# Post and Reel automations (/docs/post-reel)



Listen to top-level comments on one post or Reel. Nested replies under someone else's comment are skipped so threads do not burn your sends.

## Two ways in [#two-ways-in]

* **Existing media.** New automation, then Post or Reel comments, then pick from your grid.
* **New media.** Post something new, or Automations, then New post. Publish or schedule, and attach the keyword DM in the same flow. See [Schedule posts](/docs/schedule-posts).

## Pick an existing post or Reel [#pick-an-existing-post-or-reel]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Choose New automation, then Post or Reel comments.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    On Choose a post (step 2. Post), filter All or Reels.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    On a card, choose View to preview, or Use to attach the rule. Badges can read Already automated, Not automated, or Reel.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Or choose Post something new if the media is not live yet.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    On New automation (step 3. Setup), set Name, optional Active from and Active to, keywords, public replies, DM content, and audience.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Choose Create. Toast: Automation created.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Callout type="info">
  This pick-a-post flow saves a silent draft as you leave fields or change the post. There is no toast. Coming back restores the selected post and the form. The draft clears after a successful Create. Story, live, and compose do not use this draft.
</Callout>

Change post later in the flow opens Change post? Buttons: Change post, Keep this post.

## Set the trigger [#set-the-trigger]

On Trigger, leave Send DM to all comments off and add keyword pills, or turn the switch on to DM every non-empty top-level comment.

Defaults on create: `link`, `links`, `dm`, `send`, `product`, `price`. Matching is case insensitive. Any listed keyword can trigger the DM. There is **no** exact vs contains picker. See [Keywords and triggers](/docs/keywords-and-triggers).

## Public reply (required) [#public-reply-required]

Post and Reel rules post one phrase under the matching comment. Title: Public reply. Lede: Posted under the matching comment on this post or reel. One phrase is chosen at random.

Defaults:

* Sent to your DMs! 💬
* Check your inbox 📥
* Just DMed you ✨
* Link is in your DMs 🔗
* Sent ✓

Add more with Add. You need at least one phrase. Error: Add at least one public reply phrase. Emojis are fine.

Story and live cannot use a public comment reply.

## Design the private reply [#design-the-private-reply]

On DM content, start **inline** (the create flow does not auto-pick a template).

* Text and Text + link (buttons) work on Free and Starter. Up to 3 link buttons.
* Media and Carousel need Growth or higher. Hover: Upgrade needed, then View plans.

Audience Reply in DM always sends a welcome confirm first. Button: Yes, send it over. Optionally turn on Only DM people who follow you, and (Growth+) Name, Email, Phone. Details: [DM funnel and audience](/docs/dm-and-audience).

Pick-a-post draft default offer text: Here's your link:

## After it is live [#after-it-is-live]

Matching top-level comments run the funnel within [Meta rules](/docs/meta-rules) and your [plan meters](/docs/plans-and-meters). Open the rule to [edit](/docs/edit-automation), [pause or delete](/docs/pause-delete), or [View events](/docs/events-and-skips).

## Related [#related]

* [Create an automation](/docs/create-automation)
* [Keywords and triggers](/docs/keywords-and-triggers)
* [Schedule posts](/docs/schedule-posts)