> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blubash.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Instagram

> Receive Instagram Direct messages in the BluBash inbox through the official integration, and handle them with an AI agent and your team.

The official Instagram integration brings Direct messages from your professional account into the same inbox as WhatsApp and Webchat. Your team keeps the history organized, the AI agent replies right away, and nobody needs to switch apps.

<Info>
  Instagram is a receptive-only channel. The conversation starts when the contact sends a message to your account. You can only reply within 7 days of the contact's last message.
</Info>

## When to use it

* Your business receives questions, quote requests, or support requests through Direct.
* You want the same AI agent and teams that handle WhatsApp to handle Instagram.
* You want to measure Instagram service alongside your other channels in the reports.

## Before you start

| Requirement | Details |
| - | - |
| Professional account | The Instagram account must be a professional account. The connection uses Instagram's business login (Business Login). |
| Account login | The account username and password, or access from whoever manages the account. |
| Browser | Allow popup windows for the BluBash address. |
| Team | At least one team created to be the **Default Team**. |

## Connect Instagram

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the channel">
    In **Channels**, click **Add Channel** and choose the **Instagram** card.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill in the details">
    Fill in **Channel Name** (for example, "Instagram @yourbrand") and **Default Team**. In **AI Agent (Optional)**, choose an active AI agent or keep **No agent assigned**. Click **Create Channel**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize with Instagram">
    On the **Connect Instagram** screen, click **Connect with Instagram**. An Instagram window opens. Sign in with the professional account and authorize access.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for confirmation">
    The window closes on its own and BluBash shows **Instagram connected successfully**. You are taken to the channel page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check the account">
    Under **Instagram Account**, check the **Connected** badge, the **Account ID**, and the **Username**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test it">
    From another Instagram account, send a Direct message to your account and check that the conversation shows up in the default team's inbox.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  If you click **Skip for now** or close the window, the channel is saved and waits for the connection, and the channel page shows "Complete the connection in the setup step.". Click the channel in the **Channels** list to open **Configure Channel** and finish.
</Note>

## How Instagram service works

<Steps>
  <Step title="The contact sends a Direct message">
    The conversation is created in the inbox, marked with the Instagram icon.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The AI agent replies">
    If the channel has an AI agent, it replies, qualifies, and, when needed, transfers to the team with the **Transfer to Team** skill.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The team continues the conversation">
    The team member replies through BluBash, with internal notes, tags, Pipeline deals, and closing, just like on any channel.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 7-day window

You can reply as long as 7 days have not passed since the contact's last message. After that, the conversation shows the **You can't send messages right now** notice: "On Instagram you can only reply within 7 days of the last message of the contact. Wait for a new message to continue."

<Tip>
  Reply quickly and use the AI agent to cover after-hours messages. That way you make the most of the window while the contact is engaged.
</Tip>

## Limitations

| Limitation | What to do |
| - | - |
| Receptive only | You cannot start conversations on Instagram. Ask the contact to write to your Direct, or use another channel such as WhatsApp. |
| 7-day window | Reply within the window. After it closes, wait for a new message from the contact. |
| No templates or campaigns | Meta-approved templates and campaigns belong to [WhatsApp Business API →](/channels/configure-whatsapp-official). |
| Linking to teams | A team's **Channels** tab only lists WhatsApp channels to add. To connect Instagram to a team, set it as the channel's **Default Team**. |

## Common errors

| Situation | Cause and fix |
| - | - |
| The Instagram window does not open | The browser blocked the popup. Allow popups and click **Connect with Instagram** again. |
| **Setup popup was closed** | The window was closed before finishing. Click **Try Again**. |
| **Failed to connect Instagram** | Authorization was not completed. Make sure the account is professional and repeat the connection. |

## Next steps

* [BluBash channels: types and how to create one →](/channels/create-channel)
* [Hybrid service →](/ai-agents/hybrid-service)
* [Set up Webchat →](/channels/configure-webchat)


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