Configure the Trigger for Flow
This Tutorial explains how the Trigger node works in Elpidan and how it controls when a flow starts. It also shows the difference between flows with configured triggers and flows that are designed to run only when called from another flow.
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Core rules of triggers
- Every flow includes a Trigger node
- Configuring a Trigger is optional
- A Trigger listens for specific Instagram events only when it is configured
If a Trigger node is not configured (no trigger condition type or keywords selected), the flow will not start automatically.
Such flows can still be executed when they are called from another flow using an Another Flow node.
Two Ways Flows Are Used in Elpidan
Flow with an unconfigured Trigger
These flows:
- Include a Trigger node, but no trigger configuration is set (empty Trigger node)
- Do not listen to any Instagram events
- Cannot be entered directly by users
- Run only when called from another flow using an Another Flow node
These flows are intentionally designed to:
- Be reusable
- Act as internal logic blocks
- Prevent direct user entry
- Keep main flows clean and modular
Common use cases:
- Lead qualification logic
- Smart follow checks
- Shared onboarding steps
- Reusable validation logic
Flow with a configured Trigger
These flows:
- Have a configured Trigger
- Start automatically when an Instagram event occurs
- Allow users to enter directly from Instagram
Common examples:
- Keyword-based DM flows
- Comment reply automations
- Story reply flows
How Trigger Configuration Works
Step 1: Selecting the Trigger Condition (Event Source)
The first step is choosing which Instagram event should start the flow.
Click Add Trigger to choose one or more trigger conditions.
This defines where the automation listens.
Trigger Conditions include:
- User comments on a Post or Reel
- User replies to a Story
- User comments during a Live
- User sends a Direct Message
Step 2: Defining Keywords
After selecting the trigger Condition, the next step is defining conditions that must be met for the trigger to actually activate the flow.
This is where keywords are configured.
For example:
- The trigger Condition may be “User comments on a Post”
- But the flow should only start if the comment contains "Course" or "Courses'
This allows you to:
- Run different flows for different keywords
- Prevent unnecessary automation
- Create controlled entry points
Keyword matching modes
When defining keywords, Elpidan supports two matching modes:
Exact match
In Exact mode:
- The trigger activates only if the message is exactly the keyword
- No extra words are allowed
Example:
- Keyword: shop
- Comment: shop → ✅ Trigger activates
- Comment: I want to shop → ❌ Trigger does NOT activate
Use Exact match when:
- You want strict control
- You are running clear, command-like campaigns
Contains match
In Contains mode:
- The trigger activates if the keyword appears anywhere in the text
- The message can be a full sentence
Example:
- Keyword: shop
- Comment: I want to shop now → ✅ Trigger activates
- Comment: Is this a shop? → ✅ Trigger activates
Use Contains match when:
- You expect natural language
- Users may write full sentences
- You want higher flexibility
Trigger Condition Types
There are four trigger Conditions available in Elpidan.
When a trigger is activated, the flow runs for that specific user privately in Direct Messages
Comment Triggers (User comments on a Post or Reel)
This trigger activates when a user comments on a post or reel.
Common use cases
- Auto-replying to comments
- Sending a DM after a comment
- Running giveaways or keyword-based campaigns
- Acknowledging engagement publicly
Optional: You can also enable “Reply with random canned message” to send a public comment reply to the same user.
First, you need to create a canned message category and add your messages in the Canned Message Menu
Reply with random canned message
When this option is enabled, Elpidan replies publicly to the comment using a randomly selected message from the chosen Canned Message category, and then runs the flow for the user in a private DM.
Important requirements:
- First, you need to create a canned message category and add your messages in the Canned Message Menu
👉Learn more about it here: Canned Message Menu - Only one category can be selected per trigger
Best practices:
- Use multiple variations per category
- Avoid promotional language in public comments
- Keep replies short and natural
- Keep tone friendly and short
Why random replies matter
Randomization helps:
- Avoid spam detection
- Make replies feel natural
- Improve engagement quality
Story Reply Triggers (User replies to a Story)
This trigger activates when a user replies to an Instagram Story.
Common use cases
- Poll or question sticker responses
- Lead qualification
- Limited-time offers
- Content follow-ups
Like the incoming message (❤️) before running the flow
For Story Reply Triggers, an optional setting called “Like the reply with a ❤️” is available.
When this option is enabled:
Elpidan automatically likes the user’s incoming story reply and then run the flow
Live Comment Triggers (User comments on a Live)
This trigger activates when a user comments during an Instagram Live.
Live comments:
- Happen in real time
- Can arrive very fast
Typical use cases
- Live giveaways
- Live announcements
- Collecting interest during a broadcast
Message Triggers (User Sends a Direct Message)
This trigger activates when a user sends a direct message that matches one of the keywords you defined in the trigger configuration.
Like the incoming message (❤️) before running the flow
For Message Triggers, an optional setting called “Like the reply with a ❤️” is available.
When this option is enabled:
Elpidan automatically likes the user’s incoming direct message and then run the flow
👉Read the full Trigger Node guide
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