Manychat's New “Follow to DM” Feature: Turning Followers into Conversations

October 28, 2025

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4 min read

You know that little buzz when someone new follows you? It’s not just another number, it’s a real person saying, “I want to see more.”

Now, with Manychat's new Follow to DM feature, creators and businesses can instantly start a conversation with that new follower the moment they hit “follow.” No manual messages, no missed chances. Just an automatic, genuine hello that lands right when it matters most.

What Is Follow to DM?

Follow to DM is a new automation that lets you automatically send a direct message to anyone who follows your account. The feature, currently in partnership with Meta and available through Manychat, acts as your digital welcome mat, greeting every new follower in seconds.

Here’s how it works:

Someone follows you.
The Manychat automation triggers.
They receive your pre-set welcome DM.
You look like a social media pro who values every follower.

That’s it. There’s no need to manually message people or backtrack to followers from last week. Follow to DM kicks in immediately, keeping the connection fresh and personal.

Why This Feature Matters

In the fast-paced world of social media, timing is everything. When someone follows you, they are most engaged in that moment — they’ve just discovered you, and they’re curious. Follow to DM helps you capture that spark and turn it into a real relationship before it fades away.

This feature helps creators:

Make a memorable first impression: Stand out by greeting new followers warmly.
Turn curiosity into conversation: Start meaningful exchanges instead of letting followers go cold.
Spot potential collaborators or customers early: Identify high-intent followers right away.
Build relationships automatically: Let automation handle the hello, while you focus on creating.

Think of it as moving from “just another follow” to “an instant fan.”

How to Use It Effectively

Sure, you could just say “Thanks for following,” but this feature is capable of much more. The real power lies in making your messages feel human, helpful, and aligned with your brand.

Here are a few ways creators are using Follow to DM to great effect:

“Welcome to my foodie world! Here’s my top 5 hidden gem restaurants this month 🍽️”
“Hey there! Glad you’re here, want early access to the latest dining offers?”
“Thanks for the follow! Here’s your special dining offer from one of my favourite spots.”
“Hi! I share behind-the-scenes moments from restaurant tastings, want to see the latest one?”

Keep it short, personal, and useful. Avoid sounding robotic or overly promotional. You’re starting a conversation, not pushing a sale.

Pro tips:

Add a small delay (a few seconds) before the DM sends, it feels more natural.
Lead with a welcome before introducing offers or links.
Combine this with other automations like giveaways or “link to offer” flows for seamless engagement.

Why This Is a Game-Changer for Creators on the Table Talks Platform

For creators on the Table Talks platform, this feature can be a massive advantage. You already have access to restaurant tastings, offers, and public links that help convert followers into diners — Follow to DM adds a personal layer to that process.

Here’s how it can work for you:

Instantly engage new followers: Send them a friendly welcome message that includes your Table Talks public link, letting them explore restaurant offers right away.
Promote tastings or restaurant partnerships: If you’ve just posted content from a tasting, your DM can invite new followers to watch your latest Reel or visit the featured restaurant.
Boost redemptions and conversions: By adding your link or offer in the DM, you make it easy for followers to take action, from discovering restaurants to booking a visit.
Build loyalty: The message doesn’t have to sell; it can simply invite them to join your community or follow your food adventures, keeping your name top of mind.

For restaurants, this also means higher visibility. Every creator who uses Follow to DM helps drive awareness, clicks, and potential diners straight from social interactions.

Start using ManyChat now

A Small Feature with Big Potential

Follow to DM might seem simple, but its potential impact is huge. Social media is moving toward personalization, and this tool makes it effortless. Instead of hoping your posts reach the right people, you can now start a direct dialogue with them the moment they show interest. That’s a game-changer for both creators and brands because at the heart of every follow is a person, and every person is a potential relationship waiting to happen.

So, the next time someone hits “follow,” don’t just let that moment fade away. Set up your automation, craft a message that feels like you, and start turning followers into fans, fans into diners, and diners into long-term supporters.

Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. That means if you sign up using them, Table Talks may earn a small commission. It never costs you more, and in most cases, you get a discount or special offer.