Instagram keyword DM ideas for every kind of account

What makes a good keyword

• One word, easy to type on a phone.
• Easy to spell, even on a phone keyboard in a hurry.
• Clearly linked to what you are sending.
• Distinctive. Matching finds the keyword anywhere in a comment, even inside other words: LIVE matches "deliver" and BOOK matches "Facebook". Avoid short everyday words that hide inside longer ones.
• Written in capitals in your caption so it stands out. Matching is not case-sensitive, so GUIDE, guide and Guide all work.

Coaches and educators

• GUIDE, PLAN, CHECKLIST, WORKBOOK for downloadable resources.
• DISCOVERY, CONSULT for discovery calls.
• CHALLENGE, COHORT for programmes and challenges.
• WEBINAR, MASTERCLASS for webinars and live sessions.
• WAITLIST for waitlists.

See more in OneSocialX for coaches.

Creators and influencers

• SENDLINK for whatever you are featuring.
• GEAR, MYSETUP for the equipment you use.
• RECIPE, TUTORIAL for full instructions.
• PRESET, TEMPLATE for digital downloads.
• DISCOUNT for a partner discount code, if you have one.

Online stores

• SENDLINK, PRODUCT for product pages.
• SIZECHART for your size chart.
• NEWDROP, COLLECTION for launches.
• ORDERNOW for ordering steps.
• RESTOCK for restock updates.

More in OneSocialX for online stores.

Restaurants and cafés

• MENU for your current menu.
• RESERVE for reservations.
• DIRECTIONS, LOCATION for directions.
• ORDERNOW for delivery or takeaway.
• EVENTDETAILS for special nights.

More in OneSocialX for restaurants.

Service businesses

• QUOTE for estimates.
• APPOINTMENT for appointments (salons, clinics, studios).
• PORTFOLIO for samples of your work.
• BROCHURE for a details sheet.
• DEMO for a product or software demo.

Regional language keywords

Many people in India comment in English letters even when they speak Hindi or Gujarati, so simple English keywords usually work well. If your audience types in their own script, you can add automations for words like लिंक or લિંક too. Read Instagram auto DM in Hindi and Gujarati.

When to skip the keyword

For giveaways, big launches, or audiences who may not follow instructions exactly, use an any-comment trigger. Everyone who comments gets the DM, whatever they write.

Keywords for special moments

Some keywords work well across almost any account for one-off moments:

• GIVEAWAY for giveaways.
• EARLYACCESS for early access to a launch.
• VIPCLUB for a close-friends group.
• PART2 when people ask for the next part of a series.
• QUESTIONS for an FAQ document.

Whatever you choose, test it before posting by commenting from a second account, so you know exactly how it behaves. Remember it only responds to new comments, so set it up before you post. Then say it clearly in your reel and caption, and let the automation handle the rest.

How to announce your keyword

A great keyword only works if people notice it. Mention it in the first few seconds of your reel, show it as on-screen text, and repeat it at the end. In the caption, put it near the top: "Comment ROUTINE and I'll send you the full routine." Pin a comment of your own that uses the keyword, so viewers can see exactly what to type.

If you turn on the public reply, every reply under a comment becomes a small reminder that the keyword works. Over time, your regular followers will learn your keywords and use them without being told.

Put your keyword to work

Once you have your keyword, pair it with a strong message from our DM templates and follow the step-by-step setup. New to the idea? Start with the comment-to-DM guide. Plans are on pricing and the team on about.

Frequently asked questions