---
title: "Send private reply"
method: POST
path: "/v1/inbox/comments/{postId}/{commentId}/private-reply"
tags: ["Comments"]
---

# Send private reply

`POST /v1/inbox/comments/{postId}/{commentId}/private-reply`

Send a private message to the author of a comment. Supported on Instagram and Facebook only.
One reply per comment, must be sent within 7 days. Optionally attach interactive elements:
`quickReplies` (chips above the keyboard, max 13) or `buttons` (1-3 inline postback/url
buttons rendered in the same bubble via Meta's button_template). Buttons are recommended
for cold reach since chips do not render in the Instagram Message Requests folder.
`quickReplies` and `buttons` are mutually exclusive.

## Path parameters

- `postId` string, required
- `commentId` string, required

## Request body

- object
  - `accountId` string, required — The social account ID (Instagram or Facebook)
  - `message` string, required — The message text to send as a private DM
  - `quickReplies` object[] — Optional quick-reply chips appended to the message. Visible only in the Instagram and Messenger apps (not on web). Maximum 13 entries. Mutually exclusive with `buttons`. Note: chips do NOT render in the Instagram Message Requests folder where DMs from non-followers land — use `buttons` instead for cold reach.
    - `title` string, required — Label shown on the chip. Truncated by Meta beyond 20 characters.
    - `payload` string, required — Opaque value returned in the inbound webhook when the user taps the chip.
    - `imageUrl` string, uri — Optional thumbnail shown next to the chip title.
  - `buttons` union[] — Optional 1-3 inline buttons rendered as part of the same message bubble via Meta's button_template. Visible in the Instagram Message Requests folder (unlike quick replies). Mutually exclusive with `quickReplies`.
    - union
      - object
        - `type` 'url', required
        - `title` string, required — Label shown on the button.
        - `url` string, uri, required — URL opened when the button is tapped.
      - object
        - `type` 'postback', required
        - `title` string, required — Label shown on the button.
        - `payload` string, required — Opaque value returned in the inbound webhook when the user taps the button.
      - object
        - `type` 'phone', required
        - `title` string, required — Label shown on the button. Facebook only.
        - `phone` string, required — E.164 phone number dialed when tapped. Facebook only.

## Response `200`

Private reply sent successfully

- object
  - `status` string
  - `messageId` string — The ID of the sent message
  - `commentId` string — The comment ID that was replied to
  - `platform` 'instagram' | 'facebook'

## Other responses

- `400` — Bad request
- `401` — Unauthorized
- `403` — Inbox addon required
- `404` — Account not found

---

[API](https://skmtc.net/zernio/apis/zernio-api.md) · [All operations](https://skmtc.net/zernio/apis/zernio-api/llms.txt) · [OpenAPI document](https://skmtc-service-staging.skmtc.workers.dev/v1/apis/zernio/zernio-api/versions/51932b099b2f/schema)