The reply window on each platform
Why you can only reply for a while after someone messages you, how long on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok, and what to do once it closes.
Updated
Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok all protect people from being messaged by businesses out of the blue. A business can reply for a limited time after the person's last message. CommentGate follows the same rules, so a message never fails for this reason after you write it.
| Platform | How long you can reply | After that |
|---|---|---|
| Messenger (Facebook) | 24 hours after their last message | Wait until they write again. |
| 24 hours after their last message | Wait until they write again. | |
| 24 hours after their last message | Send an approved message template, or wait until they write again. | |
| TikTok | Up to 10 messages in the 48 hours after their last message | Up to 3 more until they write again. |
Every new message from them starts the clock again.
What you see in Messages
- Most of the time the reply box just says "Cmd+Enter sends."
- In the last 4 hours it says "You can reply until" a time. After that, a reply has to wait until they write again.
- Once it has closed on Facebook or Instagram, the box is replaced with a note that you can answer as soon as they write again.
- On TikTok, the box says how many messages TikTok still allows once only a few are left, and closes when none are.
- On WhatsApp, the box turns into a template picker. See WhatsApp templates.
Tips
- Answer quickly. Automatic replies can cover nights and weekends: see Automatic replies to messages.
- Ask for an email or phone number while the window is open, so you can follow up later. See Emails and phone numbers people give you.
- In People, the Can message now filter shows everyone who wrote in the last 24 hours (48 on TikTok).
Related
- The Messages inbox Read and answer Messenger, Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp messages with your team, mark conversations done, and work fast with the keyboard.
- WhatsApp templates: messaging after 24 hours Write a message template, get it approved by WhatsApp, and send it from a conversation once the 24 hours are up.
- TikTok messages: what works, and where TikTok business messaging needs a Business Account and TikTok’s approval, and is not offered for accounts created in the EU, the UK or Switzerland.
- Automatic replies to messages Welcome messages, a default reply, answers to common questions, questions to tap, a chat menu and chat links, set up under "When someone messages you".
Still stuck?
Tell us what you were trying to do and what happened. A person replies, usually within one business day.