> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.botpenguin.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.botpenguin.com/bots/instagram-bot/instagram-chatbot-settings/triggers.md).

# Triggers

## Instagram Triggers

Instagram Triggers allow you to control **when and how your bot responds to incoming Instagram messages**. By configuring triggers, you can route conversations to the correct chat flow, restart conversations, or hand users over to live agents.

### What Are Triggers?

Triggers define **keywords or system actions** that activate specific bot behaviors. They help you:

* Start the right chat flow automatically
* Restart a conversation at any time
* Route users to live chat support
* Avoid incorrect or duplicate bot responses

***

### Adding Triggers:

* Go to All bots
* Select your Instagram Bot
* Click on the Setting tab from the expanded menu.

<figure><img src="/files/nbhZoMa5CyFB4hU23BNj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Bot Triggers (Global)

Bot Triggers apply **globally** across all Instagram conversations.

#### Restart Chat Flow Triggers

Use these triggers to allow users to **restart the bot from the beginning** at any time.

**Example use cases**

* User types `restart`
* User types `start over`
* User types `reset`

When triggered, the bot:

* Clears the current context
* Starts the default chat flow from the beginning

> ⚠️ This field is required. At least one restart trigger must be configured.

<figure><img src="/files/5DxtEOUFtNJa41rnMWi3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### Live Chat Triggers

Live Chat Triggers move the conversation from automation to a **human agent**.

**Example use cases**

* User types `agent`
* User types `talk to human`
* User types `support`

When triggered, the bot:

* Stops automated replies
* Hands the conversation to live chat (if enabled)

> ⚠️ This field is required to enable manual takeover.

***

### Chat Flow Triggers (Keyword-Based)

Chat Flow Triggers allow you to **assign specific keywords to specific chat flows**.

#### How It Works

1. Enter a **trigger keyword**
2. Choose a **matching method**
3. Select the **chat flow**
4. Click **Add**

Once added, any incoming Instagram message that matches the keyword will automatically start the selected flow.

<figure><img src="/files/G9jNczE7oh4GH68Eh7zs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### Trigger Fields Explained

**Trigger Keyword**

The word or phrase a user must send to activate the flow.

**Examples**

* `pricing`
* `order status`
* `help`

***

**Matching Method**

Choose how strictly the bot should match the keyword:

* **Exact**\
  Matches only the exact phrase\
  `pricing`
* **Contains**\
  Matches messages that include the keyword\
  `show me pricing`
* **Starts With**\
  Matches messages that begin with the keyword\
  `pricing plans`

***

**Select Flow**

Choose which chat flow should start when the keyword is detected.

***

### No Flow Triggers Found

If you see **“No Flow Triggers Found”**, it means:

* No keyword triggers have been created yet
* The bot will only respond using global triggers

👉 Add at least one trigger to activate keyword-based routing.

***

### Best Practices

* Use **clear, natural keywords** users are likely to type
* Avoid overlapping triggers across flows
* Always configure **Restart** and **Live Chat** triggers
* Test triggers in Instagram DMs after saving changes

***

### Example Setup

| Trigger Keyword | Matching    | Action                  |
| --------------- | ----------- | ----------------------- |
| `restart`       | Exact       | Restart chat flow       |
| `agent`         | Exact       | Send to live chat       |
| `pricing`       | Contains    | Start Pricing Flow      |
| `order`         | Starts With | Start Order Status Flow |