How to Set Up Comment-to-DM on LinkedIn
Comment-to-DM on LinkedIn means someone comments a keyword on your post and automatically gets a reply plus a DM with your resource. ManyChat made this famous on Instagram. It doesn't run on LinkedIn. LeadShark does.
Creators who already run this on Instagram know the upside: every comment is an opt-in, the public reply proves the flow works, and the DM starts a real conversation. On LinkedIn the same mechanic lands with founders, marketers and buyers who use their real name and job title. The only missing piece is a tool that can watch LinkedIn comments and message from your profile.
Here's the setup in plain steps.
1. Write a post people want to comment on
Give away something useful: a checklist, a template, a short guide, a swipe file. Lead with the result in the first two lines, then tell them what to comment. End with a clear ask: "Comment GUIDE and I'll send it." Keep the keyword one word, in caps, written exactly as you want it. Soft asks like "let me know if you want this" get fewer comments and messier matching.
2. Connect LeadShark and pick the post
In LeadShark, connect your LinkedIn profile, choose the live or scheduled post, and set the keyword. You can add up to 20 keywords per automation, or answer every comment. Comments you've already answered are skipped, so you can turn the automation on after a post has been live for a while.
3. Write the reply and the DM
The public reply can be short: "Sent! Check your DMs." That reply does two jobs. It tells the commenter the link is coming, and it shows everyone reading the thread that commenting works. The DM should thank them, give the link, and ask one light question so the thread can continue. Both are templates you write. LeadShark doesn't invent replies for you.
4. Handle people you're not connected to
A normal LinkedIn DM only reaches 1st-degree connections. A lot of the people who comment on a post that travels are 2nd or 3rd degree. LeadShark sends them a connection request and delivers the DM when they accept. On Apex it can also DM commenters you aren't connected with.
5. Track clicks and follow up
See who opened the link. Optionally send people to an email-gated page first, sync to Kit or Beehiiv, and add a second DM for anyone who goes quiet. Click tracking is how you know which commenters are worth a personal follow-up.
Limits and pricing
You set 0 to 250 DMs a day (150 recommended max). Plans start at $39 a month with a 7-day free trial and no card. Pro covers the core flow; Pro+ adds email-gated pages; Apex adds company page replies and DMs to people you're not connected to.
That's the whole flow. Set it up once on a lead magnet post and let it run while you work.