Instagram DM Script for a YouTube Video Link

Instagram does not let you put a tappable YouTube link in a reel caption, so the DM is the bridge. The script should tell the viewer what the full video adds beyond the reel, how long it is, and where to start, then give the link. Viralyze sends that DM about a second after someone comments VIDEO, and the smart link inside it tells you how many viewers each reel actually sent to YouTube.

The YouTube video link DM script

Automatic DM on keyword VIDEO:

"Hey, you asked for the full video. The reel showed the final edit; the YouTube version is 14 minutes and covers the raw footage, the colour grade settings, and the export preset I use for Instagram. If you only want the colour part, start at 3:20. Watch here: [smart link]. Reply with a question and I will answer in the next video."

Short version for a story reply:

"Full video here, 14 min: [smart link]. Colour grade starts at 3:20."

The timestamp is the line that gets the click. It tells the viewer they do not have to commit to 14 minutes.

Why send the link by DM instead of saying "link in bio"?

Because "link in bio" asks the viewer to leave the reel, open your profile, find the right link and tap it. A DM puts the link in front of them, in the place they already check, with context attached.

There is a second benefit: the DM becomes a conversation. Viewers who reply with questions give you the topic for your next video, and they are now contacts you can see again.

How do you know which reels send YouTube views?

Wrap the YouTube URL in a smart link in the Viralyze app and attach that to the automation. Each smart link counts clicks, and the per-automation funnel shows comments, matched, delivered and clicked for every reel.

YouTube's own analytics show "Instagram" as a source but not which reel. The funnel does. When one reel sends 400 clicks and another sends 40, you know what kind of teaser works.

Setting up the reel-to-YouTube automation

1. Create a smart link in Viralyze pointing to the video, named after the video title. 2. Create an Auto-DM automation on the teaser reel with keywords VIDEO, "full video", "yt link" and "link". 3. Paste the DM script with the timestamp and attach the smart link. 4. Choose "start with your next post" if you are scheduling the reel. 5. Test with a sample comment, then set it live.

If you post a teaser for every video, use one automation per reel so each link and timestamp is correct, and the funnel stays separate per video.

Should the YouTube DM use a follow-gate?

In our experience, no for most channels. The viewer came for the video, and a follow nudge before the link costs you YouTube views, which is the point of the reel. Use the gate only when the reel is reaching far outside your usual audience and the follow matters more than the view.

If you do use it, the gate nudges up to three times politely, and followers get the link immediately.

Frequently asked questions

**Can one keyword send links to different videos on different reels?** Yes. Each automation is tied to its post, so VIDEO on reel A sends link A and VIDEO on reel B sends link B.

**Will the DM look identical to every commenter?** No. AI variations reword each DM slightly, and the public reply under the comment rotates between versions.

**Can I include a YouTube playlist instead of one video?** Yes. Any URL works in a smart link, so a playlist or a channel link is fine.

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