> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.willosend.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Story Reply Automation: Convert Story Replies to DMs

> Trigger an instant, personalized DM whenever a follower replies to your Instagram Story — turn every story reply into a captured lead, automatically.

Story Reply Automation lets you turn one of Instagram's most personal touchpoints into an automated lead-capture moment. When a follower replies to one of your Stories, WilloSend instantly sends them a DM with your link, booking page, or lead magnet — no keyword required, no manual follow-through. You tease the value in the Story; WilloSend delivers it the second they reach out.

## How Story Reply Automation Differs from Comment-to-DM

Stories and posts attract different behavior, and WilloSend handles each accordingly.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Comment-to-DM" icon="comment">
    **Trigger:** A follower comments a specific keyword on a public post or Reel.

    **Matching:** Requires an exact keyword match.

    **Visibility:** The comment is public — anyone scrolling your post can see it.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Story Reply Automation" icon="bolt">
    **Trigger:** A follower sends any reply to one of your Stories.

    **Matching:** No keyword needed — any reply fires the automation.

    **Visibility:** Story replies are private by nature, making the exchange feel 1-on-1.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  Because Story replies are already private messages, WilloSend can respond to **any** reply — not just ones containing a specific word. This makes Story Reply Automation especially powerful for high-engagement Stories where you want to follow up with every single respondent.
</Info>

***

## When to Use Story Reply Automation

Story Reply Automation works best when your Story includes a clear, low-friction call-to-action that invites a reply. Some examples:

* **"Reply INFO and I'll send you the full breakdown 👇"**
* **"Want the link? Just reply YES and I'll send it over."**
* **"Reply GUIDE and get my free 5-step checklist straight to your DMs."**
* **"Ask me anything — I'll answer every reply personally."** *(great for building trust before pitching)*

The CTA removes decision fatigue. Your follower knows exactly what to do and what they'll get back — and WilloSend handles the delivery instantly.

***

## How to Set It Up

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a new campaign">
    In your WilloSend dashboard, navigate to **Campaigns** and click **New Campaign**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select the Story trigger">
    Under trigger type, choose **User replies to your Story**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write your DM message">
    Compose the message WilloSend will send back. Include your link, next step, or any resource you promised in the Story. Keep it warm and direct — the reply was already a personal action, so match that energy.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Activate the campaign">
    Toggle the campaign to **Active**. WilloSend will now fire your DM for every new reply to your Stories while the campaign is running.
  </Step>
</Steps>

See the [Create an Automation](/setup/create-automation) guide for a detailed walkthrough with screenshots.

***

## Tips for Effective Story CTAs

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Use a Question Sticker" icon="circle-question">
    Instagram's native question sticker invites replies in a familiar format. Pair it with your CTA ("Ask me anything — I'll send the guide to everyone who asks") to maximize engagement.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep the Ask Simple" icon="check">
    One clear instruction outperforms a vague prompt every time. **"Reply YES and I'll send you the link"** is more actionable than **"Let me know if you're interested."**
  </Card>

  <Card title="Post at Peak Hours" icon="clock">
    Check your Instagram Insights to find when your audience is most active. A Story posted in peak hours gets seen (and replied to) faster — meaning your automation fires more in less time.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  Sequence your Stories for maximum reply rate: lead with a value-packed Story (a quick tip, a result, a behind-the-scenes clip), then follow immediately with a CTA Story asking for the reply. Warm them up before you ask.
</Tip>

***

## Plan Availability

<Warning>
  Story Reply Automation is available on **Pro** and **Growth** plans only. The Starter plan does not include Story triggers. To access this feature, [upgrade your plan](/pricing/plans) from your account settings.
</Warning>

| Feature                | Starter (\$9/mo) | Pro (\$19/mo) | Growth (\$49/mo) |
| ---------------------- | :--------------: | :-----------: | :--------------: |
| Comment Triggers       |         ✓        |       ✓       |         ✓        |
| Keyword Triggers       |         ✓        |       ✓       |         ✓        |
| Story Reply Automation |         —        |       ✓       |         ✓        |
| Analytics              |         —        |       ✓       |         ✓        |
| Instagram Accounts     |         1        |       1       |         3        |