Instagram Ref URL Trigger
The Instagram Ref URL Trigger enables you to link users directly to your Instagram DM immediately with a unique link that delivers them directly to your DM, where automation takes over.
This feature turns clicks into conversations and conversations into conversions, whether it is a limited-time offer, a giveaway, or just simple customer support.
This link can be shared in your emails, social media posts, blogs, advertisements, or even QR codes where your audience is. This is one of the easiest methods to generate leads, interact with your follower base, and initiate a convenient customer experience process via Instagram DMs.
Let’s show you how to use it effectively!
How to Set Up the Instagram Ref URL Trigger in Reflys
Setting it up takes just a few clicks inside your Reflys dashboard. You can add the Ref URL trigger to a new flow for automation.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Go to Reflys Dashboard and Add a New Automation
Inside your automation builder, click the + New Automation button.
From the list, choose Instagram, then Instagram Ref URL Trigger.
Step 2: Copy Your Ready-to-Use URL
As soon as the trigger is added, you’ll see a ready-to-use Instagram Ref URL in the left panel. This is your magic link. You can copy and use it anywhere, like Instagram bio, stories, website buttons, email campaigns, or digital ads.
Example of your default link:
https://ig.me/m/brandonlefore?ref=gS8vtSSVc0
Step 3: Save User Data Automatically
Want to collect more than just messages?
Reflys lets you attach data to the link (like names, emails, product interests, or affiliate IDs). When someone clicks on the URL, that data is saved into a Custom User Field.
Step 4: Preview and Set Live!
You can now track where each lead is coming from and personalize their journey automatically.
After setting up everything, click Preview to view and then set Live.
That’s it! Your link is now live and ready to start conversations with users directly in your Instagram DMs.
Why Use the Instagram Ref URL Trigger?
Here’s how Reflys users are benefiting from this powerful feature:
- Add clickable DM links in Instagram bios or DMs.
- Collect leads from emails or newsletters with one-tap DM access
- Launch limited-time offers, giveaways, or discount campaigns
- Offer instant support without users having to figure out what to say
- Capture and store data automatically in your CRM or lead lists
All without the user needing to type a word, the automation handles everything!
Known Limitations You Should Know
To make sure your Ref URL trigger works smoothly, keep the following points in mind:
1. Conversation Starters Must Be Enabled for First-Time Users
If the user has not sent a message to your Instagram account before, the Ref URL will be effective only if you have Conversation Starters enabled in Reflys, due to Meta’s current limitations.
(They are used to start the chat to launch your automation.)
The Ref URL will be automatic, and no additional configuration is required if the user is already engaged in an active DM with you.
2. Ref URL Only Works on the Instagram Mobile App
Instagram currently supports the Ref URL trigger only on the mobile app. If someone tries to open the link on a desktop browser, it won’t start the DM conversation. Meta does not support the desktop version of Instagram.
3. Clicking on a Conversation Starter After the Ref URL Won’t Trigger That Starter’s Automation
When the user clicks your Ref URL and goes to your DMs, clicks on a Conversation Starter, they will not get the standard reply to the Conversation Starter. They will get the automation of your Ref URL instead. This is Meta designs, and the same applies to all platforms that utilize the Instagram API.
Make Every Click Count with Reflys
The Instagram Ref URL Trigger by Reflys is more than just a link. It’s a conversion tool that helps you start the right conversation at the right time automatically.
Use it to:
- Drive traffic from anywhere into your DMs
- Start lead-capturing flows instantly
- Store custom data for smarter follow-ups
- Customize experiences without additional effort
Whether your campaign is large or small, it now takes only a single link to do all the talking. Set it up today and start turning clicks into conversations with Reflys.