Instagram DM automation can answer comments, FAQs and new messages while you sleep, but the tools differ in rules, risks and cost. This guide compares ten, starting with the DMpro Auto-DM extension, with pricing as reported, honest pros and cons, and the Meta rules that apply.
Quick answer: for Instagram DM automation, ManyChat and Inrō are strong for detailed comment-to-DM flows, InstantDM and LinkDM for low-cost triggers, respond.io for teams, Meta Business Suite for a free baseline, and the DMpro Auto-DM extension for personalized first messages you send yourself. Prefer official-API tools and start small.
Key Takeaways
- Instagram DM automation works best when each message answers something the person did first.
- Official-API tools follow Meta’s rules; browser-based tools carry more account risk.
- Prices are reported and change often, so verify them on each vendor page.
- DMpro is built by the team behind this site, so compare it like any other tool.
- Start with one trigger, add a human handoff and watch results.
What Is Instagram DM Automation?
Instagram DM automation means using software to send or answer direct messages for you based on rules: a keyword in a comment, a reply to a story, the first message from a new person, a click on an ad. It handles the repeatable part of a conversation, such as sending a link, answering an FAQ or asking a qualifying question, and passes the rest to a human.
It is different from spam. Done well, every message answers something the other person did first. If you want the strategy side, read our guides on Instagram lead generation and how to sell on Instagram DM. This article compares the tools that do the work.
Figure 1. Most Instagram DM automation follows this loop.
How Instagram DM Automation Works Under Meta’s Rules
Tools that connect through Meta’s official API follow rules that shape what you can automate. These come from Meta’s documentation as described by third-party guides, so confirm them on Meta’s developer pages before you build a flow that depends on them:
- One private reply per comment. A tool can send one DM in response to a comment, within about 7 days of the comment. This is the engine behind Instagram comment-to-DM automation.
- A 24-hour reply window. After a person messages you, automation can usually reply for 24 hours. A Human Agent tag extends this to 7 days, but it is meant for real people, not bots.
- Start from an action, not a follow. Automation should begin from a comment, story reply or mention, DM or ad click. You cannot DM someone just because they follow you.
- Rate limits exist. Third-party write-ups report API limits such as roughly 300 calls per second for text and 750 private replies per hour. Instagram does not publish a daily DM limit for normal accounts. See the Instagram DM limit for what is known.
Tools that work through your browser or an unofficial route are a different category. They can message people who have not contacted you, but they do not use Meta’s API and carry more account risk. We explain the difference in can Instagram detect mass DM tools. Replies from people you do not follow also land in Instagram message requests, and replies from followers can sit in a Primary or General inbox; see Primary vs General.
Best Instagram DM Automation Tools Compared
Disclosure: DMpro is built by the same team as this website, so we list it first and describe it with its own limits. Competitor prices and ratings below are as reported on vendor pages and review sites in October 2026 and change often. Check each pricing page before you buy.
| # | Tool | Type | Best for | Free option | Paid from (as reported) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DMpro Auto-DM extension | Browser extension (plus official-API platform) | Personalized first DMs to profiles you choose | 10 AI-written DMs | $19/mo (extension); platform Pro from $19/mo |
| 2 | ManyChat | Official-API flow builder | Detailed visual flows and comment-to-DM | Yes, 25 contacts (reported) | About $17/mo |
| 3 | Inrō | Official-API, Instagram-only | Creators who want an Instagram-first tool | Yes, 100 activated contacts | From €12.99/mo (page unclear) |
| 4 | InstantDM | Official-API, Instagram and Facebook | Budget comment-to-DM | Yes, 500 DM automations/mo | $9.99/mo (billed yearly) |
| 5 | LinkDM | Official-API, volume-priced | Low-cost bulk of triggered DMs | Yes, 1,000 DMs/mo | $19/mo |
| 6 | Chatfuel | No-code AI chatbot builder | WhatsApp plus Instagram sellers | Free trial | US$18/mo billed yearly |
| 7 | respond.io | Conversation platform | Teams with several channels and agents | No (7-day trial) | About $79/mo billed annually |
| 8 | Meta Business Suite | Built-in, free | Simple auto-replies and FAQs | Free | Free |
| 9 | Hootsuite | Social suite with inbox automation | Teams that already run publishing and inbox together | 14-day trial | $99/user/mo (DM workflows on higher plans) |
| 10 | NapoleonCat | Social inbox and moderation | Comment-heavy brands and ad comments | 14-day trial | About $79–$89/mo |
How we chose these 10 tools
- Each one can automate Instagram DMs or Instagram inbox replies in a documented way.
