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Question

Which message tag allows API-triggered DMs for new Instagram followers?

  • November 5, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 28 views

scandswisssolutions

  I have a working "Follow to DM" automation that sends messages to new
  Instagram followers automatically - this works perfectly.

  However, I want to trigger these messages via ManyChat API from my own
  system instead of the built-in trigger. When I try to send messages via
  API, I get an error that the contact is not within the 24-hour messaging
  window.

  I know there's a specific message tag that allows this (since the
  built-in automation works), but I can't find documentation on which tag
  to use.

  Questions:
  1. What message tag should I send with the API request to replicate the
     "new follower" trigger behavior?
  2. Does the API endpoint need any special parameters to indicate this is
     a new follower DM?
  3. Are there any limitations when triggering new follower messages via API
     vs. the built-in automation?

  Current API error: Contact not within 24-hour window
  Goal: Send new follower DMs via API with proper message tag

  Any help would be appreciated!

1 reply

Gustavo Boregio
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  • Manychat Community Moderator
  • 2821 replies
  • November 5, 2025

@scandswisssolutions there are no messages tags on Instagram API in Manychat, as far as I know.

So, this first message, would have to be send by Manychat and whatever you can customize/setup in the flow builder.

I’m pretty sure this is the case, but check with support just in case if there’s something new that I missed.