What is InstaAuto?

This open-source platform lets you run your own Instagram automation system on Vercel and Supabase. It handles direct-message keyword replies, comment-triggered private messages, story interactions, and AI-generated fallback responses. The stack uses Next.js 16 with React 19, Supabase Postgres for data, and the official Instagram Graph API via OAuth. A video walkthrough shows the 18-minute setup. No monthly fees; the free tiers of Vercel and Supabase cover typical creator workloads. The codebase is MIT-licensed and designed for developers who want full control over their automation logic.

Should you self-host InstaAuto?

InstaAuto scores 48/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #9 of 18 in Social Media Management. It has 164 GitHub stars.

It shipped 4 stable releases in the past year. The latest, v2.0.0, came out on 6 July 2026. New versions land roughly every 4 weeks.

Setup is moderate: expect some configuration beyond a single command. It is MIT-licensed and written mostly in Typescript.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is ChatbotX (52/100, 1 042 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See InstaAuto vs ChatbotX side by side.

Features

AI Instagram Auto-Replies
Built-in Inbox
Dashboard Analytics
Instagram Comment Automation
Instagram DM Automation
Instagram Ice Breakers
Instagram Story Automation
Row-level Security
Webhook Handling

FAQ

ManyChat vs Chatfuel vs InstaAuto?

ManyChat and Chatfuel are excellent hosted products with polished UIs and paid plans. InstaAuto trades the polish for ownership: full source code, your own database, unlimited customization, and $0/month.

Do I need a server?

No dedicated server — it runs on Vercel serverless functions with a Supabase Postgres database. Both have free tiers that comfortably handle a creator account.

Is this allowed by Instagram?

Yes, InstaAuto uses the official Instagram API with Instagram Login and its approved permissions. Every reply is triggered by a user-initiated message or comment, within Instagram's messaging window rules. It does not scrape, mass-DM, or bypass rate limits.

How does comment-to-DM automation work?

When someone comments a trigger word (like "link") on your post, Instagram sends a webhook to your deployment. InstaAuto posts a public reply ("Check your DMs!") and sends the commenter a private DM with your link or lead magnet.

How do I automate Instagram DMs for free?

Deploy InstaAuto (about 18 minutes with the video guide), connect your Instagram professional account, and create a keyword rule — for example, auto-reply to every DM containing "price". Replies can be text, images, quick-reply chips, or button cards.

Is there a free alternative to ManyChat for Instagram?

Yes, InstaAuto is a free, open-source ManyChat alternative. You self-host it on Vercel and Supabase free tiers, connect your Instagram Business or Creator account through the official Instagram API, and get DM keyword automation, comment-to-DM funnels, story-reply automation, and a live inbox without any monthly fee.