- We include both official-API platforms and one browser-based extension, and we label which is which.
- We favour tools with public pricing, so you can compare costs.
- We flag complaints and risks, not only features.
1. DMpro Auto-DM Extension: Personalized First DMs from Your Own Browser
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Chrome-based browser extension; separate official-API platform on the same site |
| Channels | Instagram and TikTok profiles (extension) |
| Free plan | 10 AI-written DMs |
| Paid from | $19/mo (extension, 500 AI DMs) |
| Best for | Personalized outreach to specific profiles |
The DMpro Auto-DM Chrome extension is the tool to look at when you want to start a conversation yourself instead of waiting for a comment. It reads a public Instagram or TikTok profile, writes a personalized first message with AI, and sends it from your own logged-in desktop browser. It is built by the team behind this site, and the same company runs the DMpro platform described below.
You can use it in three ways: send one message after reviewing it, switch on Auto-Send, or paste a list of usernames (or upload a CSV) and run a campaign that sends them one at a time. This is where it differs from the comment-to-DM tools in the rest of this list: it supports cold outreach to accounts you pick, which is also why you should read the risk notes carefully.
The vendor says it never asks for or stores your Instagram password. That is a company claim, so judge it by how the extension connects: it works inside the browser session you are already logged into.
DMpro Auto-DM Extension key features
- AI-written first messages based on the public profile, which you can review before sending.
- Single send, Auto-Send and bulk campaigns from pasted usernames or a CSV, sent one by one.
- Safety Mode, on by default: a cap of 20 DMs per day, randomized pauses between sends, and auto-pause if Instagram shows block signals. The vendor’s own pages describe the pause range differently, so treat the exact gaps as approximate.
- A per-campaign daily limit you can set between 1 and 200.
- Works on desktop Chromium browsers; the browser must stay open while it sends. No Firefox or Safari; the mobile app is a dashboard only.
DMpro Auto-DM Extension pricing
The extension is listed at: Free, 10 AI-written DMs; Starter $19 per month for 500; Growth $49 for 2,000; Professional $149 for 8,000 (3 accounts, bio email collection); Enterprise $299 for 30,000 (10 accounts). Annual billing is shown at roughly 20% off, but the discount figure is not consistent across pages. On the Chrome Web Store at the time of writing it had a 4.9 rating from only 8 ratings and about 130 users, so the sample is tiny. The separate DMpro platform uses Meta’s official API for comment, DM and mention automation with keyword and AI replies, a shared inbox with handoff, and Shopify or WooCommerce links. Its Free plan includes 250 conversations a month, and Pro starts at $19 a month for 1,000 conversations. See the DMpro products page for the current list.
DMpro Auto-DM Extension pros and cons
- Reaches people who have not commented or messaged you.
- Personalized text instead of one template for everyone.
- Review-before-send mode and conservative default limits.
- Low entry price and a free test.
- It is not Meta’s official messaging channel. Even with Safety Mode the vendor says the risk is lowered, not removed, and automated DMs may conflict with Instagram’s terms.
- Cold DMs usually land in message requests, where they are easier to miss.
- Needs a desktop Chromium browser that stays open.
- Limited public reviews so far.
Best for: sellers, agencies and creators who want to send a small number of personalized first messages, and who accept the account risk of browser-based outreach. If you need comment-to-DM, inbox flows or a team inbox, use the platform side of DMpro or a tool from the rest of this list.
2. ManyChat: The Best-Known Visual Flow Builder
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Official-API chatbot and flow platform |
| Channels | Instagram, TikTok, Messenger, Telegram and more |
| Free plan | Yes, reported 25 active contacts, 2 channels, 4 live automations |
| Paid from | About $17/mo |
| Best for | Comment-to-DM and detailed flows |
ManyChat is the tool most people mean when they say Instagram DM automation. You build conversation flows on a visual canvas, and a keyword comment on a post or Reel opens a DM. Story replies and mentions can start flows too.
