Table of Contents
Instagram is a free, online photo-sharing application and social network platform that was acquired by Facebook in 2012.
Preparing Instagram for Connection
Step 1: Switch to Professional
Follow this official guide to switch your account to a Business account.
Step 2: Allow Access to Messages
Follow this official guide to Allow Access to Messages.
Step 3: Connect to a Facebook Page
Follow this official guide to connect the Instagram Account to a Facebook Page.
Connecting Instagram
To chat with your customers over Instagram, connect to an Instagram Business account.
Step 1: Navigate to Channel Settings
From Settings Module, navigate to the menu item, Channels.
Step 2: Add Channel
Press Add Channel and choose Instagram. The Connecting Instagram dialog should open up.
Step 3: Connect with Facebook
Press the Connect With Facebook button.
Step 4: Sign in with a Facebook Account
Sign in using the Facebook account with admin access to the page you would like to connect.
Step 5: Select the Instagram Business account
You will be provided options on which Instagram Business account you would like to connect to. Select the account.
Step 6: Complete the setup at respond.io
Press DONE to complete the setup.
Channel Configuration
Step 1: Navigate to Channel Settings
From Settings Module, navigate to the menu item, Channels.
Step 2: Locate the Instagram channel
Once you have located the Instagram channel, press Configure.
Step 3: Make the necessary configuration
You can configure the following:
- Channel Name - Name used internally to identify the account.
Step 4: Update the configuration
Press DONE to update the channel configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you support Message Requests?
No, there is no webhook event provided by Instagram for message requests.
Can I create a link to direct my customers to my Instagram Inbox?
Yes, you can create a Click-to-Chat link or a shortened URL that directs customers to start or continue a conversation with your Instagram account. The customer is redirected to a new or existing thread, based on whether the user had previously messaged your Instagram account. More info here on how to create your Instagram Click-to-Chat link.
Troubleshooting
Instagram Business Account is not listed
If you cannot find the Instagram Business account while connecting it to the respond.io platform, make sure you have prepared your Instagram Business account according to these steps.
Inability to Send and Receive Messages
Step 1: Navigate to Channel Settings
From Settings Module, navigate to the menu item, Channels.
Step 2: Locate the Instagram channel
Once you have located the Instagram channel, press Troubleshoot.
Step 3: Refresh Permission
Press Refresh Permission to refresh Facebook permissions.
Step 4: Send a test message
Send a test message to the Instagram contact and check if it arrived.
