How the 24-hour messaging window works

Short version

For Instagram messaging, automated replies are only allowed inside a 24-hour window after the contact interacts with your business. LinkStack treats that as a rolling clock and skips automated Instagram messages when the window is closed.

What opens or resets it

• A user sends a DM.
• A user replies to a story.
• A user comments and the comment triggers an automation.
• A user taps a quick reply or postback button that sends an interaction back through Meta.

What does not reset it

• A Smart Link click by itself does not reopen the Meta messaging window.
• A web URL button click does not count the same way as a quick reply or postback.
• An outbound automation message does not extend the window. The contact has to interact again.
• A fixed Delay step can push a workflow outside the window, so keep Instagram DM follow-ups under 24 hours unless the user replies again.

What LinkStack does

• Tracks the inbound event time that started or resumed the automation.
• Allows automated Instagram DMs and private replies while the 24-hour window is open.
• Skips expired automated Instagram sends with a messaging_window_expired status instead of attempting the API call.
• Keeps public comment replies separate from DM window checks.
• Keeps manual inbox replies behind the provider reply window shown on the conversation.

Channel notes

• LinkStack supports Instagram automations today.
• Facebook Messenger support is planned next, and it will follow the same 24-hour Meta messaging-window model.
• Always-open messaging assumptions from other channels should not be copied onto Instagram or future Messenger automations.

Meta docs

Meta owns these rules and can change enforcement. Use these docs as the source of truth when planning campaigns or support flows.