Can’t Create “Instagram: New Follower” Automation – Trigger Missing Despite Proper Setup

Hi everyone! 👋

I’m experiencing an issue with my ManyChat + Instagram integration, and I would really appreciate your help or confirmation if others are facing the same.

🧩 The problem:
I have a paid ManyChat account connected to our business Instagram profile (Unicorn Baby).
Everything appears correctly linked:

• Instagram account → Connected under Integrations

• Facebook Page → Full Control access for both admins

• Instagram Messaging permissions → active

However, when I try to create an automation, there is no trigger for “Instagram: New Follower”.
Only the following Instagram triggers are available:

• Message Received

• Story Reply

• Post & Reel Comments

There’s simply no option to trigger an automation when a new user follows our account.

⚙️ What we’ve already done:

• Rechecked all permissions and roles in Facebook Business Manager

• Ensured the Instagram account is professional (business) and properly linked to the Facebook Page

• Activated Handover Protocol and granted ManyChat all necessary permissions

• Contacted both Meta and ManyChat support, but haven’t received a clear solution yet

🧭 Goal:
We’d like to send a short welcome message to new Instagram followers offering 3 quick options.

💬 Questions:

1. Has anyone recently managed to use or activate an “Instagram: New Follower” trigger?

2. Has Meta officially deprecated this event from the API, and if so, what’s the best approved alternative (e.g. Comment → DM, Story Reply, Ref URL)?

3. Any updates from the ManyChat team on future support for follower-based automations?

Thank you so much in advance for any info, screenshots, or shared experiences 🙏