What can start a campaign
The eight triggers, from comments and DM keywords to story replies, Live comments, chat links, ads that open a DM and Send now, and where each one works.
Updated
The trigger is the card at the top of the board. Click it to choose what starts the campaign under Starts when, and where it listens.
The triggers
| Starts when | What starts it | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Someone comments | A comment with your word, or any comment, on your posts, your ads or both | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads |
| Someone messages a word | A direct message that mentions your word, or is just the word | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp |
| Someone replies to your story | A reply to any of your stories | Instagram only |
| Someone mentions you in a story | A story that tags your account | Instagram only |
| Someone comments on your Live | A comment on your Instagram Live, with your word or any comment | Instagram only |
| Someone opens your link or QR code | A chat link or QR code you put on packaging, inserts, a bio or an ad | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp |
| Someone messages you from an ad | A message from an ad whose button opens a chat | Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp |
| Send now | You click Send now. It goes to people you pick by tag | Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp |
Each has its own article:
- Answer comments with a keyword
- Answer a word in a direct message
- Story replies, story mentions and Live comments
- Start a campaign from a chat link or QR code
- Answer people who message you from an ad
- Send a message now
Pick the accounts
Every trigger except ads and Send now has an Accounts list. Leave Every account ticked to listen on all your connected accounts on those platforms, or tick only the ones you want. If the list is empty, connect an account under Accounts first.
Why comments start fewer DMs than messages do
Starting from a comment limits what you can send. Facebook and Instagram allow one private message to someone who only commented, within 7 days, and more only once they tap or reply. TikTok, YouTube and Threads do not let a business message someone who only commented at all.
Triggers where the person messaged you first (a DM keyword, a story reply, your chat link, an ad that opens a chat) start with the conversation already open, so you can send several messages and ask questions straight away, within 24 hours of their last message (48 on TikTok).
Changing the trigger later
You can change what starts a campaign while it is a draft. Once it has been turned on, Starts when is locked: duplicate the campaign from the ... menu and change the trigger on the copy. You can still change the words, accounts, posts and ads on a live campaign.
Related
- Answer comments with a keyword Start a campaign when someone comments a word like CODE or LINK, on your posts, your ads, or only the ones you pick.
- Answer a word in a direct message Start a campaign when someone messages you a word like PRICE or RESTOCK on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp.
- Story replies, story mentions and Live comments Three Instagram-only triggers: answer everyone who replies to your story, thank people who tag you in theirs, and message people who comment on your Live.
- Start a campaign from a chat link or QR code Make a link or QR code that opens a chat with you, print it on packaging or put it in your bio, and start a campaign when people use it.
Still stuck?
Tell us what you were trying to do and what happened. A person replies, usually within one business day.