Trigger Node

👉 learn about what is Flow Builder

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.

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.

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:

• You must create Canned Messages first.
  👉You can read 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

 Once the Trigger Node is configured, you can continue building the conversation path using the other nodes in the Flow Builder
👉 learn more about Flow Nodes overview