Build an Instagram waitlist for your next launch

What to change before you turn it on

Both triggers come ready: WAITLIST in top-level comments on your next post, and WAITLIST in replies to any of your stories. Each person goes through the flow once.

Six points to settle before launch:

1. The trigger date. In the comment trigger, "Next post only" counts from a date that was set when the template was copied. Press Reset date, then Save scenario, just before you publish your WAITLIST post.
2. The keyword. Keep WAITLIST or choose your own word, and change it in both triggers so the post and the stories ask for the same thing. Say it in the caption and on the story.
3. What you are launching. Swap "the spring drop" for what you are launching.
4. The folder that holds your list. The tap adds people to "Spring drop waitlist: joined" in the Add contact to folder(s) step. Your copy of the template creates that folder in your account if you do not have one by that name, so it works as it is. Rename it after your launch.
5. The email question. Reword "You're on the list. Want to leave your email too?" and its re-ask so they mention your launch.
6. The three public replies. Inrō posts them under comments only. Edit them to match your tone.

You can also change the 6 hours on the button and the 20 hours on the email question. The email question also has "Send follow-up if no reply". It is off in this template; turn it on if you want a reminder to go to people who have not answered yet.

Versions for coaches, creators, shops and local businesses

Every version keeps the two triggers, the 6-hour button, the folder and the optional email question. What changes is the launch, the keyword, the button, the folder and some of the wording. Click a version's name to copy it.

Coaches: a waitlist for your next program. Keyword WAITLIST, as in the base template. First DM: "Doors to the 8-week program aren't open yet. Want a spot on the waitlist?" with the button "Save my spot". The list is the folder "Program waitlist: joined". Coaches version

Services with limited places: a waitlist for your next client spot. Keyword NEXTSPOT. First DM: "Want a place on the waitlist for the next client spot? Tap below." with "Join the waitlist". The tap puts them in "Client spot waitlist: joined"; the email question that follows is optional, and anyone who skips it stays on the list. For a coach, consultant, designer, studio or stylist with a limited number of client places. Client spot version

Creators: a list for your preset pack. Keyword PRESETS. First DM: "The preset pack isn't out yet. Want to join the list?" with "Count me in". The list is "Preset pack: joined". Creators version

Creators: a fan list for your next release. Keyword DROP, in a comment on your next post or a reply to any story. First DM: "Want in on the new EP list? Tap below." with "Count me in". The tap puts them on the list; then "You're on the list! Drop your email too if you want." and, with an email, "Got it, you're all set 🎧". Use one keyword per release and a folder you name. Creators fan list version

E-commerce: early access to your next drop. Keyword EARLYACCESS or EARLY ACCESS. First DM: "The summer drop isn't live yet. Tap to join the list." with "Add me to the list". The list is "Summer drop: joined". E-commerce version

Local businesses: a guest list for an event. Keyword GUESTLIST. First DM: "Want to join the list for the tasting night? Tap below." with "Add me to the list". The list is "Tasting night: joined". Local business version

Selling products? See more flows in Instagram automation for online stores.

Best tips for your scenario

• Name the launch in the post, the story and the first DM. The "Join the list" button is how people opt in. Put the name of the launch in the message next to it, so the tap is a decision about that launch and not about a list in general.
• Repeat the call across several stories. The story trigger listens to replies on any of your stories, so you can repeat the call every day of launch week. Nobody gets the flow twice, however often they reply.
• Run the base template or the Coaches version, not both on WAITLIST. They share that keyword on the next post and on story replies. If you need both, change the word in both triggers of one of them. Another route is a priority folder, which lets only the top automation in its list answer when two match the same message.
• Date the trigger on launch-post day. The comment trigger only follows posts published after the date it shows under "Next post only". Press Reset date, then Save scenario, in the minutes before the announcement goes live, not the week before.
• Plan the launch-day message to your list. The waitlist folder can be the audience of a DM campaign. For a ready-made launch message ("The spring drop is out now."), start from the campaign template Drive launch-day sales from your DMs.

FAQ

How do I create a waitlist on Instagram?

Copy this template, pick a keyword and ask for it in a post or a story. Each person who uses it taps one button in your DMs and lands in a folder that is your waitlist. For the launch plan around it, read the Instagram DM course launch funnel guide.

Do I need a form or a landing page?

No. People join with a tap inside the DM, and the list is a folder in Inrō. An email they send is saved to their contact. The template sends no link.

Do people have to give their email?

No. They are on the list before the question comes. A reply without an email gets one re-ask, then the flow ends and they stay on the list.

What if someone comments and also replies to my story?

They get the DM once. The template runs once per person across both triggers, so the second message starts nothing.