Connecting Instagram
Connecting
- Open Channels → Add channel → Instagram.
- Log in to the Facebook Business Manager tied to your Instagram business account.
- Pick the account — Chato connects it automatically.
You need a business account on Instagram, linked to a Facebook page. A personal Meta account won't connect — switch your profile in Instagram's settings first (Settings → Account → Switch to professional account).
You can't message first
The Instagram Direct API doesn't let business accounts start a conversation — that's a platform limitation, not a Chato plan restriction. You can reply to incoming messages and comments without limits, but you can't message a customer who hasn't written to you first through Instagram, on any plan.
If you need to start the conversation yourself, use WhatsApp or the website widget for that customer instead.
Checking channel status
Any channel's status is visible in the Channels section: a green dot means the channel is working, a yellow one means it needs attention (for example, Meta revoked access and it needs to be reconnected).