Instagram DM Automation vs Email in 2025: Why ManyChat Delivers 90% Open Rates and 60% Reply Rates
How Instagram DM Automation Outperforms Email Marketing in Engagement, Clicks, and Conversions — Powered by ManyChat
TL;DR
Instagram direct messaging is now one of the highest-performing marketing channels in 2025. With open rates reaching 90% and reply rates up to 60%, ManyChat’s Instagram DM automation consistently outperforms traditional email marketing. If you’re still relying on email for engagement, it’s time to rethink your strategy.
Instagram DMs vs Email: The Engagement Gap in 2025
Open Rates Comparison
- Instagram DMs with ManyChat: Achieve 80–100% open rates regularly.
- Email Marketing: Averages between 17–35%, depending on the industry.
Reply & Click-Through Rates
- Replies: Instagram DM campaigns commonly get 50–60% response rates.
- Clicks: Up to 28% click-through rates from Instagram DMs, while email campaigns average just 2–3%.
Quick Insight: Instagram DMs are 3–5 times more likely to be opened and over 10 times more likely to be clicked than traditional marketing emails.
Why Messaging Beats Email in 2025
| Trend | Stat | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging App Usage | 3+ billion users globally | Messaging is now the standard communication channel |
| Instagram Business DMs | 150 million people message businesses monthly | Users expect real-time responses |
| Consumer Preference | 64% prefer messaging brands over calling or emailing | Messaging feels faster, more personal |
Bottom Line: Consumers are more active on social platforms than their inboxes—and they want brands to meet them there.
How ManyChat Powers Instagram DM Automation
ManyChat is a Meta-approved platform that automates Instagram conversations and transforms your DMs into a revenue channel.
Key Features:
- Comment-to-DM & Story Replies – Automatically message users who comment or react to your content.
- Keyword & Follow Triggers – Instantly send welcome messages, offers, or lead magnets.
- Click-to-DM Ads – Start conversations instead of sending people to a landing page.
- AI Flow Builder – Generate full chatbot flows using simple prompts.
- Recurring Notifications – Broadcast messages to opted-in users beyond the 24-hour window.
Why It Works: These features help you engage followers in real time, increase conversions, and build long-term relationships directly in Instagram.
Case Study: 12 Days of Cloudmas by Pentanet
ManyChat was used in a holiday campaign by Pentanet with the following results:
- 100% read rate via Recurring Notifications
- 75% click-through rate on automated DMs
- 491% ROI and 901% Instagram follower growth in just 12 days
Real Result: DM automation isn’t just convenient—it drives measurable growth and engagement.
A 5-Step Funnel Using ManyChat on Instagram
- Trigger – User comments “INFO” on a post.
- Auto-DM – They instantly receive a personalized message.
- Qualify – Use quick replies to learn their needs.
- Send Offer – Deliver a tailored link, coupon, or CTA.
- Follow Up – Use Recurring Notifications to nudge conversions.
Cycle Efficiency: This funnel captures leads, builds engagement, and drives sales—all on autopilot.
Instagram DM vs Email Marketing: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Instagram DMs (ManyChat) | Email Marketing |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rate | 80–100% | 17–35% |
| Reply Rate | 50–60% | <10% |
| Click-Through Rate | 20–28% | 2–3% |
| Sales Conversion | Up to 60% of IG revenue | 3–8% on average |
| Message Delivery | Instant, spam-free | Delays, spam folders possible |
| Personalization | High (real-time, friendly) | Moderate (merges, templates) |
| Rich Media Support | Yes (GIFs, images, buttons) | Yes, with limitations |
| Ongoing Messaging | Easy via broadcasts | Requires list segmentation |
Conclusion: DMs are faster, more personal, and more effective than emails across every meaningful metric.
Getting Started with ManyChat: 5 Easy Steps
- Create a ManyChat account and link your Instagram Business profile.
- Choose a ready-made template (like a Comment-to-DM flow).
- Set your triggers—keywords, Story replies, or ad clicks.
- Customize messages using ManyChat’s AI flow builder.
- Launch and track your results in real-time.
No coding required—just point, click, and automate.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Conversational
Instagram DMs are the new inbox. While email still has a role, it can’t compete with the speed, visibility, and engagement of DMs. With ManyChat, you can fully automate Instagram messaging to welcome followers, qualify leads, promote offers, and drive sales—24/7.
Ready to get 90% open rates?
Start with ManyChat for free today and launch your first DM funnel in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is Instagram DM automation compliant with Meta’s rules?
Yes. ManyChat is a Meta-approved partner and follows all platform policies to ensure your account stays safe.
Q2: Can I message followers beyond the 24-hour window?
Yes. With Recurring Notifications and broadcast opt-ins, you can legally send messages anytime after opt-in.
Q3: Should I stop using email marketing?
No—but combine it with DMs. Email is good for newsletters and announcements, while DMs are best for fast, personal engagement and conversions.
Q4: Does ManyChat require technical skills?
Not at all. The platform is beginner-friendly, with drag-and-drop tools and AI assistance for fast setup.
Q5: How much does it cost?
ManyChat offers a free plan. Pro plans are affordable and scale based on your audience size.