Automatically thanking Instagram story mentions (with examples)
When someone mentions your account in their Instagram story, the mention lands in your messages and opens a 24-hour window to reply. An automatic reply ensures everyone gets thanked, even when you’re swamped. It’s also the best way to spot your future advocates.
Key takeaways
- A story mention arrives as an inbound message: it opens a 24-hour reply window.
- Available for professional and creator Instagram accounts.
- The ideal message: a short, sincere thank-you, and maybe a small perk (code, exclusive content).
- People who mention you are your best candidates for UGC or an advocate programme.
Why reply to every mention
Someone who mentions you in their story is advertising you to their followers, for free. Not replying wastes a chance to build a relationship. Replying by hand is easy with three mentions a week; impossible with thirty, especially during a launch or event.
Message templates
- Shop: “Thanks for the story 🙏 It really made our day. Here’s 10% off your next order: THANKS10.”
- Restaurant: “Thanks for sharing your visit! Hope to see you again soon.”
- Creator: “So cool to see this, thank you! Want my next resources early?” + Yes / No buttons.
- Event: “Thanks for the story! Official photos drop tomorrow, we’ll send them here.”
Rules to follow
The mention opens the usual 24-hour window: your reply must go out within it, and the rest of the conversation depends on the person replying. Keep it to a thank-you: a story mention isn’t permission to send a series of promotional messages. Our article on Meta’s rules details what’s allowed.
Turning mentions into advocates
In Perroly, the story mention trigger can also tag the contact (“advocate”, “loyal customer”). After a few weeks, you have a list of people already talking about you: ideal candidates for a UGC partnership or referral programme. For the rest of your messages, see Perroly’s 7 triggers.
Frequently asked questions
Can you auto-reply to Instagram story mentions?
Yes, with a tool connected through Meta’s official API such as Perroly: the mention arrives as an inbound message and triggers the reply.
How long do you have to reply to a story mention?
24 hours: the mention opens Meta’s standard messaging window.
Does it work with a personal Instagram account?
No, you need a professional or creator account.
Can you automatically repost the story that mentions you?
No, resharing the story is done manually in the Instagram app. Automation is for thanking and opening the conversation.