Instagram channel overview

Learn more about starting a conversation via connected Instagram channels and their supported features

Written By Frieda Yip (Super Administrator)

Updated at November 24th, 2025

ℹ️ What’s supported in SleekFlow

Here are the features available for Instagram Messaging in SleekFlow:

  • Connect multiple Instagram Business accounts to a SleekFlow account
  • Send and receive messages with customers via Instagram Direct
  • Automatically reply to Instagram post comments
  • Use Instagram as a channel to set up automated workflows in Flow Builder

If a feature isn’t listed here, it’s currently not supported in our integration with Instagram Messaging.

 

 

In this article, we will guide you through starting a conversation in your connected Instagram channels, supported message types and unsupported message types in SleekFlow when messaging via Instagram channels.

Starting a conversation

On Instagram, only customers can initiate a private conversation with your business.
Once a customer sends you a message, your business has a 24-hour messaging window to reply. This 24-hour window resets each time the customer sends a new message. Messages sent outside of this window will not be delivered, as Instagram does not support extended messaging windows for business responses.
 

Replying to post comments

If a customer leaves a comment on your Instagram post, you can set up automation in SleekFlow to send them a direct message (DM). Keep in mind:

  • Businesses can send only 1 DM per comment.
  • The DM must be sent while the user interaction is still eligible under Instagram’s 24-hour customer service window.
  • If the customer does not reply to your DM, you cannot send further messages.
  • If the customer replies to your DM, a new 24-hour window opens, allowing your team to continue the conversation.
     

 

Note: Instagram does not support the Human Agent tag. All Instagram conversations follow the standard 24-hour customer service window.

For details, refer to Meta’s official documentation

 

 

Note: You can also set up automation to reply directly to customer comments on your Instagram page.

 

 

Supported message type in SleekFlow Inbox

When using SleekFlow to manage your Instagram conversations, you can send and receive the following message types:

1. Text

You can compose and send text messages directly. You can input up to 1,000 characters per text message. 

 

2. Voice message

Media type Supported format Supported size maximum
Audio .ACC, .M4A, .WAV, .MP4 25 MB

While you can receive voice messages, sending them through SleekFlow is currently not supported.

 

3. Image

Media type Supported format Supported size maximum
Image .PNG, .JPEG, .GIF 8 MB

In the SleekFlow mobile app, you can use the “Camera” option to take a photo. This feature is exclusive to our mobile app and unavailable on the web version.

 

4. Video

Media type Supported format Supported size maximum
Video .MP4, .OGG, .AVI, .MOV, WEBM 25 MB

 

5. Reply to story

You can view story replies in your SleekFlow inbox. Clicking the “View story” button will open the Instagram story in an external tab.

Notes: 

  • You might need to sign in to your Instagram Page to view the story
  • External tab will show "Resource unavailable" if story is expired/deleted
 

 

6. Forward Instagram videos, post, or reels

Posts forwarded to you will appear in your SleekFlow’s Inbox.

 

Unsupported message types in SleekFlow Instagram

The following message types are not supported when using SleekFlow with Instagram:

  • IGTV videos
  • Recorded videos
  • PDF files
  • Send stickers
  • React to a message
  • Forwarded stories