Connect Instagram Direct Messages
Connect your Instagram Business account to UCrew so your AI agent automatically handles all incoming DMs — answering questions, capturing leads, and helping customers 24/7.
Instagram Business Account Required
Instagram DM automation only works with Business or Creator accounts linked to a Facebook Page. Personal accounts are not supported. See Step 1 to convert — it's free and takes 2 minutes.
What You'll Need
- An Instagram Business or Creator account
- That Instagram account linked to a Facebook Page
- Admin access to that Facebook Page
- Your UCrew account with a project set up
Part 1 — Prepare Your Instagram Account
Switch to an Instagram Business Account
If your account is still Personal, switch it to Business (free, takes ~2 min):
- Open Instagram → tap your Profile photo → ☰ menu (top right)
- Go to Settings and privacy → Account type and tools
- Tap Switch to Professional Account → choose Business
- Complete the brief setup wizard
Already a Business or Creator account? Skip to Step 2.
Link Your Instagram to a Facebook Page
In Instagram app → Settings → Account → Linked accounts → Facebook.Sign in and select the Facebook Page for your business.
Don't have a Facebook Page? Create one for free at facebook.com/pages/create — it doesn't need to be active or have followers, just exists.
Part 2 — Connect in UCrew
Open Integrations in UCrew
Log in to your UCrew Dashboard → click Integrations in the sidebar.
Click "Connect" on Instagram
Find the Instagram Direct Messages card and click Connect.An authorization window will open.
Sign In and Select Your Account
Sign in with the Facebook account that manages your Page. Then select both:
- Your Facebook Page
- Your Instagram Business account
Approve Permissions and Finish
Keep all permissions ON (they allow UCrew to read DMs and send replies), then click Done → OK.
You'll be redirected back to UCrew with your Instagram shown as Connected. Your AI agent is now live!
Test by asking a friend to DM your Instagram. The bot should reply within seconds. You can't message your own account, so use a different device or account.
Common Questions
Why can't I connect my personal Instagram?
Instagram's DM API is only available to Business and Creator accounts. Converting is free and only takes 2 minutes.
My Instagram isn't showing during setup — why?
Make sure your Instagram Business account is linked to a Facebook Page first (Step 2). Without this link, Instagram won't appear in the list.
Can the bot reply to story replies?
Yes! When someone replies to your Instagram story, UCrew will handle those messages automatically too.
Can I disconnect later?
Yes — go to Integrations in UCrew, find Instagram, and click Disconnect.