Documentation

Everything you need to integrate and deploy automated social Story Reply pipelines in minutes.

Documentation search is coming soon. Use the quick links below for now.

⚠️ CRITICAL: Meta Connection Requirements

Due to how Meta's Official API is structured, Instagram Direct Messaging is technically routed through Facebook's Messenger infrastructure. This is a global requirement true for Lazyspond, ManyChat, and all apps built on the Official Instagram API.

To successfully connect your account, you MUST complete these 3 steps in the Instagram App first:

  • 1Switch to a Professional Account: Go to Settings > Account type and tools > Switch to Professional Account (Business or Creator). Personal accounts cannot use the API.
  • 2Link a Facebook Business Page: Go to Edit Profile > Page > Create or Connect a Facebook Page. You do not ever need to post on this Facebook Page, it merely acts as an invisible routing bridge for the API.
  • 3Allow Message Access: Go to Settings > Messages and story replies > Message controls > Toggle ON "Allow access to messages" under Connected Tools.

Once these 3 steps are complete, the "Connect with Facebook" button inside Lazyspond will work instantly. If you are experiencing empty account lists or connecting errors, it usually means Step 2 was skipped.

Getting Started

1. Connect your Instagram Account

Ensure your Instagram is converted to a Professional/Business account and connected to a Facebook Page. In your Lazyspond Dashboard, click "Connect with Facebook" and accept all permissions requested.

2. Create your first Automation

Navigate to "Automations" and click "Create New", or explicitly use our new AI Automation Builder on the landing page! Define a keyword (e.g., "GUIDE") and the message you want to automatically send when users reply to your Story or comment that keyword.

3. Test your setup

Use a different Instagram account to reply to your connected page's Story with the keyword to see the automated response in action!

Features & Platform Limits

Trigger Types

Lazyspond supports tracking multiple engagement types from your followers:

  • Story Keywords: Activates when a user deliberately replies to your Story with a specific keyword.
  • Comment Keywords: Activates when a user leaves a comment containing the keyword on your Posts or Reels. Lazyspond will then automatically send a Story reply.

Icebreakers (Conversation Starters)

Icebreakers are quick-tap buttons visible to users opening a chat with you for the first time. You can configure these in your Dashboard to instantly generate a keyword that routes directly into one of your automations.Note: Icebreakers replace the default Instagram greeting.


⚠️ The 24-Hour Messaging Rule

Meta enforces a strict 24-hour customer service window for API bots. Once a user interacts with you (via Story Reply or Comment), Lazyspond has exactly 24 hours to automatically reply to them. If 24 hours pass, the connection is closed by Instagram to prevent spam, and no automations can be sent until they engage again.

Keyword Matching Logic

Keywords are case-insensitive and processed using substring matches. If your keyword is "GUIDE", and a user comments "Can I get the guide please?", the automation WILL trigger.

API Reference

Access and manage your Lazyspond data programmatically.

GET /api/v1/leads

Retrieve a list of captured leads.

GET /api/v1/automations

Retrieve your active automations and statistics.

Note: API access requires a Pro plan or higher. Generate your API key in Settings > Developers.

Webhooks

Lazyspond can send real-time HTTP POST requests exactly when a new lead is captured. Perfect for connecting with Zapier, Make, GoHighLevel, or your own backend.

Payload Example:

{
  "event": "lead.captured",
  "data": {
    "id": "ld_123456789",
    "username": "johndoe",
    "platform": "instagram",
    "trigger_keyword": "GUIDE",
    "captured_at": "2026-03-22T12:00:00Z"
  }
}

Configure your webhook URL inside Settings > Integrations.

Support & FAQs

Why is my automation not triggering?

Most trigger failures come from missing prerequisites: no Professional account, missing Facebook Page link, or disabled message access under Connected Tools.

Why is my account list empty during Meta connect?

This usually means the Instagram profile is not linked to a Facebook Page yet. Connect the page in Instagram profile settings, then retry the OAuth flow.

Why does Meta OAuth finish but my account still shows Not Linked?

This usually points to an incomplete permission grant or missing page linkage. Disconnect, re-authorize with all requested permissions, and confirm the correct Page is selected.

Do keywords match uppercase and lowercase the same way?

Yes. Matching is case-insensitive. Keep base keywords clear and predictable so users can trigger your flow without confusion.

Can I personalize replies with a lead name placeholder?

Yes. Supported plans allow dynamic placeholders like {Name}, so automated replies feel personal while still being scalable.

Can I send webhook data to Zapier or Make in real time?

Yes. On supported plans, lead events can be sent to your webhook endpoint and routed into Zapier, Make, or your internal backend.

Why did an automation stop replying after it worked earlier?

The most common reason is the 24-hour messaging window. If the user does not re-engage, automation must wait for a new inbound interaction.

What is Instagram's 24-hour messaging rule?

Meta only allows automated customer-service messages within a 24-hour interaction window. If the window is closed, the user must interact again before new automated messages can be sent.

How do I reduce accidental trigger matches?

Use intent-specific keywords, avoid overly broad words, and separate campaigns by offer so each trigger maps to a clear next action.

Can I exclude friends or specific users from automation?

Instagram API has targeting limitations for perfect user-level exclusions. The best workaround is campaign-specific keywords and specific-content targeting to reduce unwanted triggers.

How fast does an automated reply send after a trigger?

Delivery is typically near real time once the trigger is received. Perceived speed can vary slightly due to API timing and live traffic conditions.

Why did my CTA button fail but the text reply still sent?

CTA templates must satisfy strict platform constraints like length and formatting. If the template fails validation, the standard text path can still complete.

Where do I get API keys for custom integrations?

API access is available on Pro and above. Generate your key in dashboard settings and use it with your internal systems.

Still need help?

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you.

Contact Support