Instagram DM Script for a Podcast Episode
A podcast clip on reels is a trailer; the DM is the ticket. The script should name the episode and guest, point to the best segment with a timestamp, and give one link that works whether the listener uses Spotify, Apple or YouTube. Viralyze sends that DM the moment someone comments EPISODE and, with a smart link, counts how many listeners each clip actually produced.
The podcast episode DM script
Automatic DM on keyword EPISODE:
"Hey! You asked for the full episode. This clip is from Episode 42 with Dr Anjali Mehta, a sleep physician, 48 minutes. The caffeine timing section everyone asks about starts at 22:10, and the part on shift work is at 35:40. Listen on any player here: [smart link]. If you have a sleep question, reply and I will put it to the next guest."
Story-reply version:
"Ep 42 with Dr Mehta, full episode: [smart link]. Caffeine section at 22:10."
Two timestamps give the listener a choice of entry points without turning the DM into a table of contents.
Why name the guest and the segment?
Because a clip creates curiosity about one moment, not about your show in general. The DM has to connect the moment they saw to the place in the episode where it continues. "Start at 22:10" is a promise that the next five minutes will be as good as the clip.
Naming the guest also helps the listener search for the episode later if they lose the DM.
Which link should the DM carry?
A single universal link that opens the listener's default player is ideal, and most podcast hosts provide one. Put that URL into a smart link in the Viralyze app so you get a tap count per episode.
If your host does not provide a universal link, pick the player most of your audience uses and mention the show name so others can search. One link per DM converts better than three.
How do you set up the clip-to-episode automation?
1. Create a smart link in Viralyze for the episode and name it "Ep 42 Mehta". 2. Create an Auto-DM automation on the clip reel with keywords EPISODE, "full episode", "link" and "podcast". 3. Paste the DM script with timestamps and attach the smart link. 4. Turn on the public reply ("Episode link sent to your DMs 🎧") so the thread shows it works. 5. Test a sample comment, then set it live.
For a show with weekly episodes, that is one automation per clip, each taking about a minute. The per-automation funnel then tells you which clips produce listens, not just views.
What do you do with the replies?
Listener questions land in the Inbox with the clip comment attached, so you know which guest prompted them. Reply within Instagram's 24-hour window, thank them, and tell them the question goes to the next guest. Those replies are your content calendar.
Every commenter becomes a contact tagged with the episode automation. When you launch a paid community or live show, you have a list of people who asked for full episodes, sorted by topic.
Frequently asked questions
**Can I send the episode as audio inside the DM?** No. The DM carries a link, text or a PDF, so link to your host or player and use the DM for context and timestamps.
**Do I need a separate automation for every clip?** Only if each clip is from a different episode. Several clips from one episode can share an automation if you use the "comments on any post" trigger during that week.
**Can the show notes go out as a PDF?** Yes. If your DM text is long, Viralyze turns it into a downloadable PDF automatically, with open tracking.
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