If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve noticed a pattern. A creator posts a viral Reel, and the caption says: “Comment ‘GROWTH’ and I’ll send you the link!” Within seconds of commenting, a DM pops up in your inbox with exactly what was promised.
This isn’t magic—it’s ManyChat Keyword Automation.
In 2026, Instagram Reels are the king of organic reach. But reach alone doesn’t pay the bills. To turn those views into dollars, you need a system to capture leads without spending 24 hours a day manually replying to comments.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to use ManyChat Keywords to transform your Reels into an automated lead-generation machine.
The Power of Reels + Keywords: Why It’s a Game Changer
Before we get into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Traditional “Link in Bio” strategies are dying. Every time you ask a user to stop watching your Reel, visit your profile, and click a link, you lose about 70-80% of your potential leads due to friction.
The “Keyword” approach changes the game because:
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It Boosts the Algorithm: Instagram sees hundreds of comments on your Reel and thinks, “This is great content!” It then pushes your Reel to even more people.
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It’s Instant: Leads are hottest the second they engage. ManyChat strikes while the iron is hot.
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It Builds a Direct Line: Once someone DMs you, you have opened a permanent 1-on-1 communication channel.
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect “Hook” and “Call to Action” (CTA)
Automation starts with your content. ManyChat handles the delivery, but your Reel must handle the desire.
The Hook
Your Reel needs to solve a specific problem or promise a specific result. Whether it’s a PDF guide, a discount code, or a webinar link, make it irresistible.
The CTA
Your CTA must be crystal clear. Use a short, unique keyword.
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Bad CTA: “Check out my link if you want this.”
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Good CTA: “Comment the word READY and I’ll DM you the private invite!”
Step 2: Setting Up Your Keyword Trigger in ManyChat
Now, let’s go behind the scenes. Setting this up in ManyChat takes less than 5 minutes.
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Log in to ManyChat: If you haven’t yet, connect your Instagram Business account to ManyChat here.
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Go to Automation > Flows: Click on “New Flow” and select “Start from Scratch.”
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Add a Trigger: Click “Add Trigger” and look for the Instagram section. Select “User comments on your Post or Reel.”
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Configure the Trigger:
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Select “Specific Post or Reel” (Choose the Reel you just uploaded).
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Select “Comment contains specific keywords.”
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Type in your keyword (e.g., READY).
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Set the Public Reply: ManyChat allows you to automatically reply to the comment as well! Something like: “Just sent you a DM, [First Name]! Check your inbox 🚀” This further boosts engagement.
Step 3: Building the Conversion Flow
The trigger is just the door. Now you need to lead them into the room.
The Initial DM
The first message should be short and confirm they are in the right place.
“Hey! Thanks for commenting on my Reel. Here is the [Guide/Link/Coupon] I promised!”
The Data Capture (Optional but Recommended)
Instead of just sending a link, why not grab their email?
“I can send that link right over! First, what’s your best email address so I can send you a backup copy of the guide?”
ManyChat’s User Input block will automatically validate the email and save it to your CRM or Google Sheets. This is how you build an email list and a DM list simultaneously.
Step 4: Optimizing for High Conversion Rates
A basic bot is good, but a high-converting bot is better. Here are three professional tips for 2026:
1. Use Delays for a “Human” Feel
Don’t let the bot reply in 0.1 seconds. It feels robotic. Use ManyChat’s “Typing…” delay for 2-3 seconds to make the interaction feel natural.
2. Add a Video Note or Image
In the DM, send a quick 5-second video of yourself saying, “Hey, thanks for the comment! Here’s the link.” This builds massive trust and increases the likelihood they will actually click the link.
3. The “Follow-up” Action
If they haven’t clicked the link within 2 hours, ManyChat can automatically send a “Smart Delay” follow-up.
“Hey, just checking in—did you manage to download the guide?”
Step 5: Why the “Pro” Version of ManyChat is Worth It
While ManyChat offers a free tier, e-commerce stores and serious creators should look at the Pro Account. Why?
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Unlimited Keywords: Don’t limit your growth.
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Email & SMS Integration: Send your leads from Instagram DMs directly into your email marketing software.
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Advanced Analytics: See exactly which Reel generated the most sales, not just the most comments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using Common Words: Don’t use “Yes” or “Hi” as keywords. Your bot will trigger accidentally. Use unique words like “STRATEGY,” “BLUEPRINT,” or “SAVE.”
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Broken Links: Always test your flow using the “Preview” button in ManyChat before you publish your Reel.
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Ignoring the DMs: Even with automation, check your “Live Chat” in ManyChat once a day to answer specific questions that the bot can’t handle.
Conclusion: Automate or Be Left Behind
The Instagram landscape is more competitive than ever. If you are still trying to manage your sales and leads manually, you are leaving money on the table. By combining the viral power of Reels with the surgical precision of ManyChat Keywords, you create a system that works for you 24/7.
Imagine waking up to see that your latest Reel went viral while you slept, and ManyChat has already captured 500 new email leads and generated 50 sales. That is the power of this strategy.
Stop being a slave to your inbox. Join thousands of successful entrepreneurs and start using ManyChat for free today!
