Instagram ideas

Instagram DM conversation starters that get a reply

The best first DM is short, specific to the other person and ends in a question they can answer in one line. These 50 openers are grouped by the situation you’re in, so you can send something that fits instead of “hey”.

Updated 6 October 2026 · 50 ideas

Replying to someone’s Story · 9

  1. “That hill looks brutal. Was the view worth it?” Under a photo of a bike ride.
  2. “Where did you get that lamp? I’ve been hunting for one like it for a month.”
  3. “I’m on page 40 of the same book. No spoilers, but is it worth finishing?”
  4. “I voted B too. Was anyone brave enough to pick A?” After you vote in their poll.
  5. “Congratulations! What was the moment you knew you’d done it?” After a big announcement.
  6. “If you had one more day there, what would you do with it?” Under a travel clip.
  7. “Is that your handwriting? It’s annoyingly neat.”
  8. “The second photo made me laugh out loud. Who took it?”
  9. “I tried your recipe suggestion from last week. It went wrong in an interesting way. Want the story?”

Replying to a Note · 6

  1. “You asked for film recommendations. Mine is the one I’d watch with the lights off.”
  2. “Same here, I’m awake too. What’s keeping you up?”
  3. “I’ll take the Saturday walk. Where were you thinking of?”
  4. “Your Note says ‘hot take’. Go on, I can take it.”
  5. “Ten out of ten on the song choice. Is it on repeat?”
  6. “Is that the café on the corner? I need to know before I go tomorrow.”

New followers and first contact · 8

  1. “Thanks for following. What brought you here, a post or a person?”
  2. “I noticed you saved the sourdough post. Are you baking this weekend?”
  3. “Hello from the person who runs this account. Anything you’d like me to cover?”
  4. “You commented on the mural photo. Do you live near it? I’d like to know what the street is like.”
  5. “Quick one: if you could ask me anything about [your topic], what would it be?”
  6. “I’m new to this account’s followers too. What’s the best thing you’ve found so far?”
  7. “Saw you’re into climbing. What’s the first route you’d recommend to a beginner?”
  8. “Welcome. I send out one useful thing a week. Reply YES if you’d like it.”

After a purchase, booking or class · 7

  1. “Your order is on its way. Is there anything you’re looking forward to using it for?”
  2. “How did the first week go with it? Honest feedback welcome, including the bad bits.”
  3. “Thanks for coming in today. Did anything surprise you?”
  4. “Which part of the class felt hardest? I’ll change next week’s plan if it helps.”
  5. “Could I ask you for one line to put on our page? No pressure if you’d rather not.”
  6. “You mentioned it was a gift. Did they like it?”
  7. “Is there something you thought we’d have and we didn’t?”

Reopen a chat that went quiet · 7

  1. “Was thinking about our chat on pricing. Did you decide in the end?”
  2. “No reply needed, but I found the article I mentioned. Want me to send it?”
  3. “It’s been a while. What’s the best thing that’s happened since we spoke?”
  4. “I saw your new post about the studio move. How’s the unpacking going?”
  5. “Last month you were choosing between two. Which one did you go with?”
  6. “You liked the Reel on shelf styling. Shall I send the full list of what’s in it?”
  7. “Still planning that trip? I’ve got a short list of places if you want it.”

Creators, collaborators and partners · 7

  1. “I’ve watched your three-part series on pottery glazes. The second part changed how I mix. Are you open to a joint Reel?”
  2. “I run a small tea brand and your Reels on slow mornings fit well. Can I send you a box, no strings?”
  3. “Do you take guest spots? I’d be happy to pitch two ideas, one line each.”
  4. “Your audience asks about the same things mine does. Would a swap of Story shout-outs make sense?”
  5. “One question about your rates for a single Reel. Is there a media kit I can look at?”
  6. “I loved the last poll you ran. Mind if I borrow the format with credit?”
  7. “I’ll keep this short: I’m organising a local market in June. Would you like a stall?”

Voice, photo and tiny starters · 6

  1. A ten-second voice note saying, “Wanted to tell you this one out loud: your talk was the best part of the day.”
  2. A photo of your desk with, “This is mine today. Show me yours?”
  3. A voice note asking, “Quick question, no rush. What’s the one thing you wish you’d known at the start?”
  4. A photo of two options with, “Which one? I’ll go with your answer.”
  5. A single word reply to their Story with a question mark, such as “Where?” or “Whose?”
  6. A voice note reacting to their Reel in your own words, then, “How long did that take to film?”

Tips for using these ideas

  1. Reference one specific thing: a Story frame, a Reel, a comment. A message that could go to anyone gets treated like it did, and a specific one rarely gets ignored.

  2. Ask one question, not three. People reply to messages they can finish in a line. If you have more to say, wait for the answer first.

  3. A message from someone who doesn’t follow you lands in message requests, so it’s often seen later. Keep a first message short enough to read in the preview.

  4. Don’t send the same line to dozens of people in an hour. Repeated identical messages are what spam filters look for, and Instagram can limit an account that does it.

  5. If you run a business account, use official tools for automated replies. A tool can answer someone who has messaged you or commented within Meta’s rules, such as the 24-hour messaging window, but it cannot send a cold DM.

  6. Measure replies per ten messages sent, and note which opener each came from. Within a few dozen messages you’ll see which of your openers people answer.

Questions people ask

How do I start a conversation on Instagram without being awkward?

Respond to something the person has just posted and ask a question you’re curious about. Replying to a Story is the easiest route because it opens the DM with the Story attached, so there’s no need to explain why you’re writing.

Should I message someone who doesn’t follow me?

You can, but it will arrive in their message requests rather than their main inbox, and they may not see it for a while. A short, specific, low-pressure first message works best. One follow-up is plenty if there’s no answer.

Can a business send the first DM automatically?

Not through Meta’s official tools. An automation can reply when someone comments, messages you or replies to a Story, and within 24 hours of their last message. Mass DMs to followers who haven’t engaged aren’t possible.

What is a good first message to a creator?

Say who you are in one line, name one piece of their work you watched, and make one clear ask. Add where they can see more, such as your profile, and don’t ask for a favour in the first line.

Are voice notes a good way to open a chat?

They suit people you already know a little, because a voice is more personal than text. For strangers, text is easier to answer, since people can read it silently and reply when they’re ready.

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