> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://alhena.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://alhena.gitbook.io/docs/integrations/communication/integrating-alhena-ai-with-instagram.md).

# Instagram

Connect Alhena to Instagram to automatically respond to DMs and comments with AI-powered replies.

Let Alhena manage your Instagram presence by automatically responding to direct messages and comments on your posts.

## Prerequisites

* An Instagram Business or Creator account
* A connected Facebook Page
* Pro plan or higher

## Setup

1. In Alhena, go to **Settings > Integrations**
2. Find **Instagram** and toggle it on
3. You'll be redirected to Instagram to authorize the connection
4. Log in and grant Alhena access to your Instagram account

Once connected, your Instagram username will appear in the integration card.

***

## Settings

After connecting, configure how Alhena interacts with your Instagram account:

### AI Replies to Comments

Enable AI to automatically respond to comments on your posts. When enabled:

* Alhena monitors comments on your posts
* AI generates contextual replies based on your training
* You can review and manage replies in **Social Conversations > Instagram**

Click **Change reply settings** to choose whether Alhena **requires admin approval before posting** a reply, or **posts automatically without approval**.

### AI Replies to Direct Messages

Enable AI to automatically respond to Instagram DMs. When enabled:

* Customers can message your Instagram account
* Alhena's AI responds based on your training and guidelines
* Conversations appear in your Alhena inbox

***

## What Customers See

In Instagram DMs, Alhena uses Instagram's native message formats so customers can tap instead of type. Replies to post comments stay plain text.

### Product cards

Recommendations arrive as cards with the image, title, price, and star rating, and a **View Product** button. Several products appear as a swipeable carousel, with the AI's explanation in the message above.

### Quiz questions and choices

Options appear as **quick replies** (tappable chips, up to 13), or as cards when they have images. Customers can also type the option number.

### Photos from customers

Customers can send photos (JPEG, PNG, or WebP, up to 10 MB) and the AI can answer questions about them, such as a selfie for skin analysis.

### Replies tuned for Instagram

The AI keeps DM replies short, asks one question at a time, and recommends at most 4 products per message.

### Starting over and feedback

* **Start a fresh conversation:** customers can type `/clear` to close the current conversation and start a new one.
* **Reactions as feedback:** positive reactions (such as 👍 or ❤️) on an AI reply count as a thumbs up, and negative ones (such as 👎) as a thumbs down.

### Ice breakers

Your [fixed icebreakers](/docs/features/chat-widget/icebreakers.md) (up to 4) are synced to Instagram as ice breakers that customers can tap when they first open a DM. They sync when you connect Instagram and whenever you save your fixed icebreakers.

***

## Managing Replies

View and manage AI-generated replies in [Social Conversations](/docs/dashboard/social-conversations.md):

1. Go to **Social Conversations**
2. Select the **Instagram** tab
3. Review, edit, or approve pending replies

***

## Disconnecting

Instagram cannot be disconnected from within Alhena. To remove the integration:

1. Go to your Instagram account settings
2. Navigate to **Apps and Websites**
3. Find Alhena and remove access

***

## Related

* [Social Conversations](/docs/dashboard/social-conversations.md) - Manage AI replies
* [Facebook Messenger Integration](/docs/integrations/communication/integrating-alhena-ai-with-facebook.md)