What is ManyChat?
ManyChat is a chatbot platform that helps businesses automate their conversations on Facebook Messenger, Instagram DM, and WhatsApp. It allows you to send automated replies, collect leads, promote offers, and interact with your audience 24/7 — all without needing a human on the other side.
One of its most useful features is comment automation, which allows you to automatically send a message to someone who comments on your post.
What is Comment Automation?
Comment automation is a feature that triggers a message to a user whenever they comment on a post. It can be used for:
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Sending a direct message automatically
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Replying in the comment section
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Providing links, offers, or discounts
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Starting a conversation in Messenger or Instagram DM
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Collecting leads or contact info
For example, you can create a post that says, “Comment ‘Free Guide’ below and we’ll send you our top marketing tips!” Then, anyone who comments “Free Guide” will get an instant message from your page with the guide.
Why Use Comment Automation?
Let’s look at the key benefits of using comment automation in ManyChat:
1. Save Time
Manually replying to every comment can be exhausting. Automation lets you engage instantly without lifting a finger.
2. Boost Engagement
When you ask people to comment, it improves your post’s reach and visibility in the algorithm. Automated replies encourage even more interaction.
3. Increase Leads and Sales
You can collect email addresses, phone numbers, or even send users directly to a product page. It’s a great way to turn comments into customers.
4. Respond 24/7
ManyChat works even when you’re asleep. It replies instantly, no matter the time of day.
5. Personalize Conversations
Using user data, you can make the messages feel more personal, increasing trust and conversions.
Where Can You Use Comment Automation?
You can use comment automation on:
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Facebook Page Posts
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Facebook Ads
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Instagram Feed Posts
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Instagram Ads
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Instagram Reels
ManyChat works smoothly with both Facebook and Instagram, making it an all-in-one solution.
How to Set Up Comment Automation in ManyChat
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to set up comment automation in ManyChat.
Step 1: Create a ManyChat Account
Go to manychat.com and sign up using your Facebook account. Make sure you’re an admin of the Facebook Page or Instagram account you want to connect.
Step 2: Connect Your Facebook or Instagram Account
Once logged in, connect your business profiles. Follow the steps to give ManyChat permission to access your pages.
Step 3: Go to “Automation” Section
From the dashboard, click on “Automation” → “Comments Automation.”
Step 4: Choose Your Post
You can either:
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Select a published post
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Create an automation rule for future posts
Step 5: Write Your Trigger Message
This is the message that will be sent to users in Messenger or Instagram DM when they comment. For example:
“Hey {{first_name}}, thanks for commenting! Here’s the free guide we promised. Let us know if you need more tips!”
You can also add buttons or links in the message.
Step 6: Optional – Auto-Reply in Comments
You can set ManyChat to automatically reply to the user’s comment on the post itself. This helps other people see that your page is active and responsive.
Step 7: Activate the Automation
Once everything is ready, click “Publish” or “Activate.” Your automation will start working instantly.
Best Practices for Comment Automation
To get the best results, follow these simple but powerful tips:
✅ Ask a Clear Question or Offer
Create posts that encourage people to comment. Use phrases like:
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“Comment ‘YES’ to get a discount!”
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“Drop a 🔥 if you want the ebook.”
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“Reply with your favorite emoji to win!”
✅ Keep It Short and Friendly
Automated messages should be clear, helpful, and casual. Avoid sounding robotic.
✅ Test Different Messages
Try out different versions of your automation to see which one performs best. A/B testing helps you improve over time.
✅ Respect Privacy Rules
Don’t spam people or collect data without their consent. Always include an unsubscribe option if you’re continuing the conversation.
✅ Use Flow Builder
ManyChat’s Flow Builder helps you create advanced conversation flows like quizzes, signups, and product suggestions. You can guide users through a full sales journey inside Messenger or DM.
Real-Life Examples of Comment Automation
Let’s see how different businesses can use this feature:
1. E-commerce Store
Post: “Comment ‘OFFER’ to get 20% off our new collection.”
Automation: Sends a discount code and product link in DM.
2. Restaurant
Post: “Comment ‘MENU’ to get our latest menu.”
Automation: Sends a link or image of the updated menu.
3. Online Coach or Trainer
Post: “Comment ‘FREE’ for a free 30-minute consultation.”
Automation: Starts a Messenger conversation and asks for preferred time.
4. Event Organizers
Post: “Comment ‘TICKETS’ to book your seat.”
Automation: Sends a link to the ticketing page.
5. Content Creators
Post: “Want the full video? Comment ‘SEND’ below.”
Automation: Sends YouTube or website link directly.
Pros and Cons of Using Comment Automation
✅ Pros
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Saves time and effort
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Boosts social engagement
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Increases leads and conversions
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24/7 response system
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Easy to set up
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Works on Facebook and Instagram
❌ Cons
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Requires proper setup
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Can be misused if not planned properly
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Facebook and Instagram policies must be followed strictly
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Free version has limitations
Is Comment Automation Right for You?
If you manage a brand, product, or service on social media, comment automation is definitely worth using. It’s perfect for:
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Businesses wanting more leads
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Creators who want to grow faster
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Startups with limited time
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Pages running regular promotions
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Agencies managing multiple clients
Even if you’re just getting started, it’s easy to learn and implement.
ManyChat Pricing
ManyChat has both free and paid plans:
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Free Plan: Includes basic automation features and 1,000 contacts.
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Pro Plan: Starts at $15/month and includes advanced features like email and SMS marketing, analytics, and custom flows.
If you’re serious about marketing, the Pro plan is worth the investment.
Conclusion
Comment automation using ManyChat is a smart, time-saving feature that helps you connect with your audience, generate leads, and boost engagement — all with less effort. It allows your social media strategy to work even when you’re offline.
By setting up automatic replies to comments, you create real conversations and open the door for further interaction. Whether you run a product page, an online business, or offer services, this tool can transform your social media into a powerful lead-generation machine.
And if you ever feel stuck or need professional help, working with a skilled social media marketer in Calicut can help you set up, optimize, and manage your ManyChat campaigns for the best results.