How to Set Up an AI Instagram DM Setter with ManyChat and Claude

The case for an AI setter

A human setter responds when they feel like it, works five days a week, needs training, gets sick, and costs a salary. An AI setter responds in under three seconds, runs 24/7, and costs a few cents per conversation.

The setup connects ManyChat to the Claude API. ManyChat handles the trigger — a comment on a post or reel — and routes the conversation into Claude, which handles the actual DM. Claude qualifies the lead, handles objections, and books the call using instructions you write once.

Hypd recommends this setup for service businesses and coaches who have consistent inbound engagement but are losing leads because follow-up is too slow or inconsistent.

What you need to get started

• Instagram Business or Creator account connected to a Facebook Page (required for API access)
• ManyChat account — free to start, connect with your Instagram account
• Claude API key from console.anthropic.com — pay-per-use, typically under $0.05 per full conversation
• 15 minutes for the end-to-end configuration

Part 1: Create your ManyChat account and connect Instagram

Go to manychat.com and create a free account. During signup, connect your Instagram Business or Creator account — it must be linked to a Facebook Page for the API to work. Grant ManyChat permission to access your Instagram messages and media so the automation can send and receive DMs on your behalf.

Part 2: Get your Claude API key

Go to console.anthropic.com. Create an Anthropic account if you don't have one, then navigate to API Keys and click Generate Key. Copy and store the key securely — it's only shown once.

• Cost: a full lead qualification conversation typically costs less than $0.05
• No monthly subscription — you pay only for what you use
• Usage scales with volume — more conversations cost more, but costs stay predictable

Part 3: Connect Claude to ManyChat

Inside ManyChat, go to Settings → Integrations. Find the Claude AI option, paste your API key, and click Connect. ManyChat verifies the connection automatically.

Part 4: Build the DM automation flow

Go to the Automation tab in ManyChat. Click New Automation → Start From Scratch. Set the trigger: choose 'User comments on your Post or Reel' and define a keyword. Optionally enable a public reply with 3–4 variations so the response feels organic in the comments.

Add a Send Message block as the private reply, then insert an Action block and select Claude. This is where Claude takes over the conversation.

Part 5: Write the Claude prompt for your setter

The prompt is what determines whether the AI sounds like your brand or like a generic chatbot. Cover these five areas — Claude applies them to every conversation automatically.

promptCopy
You are [Business Name]'s Instagram DM setter. Your job is to qualify leads and book discovery calls.

VOICE & TONE
[Describe how you communicate — casual/formal, use of slang, sentence length, energy level]

YOUR OFFER
[List your programs, pricing tiers, payment options, and any current promotions]

QUALIFICATION QUESTIONS
Ask these questions one at a time to separate serious prospects from browsers:
1. [Your first qualifying question]
2. [Your second qualifying question]
3. [Your third qualifying question]

OBJECTION HANDLING
- If they say [common objection 1]: [your response]
- If they say [common objection 2]: [your response]
- If they say [common objection 3]: [your response]

CALL BOOKING
When the lead is qualified, direct them to book using this link: [your booking link]
If they hesitate, [your close approach].

RULES
- Never make up information about pricing or availability
- If you don't know the answer, say you'll check and follow up
- Keep responses under 3 sentences unless they ask a detailed question
- Always move the conversation toward booking a call

Frequently asked questions

• Does the AI sound robotic? Only if the prompt is generic. The more specific you are about voice, tone, and your actual offer, the more natural the conversation feels. Include real phrases you use when selling.
• What happens when a lead asks something Claude doesn't know? Include a fallback rule in your prompt — for example: 'If you're unsure of the answer, let them know you'll follow up personally within [X hours].' This keeps the conversation warm without Claude guessing.
• Can I review conversations after they happen? Yes. ManyChat logs all conversations. Review them weekly to identify gaps in your prompt and refine Claude's handling of edge cases.