In the world of Instagram automation, trigger words are your secret weapon. They’re the specific keywords that, when commented on your posts, activate SwiftReply’s auto-DM system—delivering links, files, and messages to your audience without any manual effort.

But not all trigger words are created equal. The right keyword can generate hundreds of DMs, drive significant click-throughs, and convert casual browsers into paying customers. The wrong one can fall flat, confuse your audience, or get buried under irrelevant comments.

After analysing thousands of creator campaigns on SwiftReply, we’ve identified the five trigger words that consistently outperform everything else. Here’s what they are, why they work, and how to use them effectively.

1. “LINK”

Why it works: “Link” is the universal language of Instagram commerce. When someone types this, there’s zero ambiguity—they want the URL to whatever you’re showing them. It’s short, intuitive, and requires no explanation.

Best for: Product recommendations, affiliate promotions, YouTube video shares, blog post links, storefront URLs.

Caption example: “Loved this outfit? Comment LINK and I’ll DM you the shopping page!”

Pro tip: Pair “LINK” with SwiftReply’s multiple-link feature to bundle several URLs in one DM—your product page, a size guide, and a discount code all delivered together.

2. “PRICE”

Why it works: This is a buying signal in its purest form. When someone comments “price,” they’re not just browsing—they’re evaluating whether to purchase. These are your warmest leads.

Best for: Coaches, consultants, course creators, handmade product sellers, service providers.

Caption example: “Want to know the pricing for my 1:1 coaching program? Comment PRICE and I’ll send the full details to your DMs.”

Pro tip: When someone asks for the price, don’t just send a number. Use SwiftReply to deliver a mini brochure—include testimonials, the pricing breakdown, and a booking link. Context sells.

3. “DETAILS”

Why it works: “Details” signals curiosity and readiness for more information. It’s broader than “price”—these users want the full picture before making a decision.

Best for: Events, webinars, masterclasses, product launches, service packages, challenges.

Caption example: “Joining our 30-day fitness challenge? Comment DETAILS and we’ll DM you everything you need to know!”

Pro tip: Use SwiftReply’s file attachment feature to send a professionally designed PDF with all the details—schedule, pricing, FAQs, and testimonials. It feels premium and builds trust.

4. “FREE”

Why it works: The word “free” is one of the most powerful triggers in marketing, full stop. It lowers the barrier to engagement dramatically. People who might hesitate to comment “price” will happily comment “free” because there’s no commitment.

Best for: Lead magnets, e-book giveaways, free trials, sample packs, free consultations, resource downloads.

Caption example: “Want my free meal prep guide? Comment FREE and it’s yours!”

Pro tip: “FREE” is your best tool for growing your audience. Enable Follow-to-Unlock so users need to follow you before the DM is sent. You’re giving away value, but you’re building your follower base in return.

5. “ME”

Why it works: “ME” is the ultimate low-friction trigger. It’s one syllable, takes no thought, and feels personal. It’s perfect for captions like “Want this? Comment ME!” It creates a sense of raising your hand, claiming something.

Best for: Giveaways, exclusive offers, waitlist sign-ups, limited drops, early access.

Caption example: “We’re giving away 50 free samples of our new serum. Comment ME to claim yours!”

Pro tip: Because “ME” is so easy to comment, expect higher volume. Make sure your SwiftReply plan supports the DM volume you’ll generate. The Plus and Pro plans on CreatorTag handle high-traffic campaigns effortlessly.

How to Choose the Right Trigger Word for Your Campaign

The best trigger word depends on your campaign goal:

• Driving sales? Use “LINK” or “PRICE.”

• Generating leads? Use “DETAILS” or “FREE.”

• Growing followers? Use “ME” or “FREE” with Follow-to-Unlock enabled.

• Promoting content? Use “LINK” to share YouTube videos, blog posts, or podcasts.

You can also get creative with branded trigger words. A beauty creator might use “GLOW,” a fitness creator might use “GRIND,” and a food blogger might use “YUM.” Custom words create a sense of community and make your campaigns memorable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using overly complex trigger words: If people have to spell it right or remember an unusual phrase, you’ll lose comments. Keep it simple.

• Forgetting the CTA in your caption: You need to explicitly tell people what to comment. Don’t assume they’ll know.

• Not testing different words: Run A/B tests across posts. Try “LINK” on one reel and “FREE” on another, then compare results in your SwiftReply dashboard.

• Ignoring analytics: SwiftReply shows you exactly how many DMs were sent, links clicked, and conversions generated per trigger word. Use this data to refine your strategy.

Final Thoughts

Trigger words are small but mighty. A single well-chosen keyword in your caption can unlock hundreds of automated DMs, drive serious traffic to your links, and grow your follower base organically.

Start with these five—LINK, PRICE, DETAILS, FREE, and ME—and experiment with what resonates most with your audience. SwiftReply makes it effortless to test, track, and optimise.

Your audience is already telling you what they want. All you have to do is set the right trigger word and let SwiftReply do the rest.