Policies checked 2 Nov 2026
Instagram DM automation rules
Instagram does allow automated chats, but through Meta's Developer Platform and with conditions. Its Terms of Use separately bar automated access without permission. Here is what each says.
Automated chats through Meta's Developer Platform
Instagram's help article "Automated chats on Instagram" says Instagram accounts "can message you using Meta APIs on our Developer Platform to create automated chats." Where legally required, these chats must tell people they are automated. That applies at the beginning of the conversation, after a significant lapse of time, and when the conversation is passed from a human back to an automated chat. People can also turn off messages from a business.
What Instagram's Terms of Use say
Section 4.2 ("How You Can't Use Instagram") says: "You can't attempt to create accounts or access or collect information in unauthorized ways. This includes creating accounts or accessing or collecting information in an automated way without our express permission, regardless of whether such automated access or collection is undertaken while logged-in to an Instagram account." It also says you can't "solicit, collect, or use login credentials" of other users, and that use of the API is subject to the Meta Platform Terms and Developer Policies.
What Instagram can do
Section 6 says Instagram can remove content and "refuse to provide or stop providing all or part of the Service to you (including terminating or disabling your access…)" if you violate its Terms or policies.
Good practice for any Instagram DM automation
- Reply to people who messaged you first.
- Tell people when they are talking to an automated chat.
- Let them reach a person.
- Stop when they ask.
- Never send unsolicited bulk DMs.
Where Spaces fits
Spaces connects your own Instagram account by signing in, so an AI agent can read and reply to DMs. Read the caveat box above before you decide.
Who you message
Pricing
FAQ
Is Instagram DM automation allowed?
Instagram says accounts can use Meta APIs on its Developer Platform to create automated chats, which must disclose they are automated where legally required. Its Terms of Use bar accessing or collecting information in an automated way without Instagram's express permission.
Do automated Instagram chats have to say they're automated?
Instagram's help centre says that where legally required, automated chats must tell you at the beginning of the conversation, after a significant lapse of time, and when a conversation passes from a human back to an automated chat.
Can Instagram disable my account for automation?
Instagram's Terms of Use say it can stop providing all or part of the Service, including disabling access, if you violate its Terms or policies.
Is Spaces part of Meta's Developer Platform?
No. Spaces connects your own Instagram account by signing in and is not affiliated with Meta or Instagram.