Messages, quick replies and buttons
Write the message
A message step sends one direct message. The editor allows up to 1,000 characters, and Instagram accepts at most 1,000 bytes, so emoji and some alphabets use up the limit faster. A message step without text is skipped.
| Variable | Becomes |
|---|---|
{{first_name}} | The first word of the person's name, else their username, else "there". |
{{full_name}} | The full name, else the username, else "there". |
{{username}} | The Instagram username, else the first name. |
Variables work in messages, broadcasts and public replies.
Capital letters and spaces inside the braces do not matter. A variable ChatPeak does not know is removed rather than sent as raw braces.
Let the person pick
Switch on Let the person pick to add options below the text. The flow then waits for the pick and continues on the connection for that option.
| Quick replies | Buttons | |
|---|---|---|
| How many | Up to 13 | Up to 3 |
| Option length | 20 characters | 20 characters |
| Text above them | 1,000 bytes | 640 characters |
Instagram shows quick replies in its phone app only, so people on a computer type the option instead. Typing an option's name, in any capitalisation, counts as picking it. Every option needs a different name.
Connect the branches
- 1One connection per option
Draw them in the order of the options: the first connection is followed for the first option, and so on.
- 2One more for any other answer
Optionally draw one extra connection. It is followed when the person writes something that is not an option.
- 3Fix the order if needed
Select a connection and change Followed for to swap it with the connection of another option.
If nothing is connected for the answer given, that path ends. A reply only continues a run that started within the last 7 days.
When a message is not sent
- Outside the messaging window
Automated messages go out only within 24 hours of the person's last message. See delays and waiting for replies.
- Plan limit reached
When the month's automated replies are used up, the run stops with a note. See plans and billing.
- Instagram refuses it
The run ends and the automation's activity shows Instagram's reason.