> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.blotato.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.blotato.com/features/inbox.md).

# Comments and Messaging Inbox

Blotato provides one inbox for comments and direct messages from your Instagram accounts and Facebook Pages. The Inbox is available on every paid plan.

LinkedIn comments and direct messages are not supported. LinkedIn restricts access to the required endpoints. See [LinkedIn Limitations](/platforms/linkedin/limitations.md#first-comment-comments-inbox-and-messaging-inbox).

Blotato does not support SMS or other messaging channels in the Inbox.

Blotato does not import older Instagram posts, comments, or direct messages. It starts capturing new comments and messages after your account connects with the required permissions. Comments and messages are retained for up to 45 days.

## Before You Start

Reconnect accounts added before comments and messaging launched so Blotato receives the required permissions:

1. Follow [Connect Instagram](/settings/social-accounts/instagram.md) for an Instagram account.
2. Follow [Connect Facebook](/settings/social-accounts/facebook.md) for a Facebook Page.

## Why Is My Instagram Inbox Empty?

Connecting Instagram does not start a delayed history import. The Inbox remains empty until Blotato receives new activity after the connection.

1. Confirm your Instagram account is a Professional or Business account.
2. Ask someone using a different Instagram account to leave a new top-level comment on a recent post.
3. Do not use a reply to an older comment for this test.
4. Send a new direct message to the connected Instagram account.
5. Refresh the [Comments and Messaging Inbox](https://my.blotato.com/inbox).
6. If neither item appears, go to [Settings > Social Accounts](https://my.blotato.com/settings).
7. Reconnect Instagram and approve the comments and messaging permissions.
8. Repeat the test with another new comment or direct message.

A post published through Blotato already appears in the Inbox post list. A post published directly on Instagram appears after Blotato receives a new comment on the post.

If the new activity still does not appear, contact support and include the connected Instagram account and the time of your test.

## Using the Blotato Web App

1. Open the [Comments and Messaging Inbox](https://my.blotato.com/inbox).
2. Select your Instagram account or Facebook Page.
3. Open a comment or message thread.
4. Read the conversation.
5. Write and send your reply.

## Using ChatGPT, Claude, Hermes, or Another MCP Client

1. Complete the [Blotato MCP setup](/api/mcp/setup.md).
2. Start a new chat in your AI tool.
3. Ask the AI tool to analyze comments without sending a reply:

   > Fetch all the comments from my last 5 Instagram posts. Summarize what people think and recommend what I should post next.
4. Review the analysis.
5. Ask the AI tool to draft replies.
6. Review the drafts before asking the AI tool to send them.

For a reply workflow, ask:

> Find the positive-sentiment comments on my last 10 Facebook posts and draft a reply to each one saying, "I'd love to chat!"

See [Comments API](/api/comments.md) to list and reply to comments. See [Messages API](/api/messages.md) to list conversations, read messages, and send replies. Replies count toward your plan's [active-contact limit](/settings/billing-and-credits.md#active-contacts).


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