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Question

 ig_reel attachment type does not trigger automation

  • January 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 11 views
egg
  • egg
  • Up-and-Comer
Hi ManyChat Team,
I'm trying to build an Instagram automation that processes Reels shared by users in DMs. However, I've encountered an issue where ManyChat's Default Reply automation does not trigger when a user shares a Reel as an attachment (without typing text).
The Problem:
  • Text messages trigger the automation 
  • Shared Reels (attachment only) do NOT trigger the automation 
When I use an External Request action, the {{last_input_text}} field is empty for Reel shares, and there doesn't seem to be a way to access the Reel URL or metadata.
Context:
Meta's Instagram webhook API sends Reel shares with the ig_reel attachment type, which includes:
  • reel_video_id
  • title (caption)
  • url (CDN link to the video)
See Meta's documentation on Instagram webhook attachments: Instagram Webhooks Documentation
Request:
  1. Could you add support for triggering automations on ig_reel attachment messages?
  1. Could you expose the Reel URL and metadata via custom fields or system variables (e.g., {{last_shared_reel_url}}, {{last_attachment_type}})?
This would enable powerful use cases like Reel analysis bots, content curation, and media processing.
Thank you for considering this feature request!

    1 reply

    cata_rendon
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    • cata_rendon
    • Manychat Community Moderator
    • January 10, 2026

    Hi ​@egg  I think currently Manychat does not support triggering automations specifically on Reels shared directly in DMs.

    I'd recommend submitting an new feature request  through “Ideas” section of this community, so the manychat development team could consider it.

    Cheers

    Cata Rendon

    https://www.dominariai.com | www.linkedin.com/in/catalina-rendon-gamboa
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