Handle Comments
Last updated: July 23, 2026
Comment messages in the Inbox connect an Instagram or Facebook comment to its original post, public thread, and available private-reply action. Review the source comment and existing replies before responding.
Different comment actions
Action | Other channels | ||
|---|---|---|---|
View comment thread | Available for comment messages | Available for comment messages | Not available |
Open the original post | Available when the source link is present | Available when the source link is present | Not available |
Send a public reply | Available while the source comment remains accessible | Available while the source comment remains accessible | Not available |
Send a private reply | One eligible reply within seven days | One eligible reply within seven days | Not available |
Working with comment messages
A comment message can show the comment text, related post media, and several hover actions:
Reply privately when eligible.
Open the full thread in Comment History.
Open the original post in a new tab.
Send a public comment reply
Select the comment icon by hovering on the comment message.
Open the Contact Details panel if it is hidden.
Expand Comment History.
Review the parent comment and existing replies.
Enter your reply and send it.
The reply is added to the visible thread.
Send a private comment reply
Detail | Public reply | Private reply |
|---|---|---|
Destination | Original comment thread | Contact's private messages |
Time limit | The source comment must remain available | Within seven days of the comment |
Repeatability | Multiple thread replies can be possible | One private reply per comment |
How to Compose | Reply from Comment History section | Select comment message as reply and use the message composer |
Do not attempt to bypass the channel limit by repeatedly submitting the same response.
Understand comment reply limitations
A public comment reply and a private reply are different actions. A comment does not by itself open the normal direct-message response window.
Comment action | Limitation |
|---|---|
Public reply | The original Instagram or Facebook comment must still be available, and the channel must accept the reply. |
Private reply | Available for Instagram and Facebook comments for up to seven days after the comment. Only one private reply can be sent for each comment. |
Additional private messages | The commenter must respond to the private reply before you can continue through the normal direct-message conversation window. |
When a private reply is no longer eligible, its action may be unavailable or the send request may return an error. Use a public reply when appropriate, or wait for the contact to message the account directly.
For direct-message reply and reaction controls, see Compose and send messages.