DM Queue
Every automated DM LinktoDM sends passes through a queue before it goes out. This page covers what that queue is, why it’s there, and where to view it.
What is the DM queue?
Section titled “What is the DM queue?”The DM queue is a buffer between your automations and Instagram. When an automation sends a DM, the message is added to the queue first. LinktoDM then processes queued messages at a controlled rate instead of sending everything at once.
The queue is per account: every connected Instagram account or Facebook Page has its own.
Why does LinktoDM use a queue?
Section titled “Why does LinktoDM use a queue?”Automations produce messages at whatever rate your audience produces comments, and that rate is uneven. A post that performs well can trigger hundreds of DMs in minutes.
- Automations can generate large bursts of messages.
- Instagram and Facebook both limit how quickly an account can send messages.
- Sending a large number of messages simultaneously can result in failed deliveries or restrictions on the account.
The queue absorbs the burst so that delivery stays within the limits Meta applies to your account. For the limits themselves, see rate limits and throttling.
How the queue works
Section titled “How the queue works”When an automation triggers a DM, LinktoDM adds the message to the queue. Messages are then processed at a controlled rate and sent as capacity becomes available.
Follow-up messages and delays also use the queue, but wait on their scheduled time rather than on sending capacity. For the full path a message takes, see how the queue works.
View the DM queue
Section titled “View the DM queue”You can view queued messages from In queue in the console sidebar, below your automations and above Settings. Click it to expand the panel.
The panel shows how many follow-ups and DMs are pending, the rate messages are currently going out at, and the controls to pause delivery or clear the queue. For how to read those numbers, see queue status.
What happens when messages are queued?
Section titled “What happens when messages are queued?”- Messages wait in the queue until they’re ready to send.
- The queue may grow during high-volume activity, such as a post receiving a large number of comments.
- Messages are processed automatically — no action is required to release them.
- A queue of 0 means there are currently no pending messages, which is the normal state while an automation is running.