It is powerful and mature, and the learning curve is real. If you are weighing it, our ManyChat review covers it in depth, and ManyChat alternatives compares the options.
ManyChat key features
- Comment-to-DM with keyword or any-comment triggers on chosen posts, Reels or globally.
- Public comment replies alongside the DM, which adds social proof.
- Story reply, mention and DM triggers.
- Entry points such as links, widgets and QR codes.
- An AI Step to answer questions, plus an AI assistant for building flows.
ManyChat pricing
Third-party guides report Free at 25 active contacts per month since March 2026, then Essential about $17 monthly (about $14 yearly), Pro about $39 ($29 yearly), Business about $99 ($69 yearly) and Advanced about $199 ($139 yearly), with per-contact overage. Because pricing counts active contacts, a busy post can push you into higher tiers.
ManyChat pros and cons
- Deepest flow-building of the group.
- Large template and tutorial ecosystem.
- Strong on comment-to-DM.
- Works across several channels.
- Costs rise with contact count.
- Users report billing disputes and account-restriction threads on its community forum.
- Third-party ratings are mixed: G2 around 4.5, Capterra around 4.6, Trustpilot lower, roughly 2.2 to 2.6.
- Complex flows take time to learn.
Best for: creators, sellers and agencies who want full control over each flow and are comfortable with contact-based pricing.
3. Inrō: An Instagram-Only AI DM Tool
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Official-API, Instagram-only |
| Channels | |
| Free plan | Yes, 100 activated contacts per month |
| Paid from | Listed from €12.99/mo; page unclear |
| Best for | Creators who live on Instagram |
Inrō (inro.social) is built by a French team and focuses only on Instagram DM automation. It connects through Meta’s official login and says it does not need your password.
Beyond comment-to-DM it supports story, Live and ad triggers, icebreakers, surveys, A/B tests and campaigns, plus contact tags and a lightweight CRM. An AI agent can answer questions in your voice.
Inrō key features
- Comment, DM, story, Live and ad triggers.
- Icebreakers, surveys and A/B testing.
- CRM and tags for follow-up; see Instagram CRM for what to track.
- Integrations with Shopify, Calendly, Stripe and Make, plus webhooks.
- AI agent for replies.
Inrō pricing
Reported pricing is in euros: Free (100 activated contacts per month, 3 automations, 3 campaigns, 1 user, 50 AI credits), Pro listed from €12.99 and scaled by activated contacts (the page contradicts itself on caps), an annual Pro option and a Managed tier from €299 a month. There is a 14-day Pro trial. Ratings: Product Hunt 4.9 from 16 reviews and two Trustpilot reviews, so evidence is thin.
Inrō pros and cons
- Focused on Instagram, so the interface stays simple.
- Good free tier for testing.
- Includes surveys and campaigns many simple tools lack.
- Instagram only.
- Pricing by activated contacts is harder to predict.
- Euro-only billing.
- Few independent reviews.
Best for: creators and small brands who only need Instagram and want an AI assistant built in.
4. InstantDM: Budget Comment-to-DM Across Posts, Reels and Stories
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Official-API, Instagram and Facebook |
| Channels | Instagram posts, Reels, Stories, Live and ads; Facebook comments and Messenger |
| Free plan | Yes, 500 DM automations per month |
| Paid from | $9.99/mo (billed yearly) |
| Best for | Low-cost comment-to-DM |
InstantDM is an Instagram automation tool aimed at creators who want comment-to-DM at a low price. It connects through Meta’s OAuth login and supports posts, Reels, Stories, Live and ad comments, plus Facebook comments and Messenger.
InstantDM key features
- Keyword triggers on posts, Reels, Stories, Live and ads.
- Up to 3 trigger words and 5 post automations on the free plan.
- No per-contact fees; limits are by plan and hourly send speed.
- Multi-account plans priced per account.
