> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.heylua.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Instagram

> Connect your agent to Instagram Direct Messages

## Overview

Instagram integration allows your agent to respond to Direct Messages sent to your Instagram Business account.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Visual Platform" icon="camera">
    Image and video-focused
  </Card>

  <Card title="Young Demographic" icon="users">
    Popular with Gen Z and Millennials
  </Card>

  <Card title="DMs & Story Replies" icon="message">
    Respond to messages and story interactions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Business Account" icon="building">
    Professional presence
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Prerequisites

<Info>
  Meta updates Instagram and its developer tools frequently. The steps below describe what you need; for exact, up-to-date screens, see Meta's [Instagram Platform documentation](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/instagram-platform).
</Info>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Instagram Professional Account">
    Convert your Instagram account to a Professional (Business or Creator) account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Link to a Facebook Page">
    Connect your Instagram account to a Facebook Business Page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable Messaging">
    Allow message access so your agent can receive DMs (in Instagram: **Settings → Messages and story replies → Connected tools → Allow access to messages**).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connection Method: Admin Dashboard Only

<Warning>
  **Instagram connection is only available through the admin dashboard** due to OAuth requirements and Meta's authentication flow.
</Warning>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the dashboard">
    ```bash theme={null}
    lua admin
    ```

    Or visit [https://admin.heylua.ai](https://admin.heylua.ai).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open your agent">
    Click **Agents** in the main side navigation, then select your agent's card.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a channel">
    Click the **+** (plus) icon to add a channel, then choose **Instagram**.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/luaglobal/5airD3u2P6mv3Ovl/images/channels/admin-add-channel.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=5airD3u2P6mv3Ovl&q=85&s=ab13d8f9a731bc706b9e112cf4226701" alt="Add a channel" width="3016" height="1576" data-path="images/channels/admin-add-channel.png" />
    </Frame>

    *Screenshot: The agent's add-channel (+) control and the channel options*
  </Step>

  <Step title="Accept terms & connect">
    Tick the box to accept the **Terms of Service** and **Privacy Policy**, then click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize with Instagram">
    A login popup opens. Log in with the account that manages your Instagram Professional account, grant the messaging permissions requested, and select the Instagram account to connect. When the popup closes, the channel is connected.

    <Note>
      This popup is Meta's own UI and changes periodically. See Meta's [Instagram Platform documentation](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/instagram-platform) if you get stuck.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connection success">
    Instagram appears in your connected channels and is ready to receive DMs.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Testing Your Instagram Channel

<Steps>
  <Step title="Send a DM to your account">
    From another Instagram account, send a DM to your business account (for example, "Hi!").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Agent responds">
    Your agent replies automatically in the Instagram DM thread.
  </Step>

  <Step title="View in admin">
    Monitor the conversation in the admin dashboard.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/luaglobal/5airD3u2P6mv3Ovl/images/channels/admin-instagram-conversation.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=5airD3u2P6mv3Ovl&q=85&s=8b2ff6cdd5fdd61339c4cb8679dc3c88" alt="Admin conversation" width="3016" height="1566" data-path="images/channels/admin-instagram-conversation.png" />
    </Frame>

    *Screenshot: The conversation in the admin dashboard*
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Direct Messages" icon="message">
    Respond to DMs automatically
  </Card>

  <Card title="Story Replies" icon="reply">
    Reply to story mentions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Rich Media" icon="image">
    Send images, videos
  </Card>

  <Card title="Quick Replies" icon="bolt">
    Suggested response buttons
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Visual Content">
    Instagram is visual - use:

    * Product images
    * Demo videos
    * Infographics
    * Visual guides
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Casual Tone">
    Instagram users expect:

    * Friendly, casual communication
    * Emojis and personality
    * Quick, concise responses
    * Less formal than email
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Response Time">
    * Respond within minutes if possible
    * Instagram shows response time publicly
    * Fast responses improve visibility
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Monitor Engagement">
    ```bash theme={null}
    lua admin
    # Check Instagram engagement metrics
    # Track response rates
    # Monitor user satisfaction
    ```
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="OAuth fails">
    **Check:**

    * Instagram account is Business type
    * Linked to Facebook Page
    * Permissions granted
    * Pop-up blocker disabled
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Messages not responding">
    **Check:**

    * Channel status in admin (CONNECTED)
    * Instagram messaging is enabled
    * Account not restricted
    * Test with simple message
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't find Business account">
    **Ensure:**

    * Account is converted to Business
    * Linked to Facebook Page
    * Page has admin access
    * Try disconnecting and reconnecting
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Slack" icon="slack" href="/channels/slack">
    Connect team workspace
  </Card>

  <Card title="Admin Dashboard" icon="gauge" href="/channels/admin-dashboard">
    Manage all channels visually
  </Card>
</CardGroup>