creators with a developer on hand who want Instagram automation without seat or plan caps. It does not suit anyone wanting multi-step flows, broadcasts or WhatsApp, or a hosted account, since the demo site does not send messages.
Key features
Comment triggers
Keywords on posts or reels start a queued private reply.
Follow gate
Require a follow before the link is sent, checked through Meta's API.
Story and DM triggers
Replies to Stories arrive as DMs and can fire the same keywords.
Several accounts
Connect multiple professional accounts, each with its own limits.
Dashboard inbox
Read and answer Instagram DMs inside the 24-hour window.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- MIT licence with no software seat limits or plan caps.
- Uses Meta's official private replies API; it does not scrape or ask for your password.
- A separate worker handles sending so rate limits and retries do not drop messages.
- Optional Zernio connection avoids creating your own Meta app.
Where it falls short
- You must deploy your own copy with PostgreSQL, Redis, a worker and a public HTTPS URL.
- You need your own Meta app and review, or a paid Zernio connection.
- Instagram-only and keyword-driven; it has no flow builder or multi-channel support.
Pricing & license
Free under the MIT licence. You pay for your own hosting, and optionally for Zernio, a third-party Instagram connection provider.
Open remote AI-training roles
880 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
These reviewed AI tools do the same job instantly — from our scored directory.
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
Is there a hosted OpenReply?
No. The README says the demo site does not send messages and there is no hosted plan.
Does it break Instagram rules?
It uses Meta's official private replies API, but Instagram's policies, permissions and rate limits still apply to you.
What does it cost?
The software is free; hosting and the optional Zernio connection are separate costs.