InstantDM pricing
Reported yearly-billed prices: Free $0 (500 DM automations per month), Legend Pro $9.99 (unlimited automations, up to 800 per hour), Trendsetter $24.99 (up to 2,000 per hour), Trendsetter Pro $49.99, and multi-account plans from about $4.44 per account. Ratings are mixed: Trustpilot about 4.3 from roughly 28 reviews, but Product Hunt 1.0 from 2 reviews. Reviews mention unreliable sends and trial or cancellation disputes.
InstantDM pros and cons
- Cheap, with a useful free plan.
- No per-contact fees.
- Covers Stories and Live as well as posts.
- Reports of unreliable sends and billing or refund disputes.
- Small number of independent reviews.
- Welcome-message and inbox features were not clearly documented when we checked.
Best for: creators who need simple comment-to-DM on a small budget and will test reliability on the free plan first.
5. LinkDM: Volume-Priced Triggered DMs
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Official-API, Instagram and Facebook |
| Channels | Instagram and Facebook |
| Free plan | Yes, 1,000 DMs per month, 1 account |
| Paid from | $19/mo (25,000 DMs, 3 accounts) |
| Best for | Low-cost, high-volume triggered DMs |
LinkDM is an Instagram DM automation tool that prices by the number of DMs, not contacts, which makes its cost easy to predict. It connects through Facebook login and Meta’s API. We compare it directly in LinkDM vs ManyChat.
LinkDM key features
- Comment-to-DM and keyword-triggered replies.
- Simple setup with Instagram and Facebook only.
- No team inbox, CRM or AI listed on its public pages.
LinkDM pricing
Reported pricing: Free with 1,000 DMs a month and 1 account, Pro at $19 for 25,000 DMs and 3 accounts, and Platinum+ at $99 for 300,000 DMs and 10 accounts. Third-party ratings are limited: one review site shows 3.8 from 18 reviews.
LinkDM pros and cons
- Predictable, volume-based pricing.
- Large free allowance.
- Straightforward to set up.
- Few features beyond triggered DMs.
- Limited public reviews.
- No built-in CRM or shared inbox.
Best for: sellers who mostly need triggered DMs and want to keep costs low.
6. Chatfuel: No-Code AI Chatbots for WhatsApp and Instagram
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | No-code AI chatbot builder |
| Channels | WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook |
| Free plan | Free trial, no card |
| Paid from | US$18/mo billed yearly (US$20 monthly) |
| Best for | Sellers using WhatsApp and Instagram |
Chatfuel started as a Messenger bot builder and now sells AI chatbots with a shared inbox, CRM features and Instagram comment automation. Its Instagram DM automation covers comment-to-DM, including Reels comments. Read our Chatfuel review for the details.
Chatfuel key features
- Comment-to-DM on posts, ads and Reels with keywords such as INFO.
- Automatic replies to Reels comments on the Business plan.
- Shared inbox so a person can take over.
- Lead scoring and qualification.
- WhatsApp campaigns and meeting booking.
Chatfuel pricing
Chatfuel’s own pricing page lists Business at US$18 per month billed yearly (US$20 monthly) with 20 AI credits, and Agency S at US$90 per month billed yearly with 100 AI credits. Every plan starts with a free trial. One G2 reviewer described a plan rising from $15 to $66 over three years under an older contact-based model.
Chatfuel pros and cons
- Straightforward public pricing.
- Combines WhatsApp and Instagram.
- Templates for non-technical users.
- AI credits can run out on lower plans.
- Older customers report price increases.
- Less Instagram-specific than Inrō or ManyChat.
Best for: small businesses that sell through WhatsApp and Instagram and want one chatbot builder.
7. respond.io: Instagram Automation for Teams With Several Channels
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Customer conversation platform |
| Channels | Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, web chat and more |
| Free plan | No (7-day trial) |
| Paid from | About $79/mo billed annually (reported) |
| Best for | Support and sales teams with agents |
respond.io is a conversation platform for teams that handle customers across many channels. For Instagram DM automation it offers Auto Private Replies to comments (one per comment within 7 days), workflows, an AI Agent, a shared inbox and CRM sync. You can also use ig.me links, QR codes and click-to-Instagram ads to start chats.
It is a platform for teams, not a quick tool for a solo creator.
respond.io key features
- Auto Private Replies to Instagram comments.
- Workflows triggered when a conversation opens.
