If you want to send a link to everyone who comments a word like GUIDE on your Reel, two names come up: ManyChat, the long-established chat marketing platform, and Noolu, a newer tool built only for Instagram. Both use Instagram's official API, so neither asks for your password. They're built for different people, so here's an honest comparison. We make Noolu, so read with that in mind.
The short answer
- Choose ManyChat if you need several channels in one place (Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS and email), deep integrations, or an agency setup.
- Choose Noolu if Instagram is your main channel and you want comment-to-DM working in minutes, at a flat price that doesn't grow with your audience.
Pricing
| ManyChat | Noolu | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 25 active contacts a month | Starter: unlimited automated DMs, up to 10 active automations |
| Paid plans from | $14/mo for 250 active contacts (billed yearly) | Pro: $19/mo, or $15/mo billed yearly |
| Price grows with your audience? | Yes, by active contacts | No, flat |
| AI | Included from Pro ($29/mo) | Included: 10 AI credits a month on Starter, 500 on Pro |
The biggest difference is how the price scales. ManyChat counts every person you exchange a message with in a month, so a Reel that goes viral can push you into a higher tier. Noolu charges a flat price, so a viral post doesn't cost more. ManyChat's figures are from its pricing page in October 2026; prices change, so check before you buy.
Comment-to-DM and keyword replies
Both tools do the core job well: a DM to everyone who comments a keyword on a post or Reel, a public reply under the comment, replies to keywords people send you in DMs, and link buttons in the DM. Noolu adds a few Instagram-specific touches:
- Next post automations: set it up before you post, and it attaches to your next Reel automatically.
- Follow gate: ask people to follow you before they get the link.
- AI setup: describe what you want to send, and Noolu drafts the keyword, the public reply and the DM.
Flows and automation depth
ManyChat's flow builder is one of the most powerful available: many channels, tags, custom fields, integrations with tools like Shopify, Google Sheets and Zapier, and a large template marketplace. If you run complex funnels across several channels, that depth is hard to beat.
Noolu's Pro plan has a visual flow builder with conditions and delays, focused on Instagram DMs. It covers what most creators and small businesses use (a follow gate, a lead question, a link, a follow-up) without a learning curve.
Ease of setup
ManyChat is a big product, so new users often watch tutorials before their first automation works. Noolu is built around one job, comment-to-DM on Instagram, so most people have their first automation running in a few minutes, with the AI writing the first draft.
Which should you choose?
| You are... | Better fit |
|---|---|
| A creator sharing links, guides or freebies from Reels | Noolu |
| A small business selling through Instagram DMs | Noolu |
| Growing fast and worried about per-contact pricing | Noolu |
| Running WhatsApp, Messenger, SMS and email together | ManyChat |
| An agency managing many clients with complex funnels | ManyChat |
| Relying on many third-party integrations | ManyChat |
Noolu's Starter plan is free, with no card needed. Connect your Instagram, pick a Reel, and your first comment-to-DM automation can be live in minutes. Start free with Noolu, or compare more tools in ManyChat alternatives for Instagram.
FAQ
Is Noolu a ManyChat alternative?
Yes, for Instagram. Noolu covers ManyChat's most popular Instagram features (comment-to-DM, keyword replies, link buttons and flows) at a flat price. It doesn't cover other channels like WhatsApp or SMS.
Is it safe to use these tools on Instagram?
Both connect through Instagram's official API and follow Meta's messaging rules, including the 24-hour messaging window. Noolu is a verified Meta Tech Provider. Neither asks for your Instagram password.
Can I switch from ManyChat to Noolu?
Yes. Recreate your keywords and DMs in Noolu (the AI can draft them), then turn off the matching ManyChat automations so people don't get two replies.
Does Noolu charge per contact?
No. Pro is $19 a month or $180 a year, however many people comment or message you.
ManyChat is a trademark of its owner. This comparison uses publicly available information as of October 2026; features and prices change, so check each tool's website for current details.