Summary
You can now create a chatbot for your Instagram account using WATI, just like on WhatsApp! This chatbot helps automate replies, assign conversations to team members, and even collect WhatsApp numbers from Instagram users. In this guide, we’ll walk you through setting up your first Instagram chatbot, understanding its compatibility, and exploring the available features.
Instructions
Creating Your First Instagram Chatbot
Follow these steps to create and configure your Instagram chatbot in WATI:
1. Access Automation Settings
Go to your WATI Dashboard.
Navigate to the Automation section.
2. Add a New Chatbot
Click on Chatbots from the Automation menu.
Click the Add Chatbot button.
Select the Instagram option.
3. Configure the Chatbot
Drag and drop chatbot nodes from the left panel.
Connect the nodes to design the chatbot flow.
4. Save and Test
Once the chatbot is set up, click Save.
Test the chatbot to ensure it functions as expected.
Collecting WhatsApp Numbers from Instagram
WATI provides a unique feature to collect WhatsApp numbers from Instagram users through chatbot automation. This allows businesses to shift conversations from Instagram DMs to WhatsApp for better customer engagement. To enable this feature:
Ensure your chatbot includes a step prompting users to enter their WhatsApp number.
Use Keyword Filtering for Instagram to trigger this chatbot when necessary.
Chatbot Compatibility Between Instagram and WhatsApp
Chatbots with an Instagram icon next to their name are compatible with Instagram.
If no Instagram icon is shown, the chatbot is only usable on WhatsApp.
In the chatbot editor, Instagram-compatible features are available in a separate tab.
Non-compatible functions will appear greyed out. 💡 Ensure that your chatbot flow uses only Instagram-supported functions.
Available Chatbot Features for Instagram
Growth Plan Features
Send a Message – Automate responses to user messages.
Ask a Question – Collect user input in chat.
Set a Condition – Create logical conditions to customize chatbot responses.
Pro & Business Plan Exclusive Features
AI Agent – Use AI-driven responses.
Set Tags – Organize and categorize users.
Assign Team – Automatically assign conversations to teams.
Assign User – Assign chats to specific team members.
Update Chat Status – Change the status of a chat based on interactions.
Time Delay – Add timed pauses in chatbot conversations.
Webhook – Integrate with external applications.
Google Spreadsheet – Log responses directly into a spreadsheet.
Instagram Chatbot Limitations
Some chatbot functions available on WhatsApp are not supported on Instagram due to platform differences. These include:
Template Messages
Catalog Messages
WhatsApp Flows
Trigger Chatbot (disabled as subsequent chatbots may be incompatible with Instagram)
Always check compatibility before configuring your chatbot to avoid issues.
Triggering a Chatbot on Instagram
To activate your chatbot, create a Keyword Rule:
Go to Automation Settings in WATI.
Select Rules and create a new Keyword-Based Filtering rule.
Choose the keyword(s) that should trigger the chatbot.
Link the keyword to your Instagram chatbot.
Save and enable the rule.
Now, when users send messages containing the specified keyword, the chatbot will automatically respond!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Getting started
1. Can I create an Instagram chatbot using WATI?
Yes. WATI allows you to create chatbots for Instagram, similar to WhatsApp, to automate replies and manage conversations.
2. Where do I create an Instagram chatbot in WATI?
You can create one from your WATI Dashboard by going to Automation → Chatbots and selecting the Instagram option when adding a new chatbot.
Chatbot setup and usage
3. How do I build the chatbot flow for Instagram?
You can drag and drop available chatbot nodes from the left panel, connect them to design the flow, then save and test the chatbot.
4. How do I test my Instagram chatbot before using it?
After building the chatbot, click Save and run tests to confirm that all nodes and responses work as expected.
Compatibility and features
5. How can I tell if a chatbot is compatible with Instagram?
Chatbots with an Instagram icon next to their name are Instagram-compatible. Chatbots without the icon work only on WhatsApp.
6. What features are available for Instagram chatbots?
Available features depend on your plan. Growth plans support basic messaging, questions, and conditions, while Pro and Business plans include advanced options like AI Agent, team assignment, webhooks, and Google Spreadsheet integration.
Limitations and triggering
7. Are all WhatsApp chatbot features available on Instagram?
No. Features such as template messages, catalog messages, WhatsApp Flows, and the Trigger Chatbot node are not supported on Instagram.
8. How do I trigger an Instagram chatbot automatically?
You need to create a keyword-based rule under Automation → Rules and link the selected keyword to your Instagram chatbot.
Lead collection
9. Can I collect WhatsApp numbers from Instagram using a chatbot?
Yes. You can add a chatbot step that asks users for their WhatsApp number and use keyword filtering to trigger this flow.