- AI Agent, shared inbox and assignment rules.
- CRM sync and contact management.
- Does not support broadcasts on Instagram, and bots cannot message after the 24-hour window.
respond.io pricing
Pricing is by monthly active contacts with no free plan. Reported plans: Starter about $79 a month billed annually (about $99 monthly, 5 users), Growth about $159 ($199), Advanced about $279 ($349) and custom Enterprise. Ratings: G2 around 4.8 from about 500 reviews, Capterra around 4.6 to 4.7, but Trustpilot is lower and its legacy profile is unreliable. Common complaints are price, billing and cancellation.
respond.io pros and cons
- Strong team inbox and routing.
- Many channels in one place.
- AI Agent and CRM sync.
- Expensive for solo users.
- No Instagram broadcasts.
- Requires Instagram Business plus a Facebook Page.
Best for: support and sales teams with several agents and channels.
8. Meta Business Suite Automations: The Free Built-In Option
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Built into Meta Business Suite |
| Channels | Instagram and Facebook |
| Free plan | Free |
| Paid from | Free |
| Best for | Simple auto-replies and FAQs |
For basic Instagram DM automation, Meta Business Suite includes free inbox automations: go to Inbox, then Automations, and create one. Templates cover instant replies, away messages, FAQs, location and hours, and custom keywords. Instagram also has native FAQs (up to 4) as tappable questions in a chat.
It is rule-based, so there are no branching flows, no AI and no broadcasts. If you only need to say “thanks, we reply within a day”, this may be enough. To turn it off, see how to turn off auto reply on Instagram.
Meta Business Suite Automations key features
- Instant reply and away message.
- FAQ and frequently asked question buttons.
- Custom keyword replies (desktop only; reportedly limited to a handful of exact keywords).
- Comment-to-message automation (desktop only; guides disagree on whether the trigger is a keyword).
- Identify unanswered messages and assign admins.
Meta Business Suite Automations pricing
Free. Some messaging features are not available in the EU and Japan, as reported by third-party guides.
Meta Business Suite Automations pros and cons
- Free and official.
- An official Meta feature, so no third-party tool risk.
- Useful for away messages and FAQs.
- No flows, AI, CRM or broadcasts.
- Desktop-only for keywords and comment triggers.
- Keyword matching is strict.
Best for: small businesses that want a free, no-risk baseline. Compare it with Instagram quick replies for manual shortcuts.
9. Hootsuite: Inbox Automation Inside a Social Suite
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Social media management suite |
| Channels | Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, TikTok and more |
| Free plan | 14-day trial |
| Paid from | $99/user/mo on annual billing |
| Best for | Teams that want publishing and inbox together |
Hootsuite is a publishing and inbox suite. Its Instagram DM automation (automated replies and DM workflows) sits on higher plans, and it is not a comment-to-DM builder. Our Hootsuite review has the full breakdown.
Hootsuite key features
- Unified inbox for comments and DMs.
- Saved and suggested replies.
- Automated inbox replies and DM workflows on higher plans.
- Approvals, scheduling and analytics.
Hootsuite pricing
Standard is $99 per user per month, Professional $199 and Advanced $399 on Hootsuite’s listing, with custom Enterprise. Automated replies and DM workflows sit on Professional and above.
Hootsuite pros and cons
- One workspace for posting and messaging.
- Team approvals and reporting.
- Mature support and training.
- Priced per user.
- Automation limited compared with ManyChat or Inrō.
- Not built for growth outreach.
Best for: agencies and brands that want publishing, inbox and basic DM automation in one place.
10. NapoleonCat: Comment-Heavy Brands and Ad Comments
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Social inbox and auto-moderation |
| Channels | Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, TikTok, YouTube |
| Free plan | 14-day trial of the Expert plan |
| Paid from | About $79–$89/mo (sources disagree) |
| Best for | Ecommerce and ad-comment moderation |
NapoleonCat is a shared inbox with auto-moderation rules, so its Instagram DM automation is rule-based. It can hide, delete or reply to comments by keyword, send auto-replies outside business hours and redirect a conversation from comments to private messages. It is not a flow builder, but it solves a related problem: handling large volumes of comments and DMs without losing them. See our NapoleonCat review.
