Connect Instagram Direct Messages to your AI assistant
Overview
Connect your Instagram business account to handle Direct Messages (DMs) with your AI assistant. Happ integrates with Instagram through the Meta OAuth 2.0 flow, giving your assistant access to incoming DMs.
For the full API reference, see api.happ.tools/reference.
Prerequisites
- An Instagram Business or Creator account
- A connected Facebook Page (required by Meta for Instagram API access)
- Facebook Business Manager access
Setup
Step 1: Connect Instagram
- Go to Integrations > Add Integration > Instagram
- You'll be redirected to Meta to authorize access via OAuth 2.0
- Grant the necessary permissions for reading and sending messages
- Select the Instagram account to connect
Step 2: Assign Assistant
- Choose which AI assistant handles Instagram DMs
- Activate the integration
Step 3: Test
- Send a Direct Message to your Instagram account from another account
- Your AI assistant should respond automatically
Features
- Direct Messages — Handle all incoming DMs with AI
- Image support — The assistant is notified when images are received (appears as
[User sent a photo]in AI context) - Voice messages — Receive voice messages from customers
- Conversation history — All Instagram conversations appear in the Happ Chat Dashboard
Token Management
Instagram uses Meta access tokens that expire periodically. Happ automatically refreshes tokens before they expire, so you don't need to re-authenticate manually.
If the integration stops working:
- Check the integration status in Integrations
- If the token has expired, click Reconnect to re-authorize via OAuth
AI Control
Toggle AI on/off for any Instagram conversation. See AI Control & Human Handoff for details.
When AI is off, you can respond manually from the Chat Dashboard or the mobile app.
Limitations
- Instagram API does not support group conversations
- Sticker support is limited
- Story replies have limited support
- Message templates must comply with Instagram's policies
Tips
- Professional profile — Ensure your Instagram account has a clear bio and profile picture
- Response expectations — Set up your assistant's first message to let customers know they're chatting with an AI
- Monitor conversations — Review Instagram DMs in the Happ dashboard to improve your assistant's knowledge base