How to Create a Follow-to-DM Automation in Manychat

This new Instagram feature turns followers into buyers

Author

Roberto Nickson
December 02, 2025

Welcome back to The Signal, a weekly letter where I share stories, trends, strategies and insights to help you level up as a creator and win on the internet.

Today’s topics:

  • How to auto-greet Instagram followers

How to set up follow-to-DM in Manychat

Alright, let me walk you through how to set this up.

Setup

The first thing you will need is a Manychat subscription.

Click this link and use promo code ROBERTO for a free month of Manychat PRO so you can try this automation out.

I truly believe that Manychat doubled the value of Instagram for creators. It is, in my opinion, one of the very rare 10/10 must-have tools for any serious creator or entrepreneur.

Simple Option

To set up a simple automation, simply click on say hi to new followers, then fill out the sequence.

Here is a video walkthrough explaining how to do it.

Tip: you can add a short delay to your automated message. This way it feels a little less robotic.

Advanced Option

Now let’s take this a step further. Here’s a better strategy that you can employ.

I recommend you ask a question to the follower, that way you can better understand what they need.

Here is a great video walkthrough by Joren Wouters showing you how to do this step-by-step.

Roberto Nickson