NapoleonCat key features
- Unified inbox for DMs, comments and ad comments.
- Auto-moderation by keyword and sentiment.
- After-hours auto-replies.
- Social CRM, publishing and reports.
NapoleonCat pricing
Third-party guides report Standard around $79 to $89, Pro $89 to $109 and Expert $119 to $139 per month, with Enterprise from about $465; sources disagree, so verify on the official page.
NapoleonCat pros and cons
- Strong on ad comments.
- Good for teams and agencies.
- Moderation prevents spam.
- Not a visual flow builder.
- Some reviewers mention slow loading.
- Prices are reported inconsistently.
Best for: ecommerce brands and agencies that get many comments and want an inbox plus moderation.
How to Choose an Instagram DM Automation Tool
| If you want to… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Send personalized first DMs to profiles you pick | DMpro extension (accepting the browser-based risk) |
| Turn comments into DMs with detailed flows | ManyChat or Inrō |
| Do comment-to-DM cheaply | InstantDM or LinkDM |
| Sell through WhatsApp and Instagram | Chatfuel |
| Run a support or sales team across channels | respond.io |
| Start free with simple replies | Meta Business Suite |
| Keep publishing and inbox in one suite | Hootsuite |
| Moderate comments and ad comments | NapoleonCat |
Also compare Instagram automation tools, Instagram DM management tools and bulk Instagram DM tools. If you plan large campaigns, read about how to mass DM on Instagram first. For chatbot design, see Instagram chatbots.
How to Set Up Instagram DM Automation Safely
- Check your account type. Most official tools need a Business or Creator account linked to a Facebook Page.
- Write short messages. Use our Instagram DM templates for ideas, and personalize where you can.
- Start with one trigger. A single keyword on one post is easy to test and fix.
- Add a human handoff. Tell people how to reach a person for anything the automation cannot answer.
- Test it yourself from another account before going live.
- Watch the first 24 hours for failed sends, wrong replies and complaints.
Instagram DM Automation Mistakes to Avoid
- Messaging people who never interacted with you.
- Sending the same message to everyone.
- Hiding that it is automated when someone asks.
- Ignoring replies that need a human.
- Sending too many messages too quickly. Review the Instagram DM limit guidance.
- Giving a tool your password instead of using official login.
- Treating every tool’s claims as facts. Check ratings and complaints yourself.
Sources
- Vendor pricing and feature pages for each tool, checked in October 2026.
- G2, Capterra, Trustpilot and Product Hunt listings for ratings.
- Meta for Developers: Instagram Messaging
Related Guides
- Customer support automation
- Unified social inbox
- DM automation by industry
- E-commerce DM automation
- DM automation terms
- DM automation pricing compared
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Instagram DM automation?
It is software that sends or answers Instagram direct messages based on rules, such as a keyword in a comment, a story reply or the first message from a new person.
Is Instagram DM automation allowed?
Tools that use Meta’s official API are allowed within its rules, including one private reply per comment within about 7 days and a 24-hour reply window. Browser-based tools that message people who have not contacted you carry more risk.
What is the best Instagram DM automation tool?
It depends on your goal. ManyChat and Inrō suit detailed comment-to-DM flows, InstantDM and LinkDM suit low budgets, respond.io suits teams, and Meta Business Suite is a free baseline. DMpro’s extension suits personalized outreach.
Can I automate Instagram DMs for free?
Yes. Meta Business Suite is free, and several tools above have free plans, including ManyChat, Inrō, InstantDM, LinkDM and DMpro.
Can Instagram DM automation get my account banned?
Any automation carries some risk, especially tools that send unsolicited messages in bulk. Use official-API tools where possible, keep volumes low, personalize messages and stop if Instagram shows warnings.
How many automated DMs can I send per day?
Instagram does not publish a daily limit for normal accounts. Reported API limits apply to tools, and safe volumes depend on your account’s history. Start small and increase slowly.
Do I need a Business account?
Most official-API tools require an Instagram Business or Creator account linked to a Facebook Page. Browser-based extensions may work differently.
What should automated DMs not do?
They should not impersonate a human, spam people who never interacted with you or promise results you cannot deliver.
