OpenReply review
A focused, open-source tool for Instagram comment and inbound DM campaigns.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
OpenReply is open-source software for automating Instagram private replies, aimed at solo operators and small teams comfortable running their own service. It watches comments on posts and reels for campaign keywords, then queues a private reply; operators can also enable a public comment reply. Inbound DMs, including Story replies, can trigger campaigns, and an inbox supports reading and replying to conversations. The published feature set centers on Instagram entry points and campaign execution rather than broad messaging automation.
Deployment is the main decision point. OpenReply is available as a self-hosted option, and its description says operators deploy the app and worker and connect Instagram through their own Meta app or an optional provider. There is no hosted OpenReply plan. Self-hosting, Instagram connectivity, and infrastructure may involve separate costs, so the free, open-source model does not mean there is no operational work or expense. Integrations include Instagram API, Zernio, PostgreSQL, and Redis; webhook monitoring with polling reconciliation and event logs support campaign operations.
For teams focused on comment-to-DM campaigns, the combination of keyword triggers, inbound DM and Story-reply triggers, tracked links with click and campaign statistics, templates, multiple professional accounts per workspace, and queued rate-limited delivery covers a practical Instagram workflow. The category feature set does not include DM broadcasts, so organizations seeking broadcast campaigns or a hosted service should look elsewhere. OpenReply fits technical users who value control over deployment and can manage the supporting setup; users who want a managed tool or broader messaging scope may prefer an alternative.
OpenReply pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Triggers private replies from keywords on post and reel comments
- Adds inbound DM and Story-reply triggers, plus tracked links
- Queues rate-limited delivery and includes a DM inbox
- Where it doesn't
- No hosted OpenReply plan; operators deploy and run the instance
- Instagram connectivity and infrastructure may involve separate costs
- Campaign focus is Instagram automation rather than DM broadcasts
OpenReply fact sheet, pricing and score →
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