Automate Instagram DMs & Engagement with Google Sheets & Puppeteer

🤖 Instagram DM Automation Workflow

Category: Marketing & Lead Engagement

Tags: Instagram, Puppeteer, Automation, Google Sheets, Lead Nurturing

🧠 Overview

This workflow automates Instagram DMs, engagement, and story interactions using Puppeteer in the backend. It connects to Google Sheets to fetch leads (usernames and messages) and sends personalized DMs one by one — while also mimicking human behavior by scrolling, liking posts, and viewing stories.

It’s designed to help marketers and businesses capture, nurture, and convert leads on Instagram — fully automated and AI-assisted.

⚙️ How It Works

1. Fetch Leads from Google Sheets
2. Send Instagram DMs via Puppeteer Backend
3. Simulate Human Actions
4. Update Lead Status
5. Rate Limit Handling

🧭 Setup Steps

> ⏱️ Estimated setup time: ~10–15 minutes

1. Prerequisites

Active Google Sheets API connection with OAuth2 credentials. Puppeteer-based backend running locally or remotely. Node.js-based service handling:

/login /instagram /viewstory /logthis

2. Connect Google Sheets

Use your Google account to authorize Google Sheets access. Add your Sheet ID in:

leads → for usernames & messages. acc → for active accounts tracking.

3. Configure Webhook

Copy your Webhook URL from n8n. Use it to trigger the workflow manually or via external API.

4. Adjust Timing

Edit Code in JavaScript nodes if you want to:

Change DM delay (20–30s default) Adjust story viewing delay (4.5–5.5 minutes)

5. Test Before Deploy

Run in test mode with 1–2 sample leads. Check that:

DM is sent. Google Sheet updates status. Backend logs actions.

🧾 Notes Inside the Workflow

You’ll find Sticky Notes within the workflow for detailed guidance, covering:

✅ Setup sequence 💬 Message sending logic ⏳ Delay handling 📊 Google Sheets updates ⚠️ Rate-limit prevention 🔁 Loop control and retry mechanism

🚀 Use Cases —

⚙️ Automate lead nurturing via Instagram DMs. 🤖 Send AI-personalized messages to prospects. 👥 Simulate real human actions (scroll, like, view stories). 🔥 Safely warm up new accounts with timed delays. 📊 Auto-update Google Sheets with DM status & timestamps. 💬 Run outbound messaging campaigns hands-free. 🧱 Handle rate limits smartly and continue smoothly. 🚀 Boost engagement, replies, and conversions with automation.