The traditional method to collect email addresses on Instagram is by directing followers to a “link in bio.” However, this approach is becoming increasingly outdated and cumbersome with the volume of content people are consuming. But you can now efficiently collect email addresses directly within Instagram DMs, eliminating the need for forms, link in bio services, or any unnecessary friction.
This is how to accomplish the task with either Slay.so or Inro.Social, along with instructions on how to automatically subscribe those contacts to your newsletter using OttoKit and Flodesk.
Getting Started with Slay.so
Begin by visiting Slay.so and initiating a free trial, with no credit card is required. Once your account is connected to your Instagram profile, you will have the capability to create straightforward DM automation flows that activate when someone messages you, replies to a story, or comments on a post.
Creating a DM Automation Flow
Inside your Slay.so workflow add a “Collect Email” step with a message such as:
“Hey! Want to join the email list? Please share your best email address, and I will add you.”
This step will automatically capture the next email address sent by the user and store it in your system.

Integrating with Your Newsletter Platform
Next, you will need to send the collected email address to your preferred newsletter platform (such as Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Flodesk, etc.).

Under Contacts, choose Manage Webhooks.
Then insert the webhook from your connecting app, like OttoKit.

Here is a sample automation in OttoKit to get you started. For my use case, I connect it with my Flodesk list.

To test the integration, use a different Instagram profile to send yourself the designated keyword via Instagram to activate the flow.
Once completed, you will have successfully subscribed your followers to your newsletter without ever leaving Instagram. This method requires no landing pages, forms, or unnecessary complications.
Now set the flow to active and ensure that it is saved.
Getting Started with Inro.Social
To be honest, for Inro, it’s quite the similar setup as Slay is, but with a very different user interface. Here’s how to do it.
Set up your Inro automation for the keyword.

Add the Collect Email Address block, include your message to have someone share their email address.
Then use the Send HTTPS Request for the webhook information.

It might look overwhelming, but I promise you that once you play around you’ll get a hang of it.
Conclusion
By leveraging the right tools, you can enhance your engagement and effectively grow your email list directly through Instagram DMs. Start your free trial of Slay.so or Inro.Social, OttoKit and Flodesk today and see how simple it can be to connect with your audience.
Your efforts to connect and engage are commendable, and with these streamlined tools, your voice will resonate more powerfully than ever.




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