June 2026 · 5 min read
Instagram Holiday Auto Reply: How to Set Up Out-of-Office DMs (2026)
When you're away from your business — on holiday, at an event, or taking time off — Instagram DMs don't stop arriving. A holiday auto reply acknowledges every message instantly, sets clear expectations, and directs urgent enquiries to an alternative. Here is how to set one up and what to write.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram Away Message in Meta Business Suite is the native holiday auto-reply tool for Professional accounts
- Always include a specific return date — 'back soon' is not helpful
- Provide one alternative action for people who can't wait — a booking link, website, or urgent contact
- Set the Away Message schedule to exact holiday dates rather than configuring off-hours
- AI-powered tools can answer questions during your absence; Away Message can only acknowledge the message
Setting up Instagram Away Message for holidays
Step 1: Go to Meta Business Suite (business.facebook.com) or open the Business Suite mobile app.
Step 2: Navigate to Inbox → Automations → Away Message.
Step 3: Toggle Away Message on.
Step 4: Set the schedule. For a holiday, choose "Custom schedule" and enter your start and end dates (e.g., 23 December to 2 January). This is more precise than the off-hours schedule setting.
Step 5: Write your holiday message (see templates below).
Step 6: Save. Test by sending yourself a DM from a different account to confirm it fires.
Step 7: Remember to turn it off or update the schedule when you return.
Holiday auto reply templates
Template 1 — General service business
"Thanks for reaching out! I'm on holiday until [date] and not checking messages.
I'll reply to everyone when I'm back. For urgent enquiries in the meantime: [website URL]."
Template 2 — Photographer / creative
"Hi! I'm away on [dates] — so excited to be offline for a bit!
I'll personally reply to everyone when I'm back on [date]. If you need availability info before then: [booking link]."
Template 3 — Salon / beauty business
"We're closed for the holidays from [date] to [date]. Happy holidays!
For bookings when we reopen: [booking link]. See you in the new year!"
Template 4 — E-commerce brand
"Hi! I'm away until [date]. Orders are still shipping as normal — you'll get tracking info via email.
For questions that can't wait, visit [website link]. I'll reply to all DMs when I'm back."
Template 5 — Coach / consultant
"Hi! I'm taking a break from [date] to [date] and not available for messages during that time.
For programme information while I'm away: [link]. I'll be in touch with everyone when I return on [date]."
The difference between Away Message and AI auto-reply
Away Message (Meta Business Suite):
- Free, built-in
- Sends a static acknowledgement message
- Cannot answer questions — just acknowledges the DM
- Can be scheduled to specific dates
AI-powered DM automation (ReplyMind):
- Configured with your business information
- Answers actual questions (pricing, availability, products, services) accurately
- Works 24/7 year-round, including during holidays
- Does not need to be turned on and off for holidays — it handles everything automatically
If you currently rely on being personally available to answer DMs, an AI tool means your business effectively doesn't go on holiday — every enquiry gets an accurate, helpful response regardless of when it arrives.
What not to write in a holiday auto reply
- Vague timeline: "Back soon" — give an exact date
- No alternative action: "Will reply when back" — always provide something for people who can't wait
- Over-explanation: Long paragraphs about why you're away — 3–4 lines maximum
- Unprofessional tone: Too casual can undermine confidence — keep it warm but professional
Never leave customers without a response — even during holidays
ReplyMind answers every DM with accurate information about your business, year-round. Holiday or not. Free plan available.