Instagram — comment/reply

Private, not public: This operation sends a private DM reply to the comment author, not a visible public comment reply. The commenter receives the message in their Instagram DMs. Use comment/create to post a public reply instead.

When to Use

Customer service — private issue resolution: When a customer posts a complaint or support request in the comments, automatically send a private reply directing them to DM for private assistance, keeping sensitive information out of public view.
Order enquiry handling: When a commenter asks about their order with a reference number visible in public, route to a private reply workflow to handle the enquiry confidentially.
Lead qualification follow-up: When a prospective customer comments expressing buying intent (e.g. "How much does this cost?"), send a private reply with a personalised pricing link or booking invitation.
Giveaway winner notification: Notify giveaway winners via private DM reply instead of posting their details publicly in the comment section.
Sensitive content de-escalation: When a negative comment is detected, send a private empathetic reply to de-escalate while simultaneously evaluating whether to hide the public comment.

Configuration

Connection

Field	Required	Description
`accessToken`	Required	Long-lived Instagram access token stored in BizFirst Credentials Manager.
`igUserId`	Required	Your Instagram Business/Creator account ID.

Operation

Field	Required	Description
`resource`	Required	Must be `comments`.
`operation`	Required	Must be `send-private-reply`.
`commentId`	Required	The ID of the public comment to reply to privately. The commenter is identified from this comment.
`message`	Required	The private message text to send. Plain text only — no media attachments via this operation.

Sample Configuration JSON

{
  "resource": "comments",
  "operation": "send-private-reply",
  "accessToken": "{{ $credential.instagram.accessToken }}",
  "igUserId": "17841400000000000",
  "commentId": "{{ $trigger.body.value.commentId }}",
  "message": "Hi! Thanks for reaching out. Please check your DMs — we've sent you the details privately."
}

Validation Errors

Error	Cause
`accessToken is required`	`accessToken` field is missing or empty.
`commentId is required`	`commentId` field is missing or empty.
`message is required`	`message` field is missing or empty.
Graph API error 10	The commenter has messaging disabled or has not previously messaged your account.

Output

Success Port

Field	Type	Description
`status`	string	`"success"`
`messageId`	string	ID of the sent private message.
`payload`	string	Raw JSON response from the Graph API.

Error Port

Field	Type	Description
`status`	string	`"error"`
`errorCode`	string	Graph API error code.
`errorMessage`	string	Error description.
`payload`	string	Raw error response.

Sample Output JSON

{
  "status": "success",
  "messageId": "aWdfZAG9waW50ZAXJlY...",
  "payload": "{\"recipient_id\":\"17858893...\",\"message_id\":\"aWdfZAG9...\"}"
}

Expression Reference

Expression	Value
`{{ $output.instagram.messageId }}`	Sent message ID

Node Policies & GuardRails

Messaging platform approval: Sending private replies requires your app to have Instagram Messaging permissions approved by Meta. Standard Graph API access may not include this by default.
24-hour window: You can only send private messages to users who have previously messaged your account or within Meta's messaging policy window. Unsolicited first-message DMs require specific Messenger Platform approval.
GDPR: Private message content is highly personal. Ensure your DM content and logging practices comply with data protection regulations. Do not store message content beyond operational necessity.
Rate limit: Subject to standard 200 calls/hour limit plus Messenger Platform-specific per-user rate limits.

Examples

Customer support triage

{
  "resource": "comments",
  "operation": "send-private-reply",
  "accessToken": "{{ $credential.instagram.accessToken }}",
  "igUserId": "{{ $env.IG_USER_ID }}",
  "commentId": "{{ $trigger.body.value.commentId }}",
  "message": "Hi {{ $output.commentGet.instagram.username }}, thank you for your message! Our support team will reach out to you shortly. Reference: {{ $output.crmCreate.ticketId }}"
}

Triggered by a webhook comment event. After retrieving the comment and creating a CRM ticket, sends a private acknowledgement with the ticket reference.

Lead follow-up with personalised link

{
  "resource": "comments",
  "operation": "send-private-reply",
  "accessToken": "{{ $credential.instagram.accessToken }}",
  "igUserId": "17841400000000000",
  "commentId": "{{ $input.commentId }}",
  "message": "Thanks for your interest! Here is your personalised pricing page: {{ $output.crmLead.proposalUrl }}"
}