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Automation Not Triggering

If your Instagram DM automation isn't working, here's how to identify and fix the issue.

You’ve set up an automation in Lihat.ai, but no messages are being sent — now what?
This guide helps you troubleshoot why your DM automation isn’t triggering when someone comments, sends a keyword, or interacts with your post.

Common Causes & Fixes

1. Keyword is Not Published or Active

  • Go to your DM Automation dashboard
  • Check if the automation status is “Draft” or “Inactive”
  • Click “Publish” or toggle it to “Active”

2. Keyword Doesn’t Match Exactly

  • Make sure the keyword in your automation matches what users are commenting (case-insensitive, no extra characters)
  • Try using simple, easy-to-remember keywords like JOIN, DEAL, or INFO

3. Wrong Instagram Account Selected

  • If you manage multiple IG accounts, confirm that the automation is assigned to the correct one
  • Switch to the correct IG profile in the top nav before checking the automation

4. Post is Not Linked to the Automation

  • Some automations require you to assign a specific Instagram post
  • If the automation is not linked to a post, it won’t trigger
  • Check under “Target Post” in the automation settings

5. Instagram API Limitations

Instagram limits the number of DMs that can be sent per account per day. If that limit is exceeded:

  • You’ll see a “DM Not Sent” status
  • Wait 24 hours before trying again
  • Consider spreading your automation across multiple posts or days

6. User Has Already Received the Automation

Lihat.ai only sends one automated DM per unique keyword per user to avoid spam.
 If a user commented the same keyword multiple times — only the first time will trigger the DM.


How to Test Automations

Want to double-check that everything is working?

  1. Post a test comment with the keyword on your IG post
  2. Check the Keyword Performance or Automation Log
  3. You should see your comment and the status (Sent / Not Sent / Read)

If it doesn’t appear, revisit the checklist above.

Best Practices

  • Keep your keyword short and obvious
  • Make sure your post is public and has comments enabled
  • Use A/B testing to try different automation setups
  • Avoid using too many automations at once with overlapping triggers


Still Stuck?

If your automation still isn’t working, contact us at biz@lihat.ai and include:

  • A link to the IG post you're testing
  • The automation name
  • The keyword used
  • A screenshot of your settings

We’ll help you get things running smoothly.