Summary
You can now build a chatbot for your Instagram channel in Wati, just like you do for WhatsApp. This allows you to automate replies, assign conversations to your team, and even collect WhatsApp numbers from Instagram users.
This guide walks you through setting up your first Instagram chatbot, checking compatibility, and exploring the available features.
Instructions
Create your first Instagram chatbot
Follow these steps to set up and configure your Instagram chatbot in Wati:
Step 1: Open automation settings
Log in to your Wati dashboard
Go to Automations
Step 2: Create a new chatbot
Select Chatbots from the Automation menu
Click Add chatbot
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.
Collect WhatsApp numbers from Instagram
Wati lets you capture WhatsApp numbers from Instagram users through chatbot automation. This makes it easy to move conversations from Instagram DMs to WhatsApp, where you can continue engaging customers more effectively.
To enable this feature:
Add a chatbot step that asks users to enter their WhatsApp number
Set up Instagram keyword filtering to trigger the chatbot when needed
Chatbot compatibility between Instagram and WhatsApp
Not all chatbot features are supported for Instagram channel. Here’s how to check compatibility:
Chatbots with an Instagram icon next to the name can be used on Instagram.
In the chatbot editor, Instagram-supported features appear in a separate tab.
Unsupported functions will be greyed out.
Tip: Build your chatbot flow using only Instagram-supported functions to ensure it works smoothly.
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.
Limitations for Instagram chatbots
Some functions may not be supported on Instagram. This is due to differences in the types of messages and features supported on Instagram and WhatsApp.
For example, buttons and lists under the Ask a question node, template messages, catalog messages, and WhatsApp Flows are not compatible with Instagram.
Additionally, the Trigger Chatbot node is disabled, as follow-up chatbots may not be compatible with Instagram.
Note: Review these limitations when designing your chatbot flow to ensure it works smoothly on Instagram.
Trigger a chatbot on Instagram
To activate your chatbot, set up a keyword rule:
Go to Automation in your Wati dashboard
Select Rules and create a new Keyword-based filtering rule
Enter the keyword(s) that should trigger the chatbot
Link the rule to your Instagram chatbot
Save and enable the rule
Once enabled, the chatbot will automatically respond whenever a user sends a message that contains the selected keyword.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General questions
1. What is the Instagram chatbot in Wati?
It is a chatbot that works on your Instagram channel, allowing you to automate replies, manage conversations, and handle customer interactions similar to WhatsApp chatbots.
2. What can I do with an Instagram chatbot?
You can automate responses, collect user information, assign chats to your team, and move conversations from Instagram to WhatsApp.
3. How do I create my first Instagram chatbot?
Go to Automations in your Wati dashboard, select Chatbots, click Add chatbot, choose Instagram, design your flow with nodes, then save and test it.
Setup and usage
4. How do I test if my chatbot is working?
After building the flow, click Save and run tests to make sure each step works as expected.
5. Can I collect WhatsApp numbers from Instagram users?
Yes, you can add a step in the chatbot to ask for the user’s WhatsApp number and use keyword filtering to trigger the flow.
Compatibility and features
6. How do I know if a chatbot supports Instagram?
Chatbots that show an Instagram icon are compatible, and in the editor, supported features appear in a separate tab while unsupported ones are greyed out.
7. What features are available for Instagram chatbots?
Common features include sending messages, asking questions, and setting conditions, while higher plans also support tools like AI Agent, tags, team assignment, chat status updates, time delays, webhooks, and Google Sheets integration.
Limitations and triggers
8. Are all WhatsApp chatbot features supported on Instagram?
No, some functions such as buttons, lists under question nodes, template messages, catalog messages, WhatsApp flows, and certain trigger options are not supported.
9. How do I trigger a chatbot on Instagram?
Create a keyword-based rule under Automation, link it to your Instagram chatbot, and enable it so the bot starts when users send messages containing the selected keywords.