Instagram can tell a connected app whether that user follows you. That is how you unlock a link after the follow — without fake “screenshots of the follow button.”
Fastest path
New workspaces already have an Ask For Follow draft. Open it, point the trigger at your Reel, edit the copy, toggle Live.
From scratch (Pro)
- Trigger (comment, story, DM, ice breaker).
- Condition → If user follows you.
- True: Send Message with the link or carousel.
- False: Ask them to follow. Button I am following loops back to the condition.
Keep the false-path tone light. You are not holding a hostage — you are asking for the follow they were probably about to give.