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How can I set up the gallery feature without this first message?

  • April 29, 2026
  • 2 comments
  • 29 views

KirstyWaugh

I’m trying to set up a gallery reply in Instagram for the first time, but it gives me this error - Mark this message as a "Private Reply" if you want to send it as a reply to a post, reel comment, a follow action or share to story reply.

It seems I can’t change it to private reply if I’m using cards, and I don’t want to add a message before the gallery. I’ve seen other people do it recently, so there must be a way. What am I missing?

 

Best answer by rodrigo_silvano

Hey, ​@KirstyWaugh 
To be able to do that, you need to delete your first message. This one:
 


On the message “as private reply” you can have only one block (images OR text).

Let me know if you have further questions 🙂

2 replies

rodrigo_silvano
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  • Community Moderator
  • Answer
  • April 29, 2026

Hey, ​@KirstyWaugh 
To be able to do that, you need to delete your first message. This one:
 


On the message “as private reply” you can have only one block (images OR text).

Let me know if you have further questions 🙂


NicoleHeick
  • Up-and-comer
  • May 22, 2026

Hey, ​@KirstyWaugh 
To be able to do that, you need to delete your first message. This one:
 


On the message “as private reply” you can have only one block (images OR text).

Let me know if you have further questions 🙂

@rodrigo_silvano 

I am using this platform for affiliate linking only. I say ‘comment SHOP for the links’ in my post or reel and then I send the auto reply. I don’t understand the difference between private reply and 24 hour reply requirements. I want to send out a few links in the first messsge I auto reply with. One for Amazon, one for Walmart, etc EACh with a photo. When I select ‘more’ then choose ‘gallery’, I can create all the cards… then it tells me I have to choose private but with private, you can’t add a photo. Are there tutorials for this? Better explanations? Deleting first message like you suggested doesnt work