How it works
Zeptap is a ManyChat alternative that works in your real Instagram app, on your iPhone, from your Mac.
You ask. “DM the link to everyone who commented ‘link’ on today’s Reel.” No keyword flows to build.
It reads the comments. It opens the post or Reel and finds everyone who asked for the link, in any wording: “link,” “LINK pls,” “where do I buy this?” or a reply in Spanish.
It matches the product. It reads the caption, any tagged products and the product list you give it, then picks the item that post is about. A candle Reel gets the candle link, not your homepage.
It checks your DMs. When you ask it to, it opens each person’s thread first and skips anyone who already got the link.
It sends and reports. It DMs the right link from your own account, can reply “Sent you a DM!” under the comment and tells you who got what.
Prompts to copy
Paste your product links once, or keep them in a note your agent can read. Start with one post, then hand it a week of comments.
Chat · your iPhoneDM the product link to everyone who commented “link” on today’s Reel, and skip anyone who already has it in their DMs.
Go through comments on our last 3 posts, DM the shop link to anyone who asked for it, then reply “Check your DMs!” under each comment.
Find comments asking “price?” or “how much?” on this week’s posts and DM each person the price and checkout link from my product list.
Show 3 more prompts
DM the discount code to everyone who commented “code” on our giveaway post, then give me a list of who you messaged.
Find comments in Spanish asking where to buy, and DM each person the right product link with a short reply in Spanish.
Find this week’s link requests across all three accounts on this iPhone, DM the right product for each post and give me a count per account.
What ManyChat and its alternatives cost
Comment-to-DM tools charge by active contacts, DMs or Instagram accounts, every month. Zeptap charges for the iPhone, with no meter on contacts or DMs. Cheapest paid plans, checked October 14, 2026:
| Tool | Cheapest paid plan | Billing | What the price covers | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ManyChat | Essential, $14/mo | Annual ($168/yr) | 250 active contacts; fee per extra contact | 25 active contacts |
| LinkDM | Pro, $19/mo | Monthly | 3 Instagram accounts, 25,000 DMs/mo | 1 account, 1,000 DMs/mo |
| CreatorFlow | Pro, $12/mo ($15 monthly) | Annual ($144/yr) | 2 Instagram accounts, 5,000 DMs/mo | 1 account, 500 DMs/mo |
| Inrō | Pro, from €12.99/mo | Monthly | 500+ active contacts, scaling with use | 100 contacts, 3 automations |
| Chatfuel | Business, $18/mo | Annual ($216/yr) | Usage limits apply (not listed on the pricing page) | Trial only |
| Zeptap | $25/mo, or $99 once | Monthly or one-time | One iPhone, its accounts, no contact or DM count | First hour |
What that means in practice:
- A viral Reel raises contact-based bills. ManyChat and Inrō count every person you message that month.
- Account caps add up. LinkDM Pro covers 3 Instagram accounts and CreatorFlow Pro covers 2.
- Zeptap scales by iPhone. Lifetime Plus is $149 once for up to five iPhones, each with several accounts.
Zeptap or ManyChat: which fits your comments?
ManyChat answers instantly through Meta’s API; Zeptap works in the Instagram app when you ask.
| ManyChat | Zeptap | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Meta API: a keyword in a comment triggers a DM flow; ManyChat AI (Pro and up) can write replies | Your AI agent uses the Instagram app on your iPhone |
| Account types | Business or Creator accounts only | The account you’re signed in to in the app, personal included |
| Which link gets sent | The link you set in that automation; each post or keyword needs its own setup | The product that post is about, matched by reading it |
| First message | One private reply per comment, sent within 7 days (Meta’s rules) | A normal DM from your account, written for that person |
| When it runs | Instantly, 24/7, once set up | When you start it, from Zeptap’s chat or your own automation |
The short version: if you need a reply within seconds on a viral Reel at 3 a.m., use ManyChat. For the right product link in a DM that reads like you wrote it, with no contact meter, ask your agent.
Why most ManyChat alternatives hit the same limits
Most ManyChat alternatives connect through the same Meta API, so they share its rules.
One message per comment
Meta’s Private Replies documentation allows a single private reply, sent within 7 days of the comment.
Professional accounts only
The Instagram Platform works with Business and Creator accounts.
Zeptap takes a different route
Your agent opens Instagram on your iPhone and taps, types and sends as you would. It can read a post before choosing a link, and it works on a personal account, one conversation at a time.
What stays in your hands
You stay in control of every conversation, and your phone’s secrets stay on your Mac.
You approve new conversations
Ask it to show you the list first, and it waits for your OK before messaging anyone new. Watch every tap and stop it any time.
Your passcode never leaves your Mac
It’s stored on your Mac and never shown to the agent.
Your screen never touches Zeptap’s servers
Screenshots go only to the AI provider you chose, under your own plan. Privacy
Nothing to install on your iPhone
No Meta app review, no Xcode, no jailbreak.
your MacHonest limits
- No built-in scheduler. It replies when you run it.
- Your Mac stays on and your iPhone stays connected while it works.
- Your business facts come from you: prices, stock, product links and discount codes.
- Instagram’s terms are yours to follow on your accounts. Questions? Contact the team
Start in three steps
Setup takes three steps and nothing goes on your iPhone.
Download Zeptap for your Mac (macOS 14 or later). Your first hour is free.
Plug in your iPhone and pair it. Any iPhone on iOS 15 or later works, Home-button models included.
Ask your agent. Type a prompt in Zeptap’s chat (⌘L) with your Claude or ChatGPT plan, or connect your own agent, such as Claude or any MCP client, in Settings › Connectors.
Download for MacFirst hour free