Instagram

selfless.chat allows you to integrate your Instagram account to automate direct message (DM) support, improving service efficiency and providing a faster customer experience.

With this connection, your chatbot can automatically respond to users who contact your business profile via Instagram.

Requirements for integration

Before connecting, make sure that:

• Your Instagram account is a Business Account.
• It is linked to a Facebook Page.
• You have a Meta Business Manager account with admin permissions.
• The messaging via API feature is enabled in the page settings.

Personal or creator accounts are not compatible with API integration.

How to connect Instagram to selfless.chat

Follow the steps below to integrate Instagram with selfless.chat:

Step 1: Log in to your selfless.chat account and select the chatbot you want to configure.

Step 2: In the bottom-left corner of the dashboard homepage, next to your username, click the gear icon ⚙.

Step 3: Go to the Channels section.

Step 4: Click New Channel and select Instagram from the list.

Step 5: The Instagram login screen will open. Log in with the account you want to connect.

Step 6: Authorize the requested permissions to complete the connection.

After this step, selfless.chat will be authorized to interact with direct messages (DMs) received on your Instagram account. The way messages are handled will depend on the flow configured in your chatbot.

Instagram API limitations

Meta sets some technical restrictions for the use of the Instagram API. It is important to understand them when designing your support flows:

• Automation applies only to direct messages (DMs). The API does not support comments, story messages, or reactions.
• There is a 24-hour window from the customer's last message. After that, it is not possible to respond automatically, except with pre-approved messages.
• There are restrictions on sending media files (images, videos, audio) automatically. Some formats are not supported by bots.
• Meta may limit the volume of messages per account, especially in cases of excessive or repetitive use that could be flagged as abusive.

Use case examples with the chatbot

Below are some examples where Instagram integration with selfless.chat can improve speed and service quality:

• Automatic responses to messages received from Instagram ads.
• Automation of frequently asked questions and simple support flows in the DM.
• Initial triage by collecting user information before human support.
• Live transfer to human agents directly from the selfless.chat dashboard.
• Lead qualification, service scheduling, and automated info delivery.

All of these flows can be built and customized using selfless.chat’s visual chatbot builder — no coding required.