# DM templates (/docs/templates)



Save the private reply once, then reuse it on new automations instead of rewriting the same offer.

## Open Templates [#open-templates]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Open the Instagram account.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Go to Templates. Title: DM templates. Lede: Reusable text, button, or product carousel messages for automations.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Choose New template.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Choose a format [#choose-a-format]

Type is locked after create. Make a new template to switch formats.

| UI title           | What you write                             | Plan               |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------ |
| Text               | Message only                               | All plans          |
| Text + link        | Message plus up to 3 link buttons          | All plans          |
| Media (Growth+)    | Image, video, or PDF, optional link button | Growth, Pro, Scale |
| Carousel (Growth+) | Up to 10 product cards                     | Growth, Pro, Scale |

Free and Starter support text and text + link only. Toast if you try media or carousel: Media and carousel templates require Growth or higher.

## Create a template [#create-a-template]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Pick the format your plan allows.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Write the message. For Text + link, add 1 to 3 buttons. Button title max 20. Add button, or Remove button on a row.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    For Media, upload a file. Images: 8MB, JPEG, PNG, or GIF. Video, PDF, or audio: 25MB. Optional link button title defaults to Open.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    For Carousel, Add card (1 to 10). Title and subtitle max 80. Button title max 20. Defaults: Shop and 

    `https://`

    .
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Choose Create. Cancel leaves the editor.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Reuse on an automation [#reuse-on-an-automation]

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Create or 

    [edit](/docs/edit-automation)

     an automation.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    On DM content, choose Use template (Reuse a saved DM template).
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Open Template and Select a template. Empty state: No templates created yet.
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Save the automation.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Create flows start on Inline message. They do not auto-pick a template.

System-generated names (for example Automation buttons) stay hidden from pickers. Those run as inline fields on the automation.

## Edit or delete a template [#edit-or-delete-a-template]

Save stays disabled until something changed. Type stays locked.

Delete template? Body: Automations using it will fall back to inline fields. Buttons: Delete, Cancel.

## Related [#related]

* [DM funnel and audience](/docs/dm-and-audience)
* [Plans and meters](/docs/plans-and-meters)
* [Create an automation](/docs/create-automation)