# ManyChat alternative for Instagram, free: say a code instead of "comment to DM"

> A free ManyChat alternative for Instagram that needs no bot. Instead of comment-to-DM automation, say a code in the Reel and the code opens the link.

If you are looking for a ManyChat alternative, you probably want the "comment LINK and I'll DM you" flow without paying for a DM tool. Here is a different answer. Skip the DM.

## What comment-to-DM automation actually does

Someone comments a keyword. A bot replies in their DMs with a link. It works. It also has costs:

- Meta's content distribution guidelines for Facebook list [engagement bait](https://transparency.meta.com/features/approach-to-ranking/content-distribution-guidelines/engagement-bait/), defined there as posts that explicitly request engagement such as comments, likes or shares.
- The tools come in tiers. Linktree's own Instagram auto-reply, for example, [caps the free plan at 1,000 DMs a month](https://linktr.ee/help/en/articles/5434140-an-overview-of-paid-features-available-on-linktree). You end up managing a quota on top of your content.

## The free alternative: a spoken code

Instead of "comment GUIDE", say:

> Code **guide**, link in my bio.

Your bio link opens your inkink page. A sheet asks for the code.

![inkink creator page on a phone with a bottom sheet reading "Type the code from the post.", a code field, Open and Not now](https://inkink.in/blog/img/creator-sheet.webp)
*What a follower sees after tapping the bio link, on a demo shop page.*

They type `guide`. A **Redirect** code shows a five-second handoff and opens the link. A **Block** code opens a small page on inkink: text, up to five images or links, and one message button.

![Block page titled "Shoulder day, 25 minutes" with a sets and reps list, an image, two links and a "DM on Instagram" button](https://inkink.in/blog/img/block-coach.webp)
*An example block: the workout, an image, a link to a form video, a PDF link and a **DM on Instagram** button.*

Nothing to automate. No Meta permissions, no DM quota, no bot to maintain. Nothing in the caption asks for a comment. People who do not want to type can tap **Not now** and pick the code from your list, if you turned on **Show in the browse list** for it.

## Why a code beats a URL in a Reel

A URL said out loud has to survive memory and a phone keyboard. A code is one word you chose because it is easy to say. `ragu`. `warmup`. `ep12`. inkink forgives capitals and spaces: `EP 12` opens `ep12`.

## Set it up

1. Sign in at [inkink.in](https://inkink.in) with Google and claim a username. Your Instagram handle is a good choice if it fits: 3 to 30 lowercase letters, numbers or underscores, no periods.
2. **New code**. Choose **Redirect** if the code should open one URL, or **Block** for a page with text, up to five images or links, and a button such as **Message on WhatsApp** or **DM on Instagram**. The free plan allows one action button per block; Pro allows three.
3. Code `guide`, title "Free 7-day split", destination URL. Save.
4. Put `inkink.in/@you` in your bio.

Say the code in the video. Write it in the caption. Pin a comment with it.

![inkink editor Codes tab with four code cards, each showing its type and hit count, and a live page preview](https://inkink.in/blog/img/editor-codes-hits.webp)
*The **Codes** tab of a demo page. Each card shows its own hit count.*

## What you learn that a DM bot never tells you

Each code has its own open count. Give the Tuesday Reel `guide` and the Friday carousel `guide2`, and you can see which one sent more people. The count goes up on every open, including a reload, so read it as opens rather than unique people.

## When you still want a tappable link

In a story, put `inkink.in/@you?code=guide` behind the [link sticker](https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/expanding-sharing-links-in-stories-to-everyone). The page skips the code sheet and goes straight to the handoff or the block.

## Compared with ManyChat and Linktree's auto-reply

| | inkink | Linktree Instagram auto-reply | ManyChat |
|---|---|---|---|
| What the follower does | Types a code on your page | Gets an automatic DM with your link | Comments, gets a DM |
| Free limit | 200 codes, no DMs sent | [1,000 DMs a month](https://linktr.ee/help/en/articles/5434140-an-overview-of-paid-features-available-on-linktree) | See [manychat.com/pricing](https://manychat.com/pricing) |
| Account type | Any, nothing connects to Instagram | [Public Instagram accounts only](https://linktr.ee/help/en/articles/9758234-use-instagram-auto-reply-to-automatically-share-links-with-your-audience) | Not covered here |

The DM tools have a real strength: the link lands in the follower's inbox, where they can find it later. Linktree also [reports messages sent, views and link clicks](https://linktr.ee/help/en/articles/9758234-use-instagram-auto-reply-to-automatically-share-links-with-your-audience) for each auto-reply campaign. A code asks the follower to do one more thing, type a word, and in return asks nothing of Instagram.

## FAQ

**Is ManyChat free?**
ManyChat publishes its plans at [manychat.com/pricing](https://manychat.com/pricing). inkink is free: the page, up to 200 codes, one action button per block, one global code and 100 MB of images.

**Does this work in India?**
Yes. There is nothing to connect and nothing to pay on the free plan. Sign in with Google and claim a username.

**Do people need an account?**
No. Visitors never sign in. They type a word.

**Can I change where a code points after the post is live?**
Yes, any time. The code in the old post keeps working. Changing the code itself is different: the old code stops working, and the editor warns you first.

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Source: https://inkink.in/blog/manychat-alternative-instagram-free
Published: 2026-10-03. Updated: 2026-10-03.