# Using FlowBuilder to send Instagram Messages

To be able to use all of the rich capabilities seen on Instagram, FlowBuilder has a dedicated Instagram step. By following this article you will be able to set up sending [direct messages](https://business.instagram.com/direct-messaging) via Instagram.

#### Table of contents <a href="#id-01g1gfm7g9ps9nej6fk50ra187" id="id-01g1gfm7g9ps9nej6fk50ra187"></a>

[How does this step benefit you?](#h_01G1GEHERJTAQD239N2TQP5VC8)

[Before getting started](#h_01G1GESZHAHN77945R03RV1NA9)

[How to configure the step](#h_01G1GEKAMQJNDR2FMQ5NJACFXX)

* [Send Settings](#01G3TNSGHMYGYB9VH3FM9AZCC7)
* [Message Settings](#01G3TNV9WV5DX4XDKM819SCWPH)
* [Advanced Settings](#01G1GFM7GAFX6VGK0PDDGHJFBS)

#### How does this step benefit you? <a href="#h_01g1geherjtaqd239n2tqp5vc8" id="h_01g1geherjtaqd239n2tqp5vc8"></a>

By using the specific *Send Instagram message* step, you will be able to customize the messages you are sending to your users on Instagram to the fullest of Instagram's offering. This includes interactive features, such as the *Quick Reply* buttons.

#### Before getting started <a href="#h_01g1geszhahn77945r03rv1na9" id="h_01g1geszhahn77945r03rv1na9"></a>

You will need:

* A [MessageBird account](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/)
* An [Instagram Business account](https://business.instagram.com/getting-started)
* Admin access to linked Facebook Page
* Messaging permissions enabled
* An Instagram Business channel

#### **How to configure the step** <a href="#h_01g1gekamqjndr2fmq5njacfxx" id="h_01g1gekamqjndr2fmq5njacfxx"></a>

**Step 1:** Log in to your MessageBird [Dashboard](https://dashboard.messagebird.com/en/user/index) and navigate to Flow Builder.\ <br>

<figure><img src="/files/B6MG4oXVsnERW1xxDNt0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Step 2:** Create a new Flow or choose an existing Flow. If you selected a new Flow, choose the Omnichannel trigger:

<figure><img src="/files/0jkpW9bOUdZizhh01CYD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<br>

**Step 3:** Add the step *Send Instagram Message*.&#x20;

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<figure><img src="/files/B6MG4oXVsnERW1xxDNt0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

\
The components of the step are *Send Settings, Message Settings*, and *Advanced Settings*:

<figure><img src="/files/s4Rac1C0D7c1FumqfI5W" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Send Settings**<br>

Here you are able to configure how the message will be sent, either as a reply back to the current conversion, from a different channel, or in a specific conversation:

<br>

<figure><img src="/files/LmUCPgUmK3zTKbOOQQoG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<br>

&#x20;

**Message Settings**

There are four available message types: *text*, *image*, *quick replies,* and *templates*.

**Text**

You are able to modify the message content:

<figure><img src="/files/LmUCPgUmK3zTKbOOQQoG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The messages are presented in the following format in your end-users *Direct Messages* inbox:

<figure><img src="/files/jFHxtc3KX1rUP0hoXvMb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Image**

By adding the URL to the image, you can send a message containing an image. Don't forget to include the full URL, including the protocol (http/https):

<figure><img src="/files/zvlzx17cbmKTkeZCBIbk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Quick replies**

You are able to modify the text coming before the buttons, as well as define up to 13 quick reply buttons:

<figure><img src="/files/PGdTmQxdBP8CRGz4sKP0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The messages are presented in the following format in your end-users *Direct Messages* inbox:

<figure><img src="/files/ri8djaGIePGbjfVhEq6t" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

&#x20;

❗️ Instagram's Quick Replies are **not yet supported** in [**Inbox**](https://messagebird.com/en/inbox/). In case you are using [Inbox](https://messagebird.com/en/inbox/), too - the interactive messages such as the Quick Replies will be shown as *Unknown Type*.

We are working on implementing them in Inbox as soon as possible. 🚧

&#x20;

**Templates**

If you are sending a template message, you can send a standalone template or a carousel of up to 10 template messages that can be scrolled horizontally:

<figure><img src="/files/jFHxtc3KX1rUP0hoXvMb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The messages are presented in the following format in your end-users Direct Messages inbox:

<figure><img src="/files/PGdTmQxdBP8CRGz4sKP0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Advanced Settings**

Available advanced settings are:

* *Status reports enablement:* sending reports on the status of the message sent it the step via a GET request to a URL provided
* *TrackID enablement:* when filled out, the *trackID* will be sent as a parameter in the messages, allowing you to track insights such as read, delivered, failed or rejected using the reporting API\ <br>

<figure><img src="/files/L74Le6yMLJ9GsXpEM2fa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

\ <br>

**Step 4:** Configure the message as per your choice in the **message settings** section of the *Send Instagram message* step.

**Step 5:** Build out your Flow as per your use case and don’t forget to **Save** and **Publish** the Flow. 🚀

&#x20;

📤  Feel free to [contact our Support](https://support.messagebird.com/hc/en-us/requests/new) in case you might need some help!


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