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.
📌 If your Instagram account is not connected, refer to this guide for troubleshooting.
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)
General Setup
How do I create my first Instagram chatbot in WATI? → To create your Instagram chatbot, go to the WATI Dashboard, navigate to the Automation section, click on Chatbots, and select Add Chatbot. Choose Instagram as the platform and configure the chatbot flow.
How do I test the Instagram chatbot after setting it up? → Once your chatbot is configured, click Save and then test the chatbot to ensure it functions correctly by interacting with it on Instagram.
What should I do if my Instagram account is not connected to WATI? → If your Instagram account isn't connected, refer to the troubleshooting guide available in the platform for detailed instructions on how to resolve the issue.
WhatsApp Number Collection
How can I collect WhatsApp numbers from Instagram users? → You can enable this feature by adding a step in your chatbot that prompts users to enter their WhatsApp number. Use the Keyword Filtering feature to trigger the chatbot when necessary.
Chatbot Compatibility
How do I know if my chatbot is compatible with Instagram? → If your chatbot has an Instagram icon next to its name, it is compatible with Instagram. If not, it can only be used on WhatsApp.
Are there any limitations when using chatbots on Instagram? → Yes, some functions available on WhatsApp are not supported on Instagram. These include Template Messages, Catalog Messages, WhatsApp Flows, and Trigger Chatbot.
Features and Functionality
What features are available for Instagram chatbots in WATI? → The features for Instagram chatbots include sending automated messages, asking questions, setting conditions for responses, and using Growth Plan features. Pro and Business Plan users can access additional features like AI Agent, assigning team members, and integrating with Google Spreadsheets.
Can I use AI-driven responses for Instagram chatbots? → Yes, if you have a Pro or Business Plan, you can use the AI Agent feature to provide AI-driven responses for your Instagram chatbot.
Can I assign team members to Instagram chatbot conversations? → Yes, Pro and Business Plan users can assign conversations to team members using the Assign Team or Assign User features.
Triggering a Chatbot
How do I trigger my Instagram chatbot automatically? → To trigger your Instagram chatbot, create a Keyword-Based Filtering rule in the Automation Settings. Select keywords that will activate the chatbot and link them to your Instagram chatbot. Once the rule is enabled, the chatbot will respond automatically when the keyword is detected.