How to Use ManyChat to Grow Your Business in 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every ManyChat feature:

• Erste Schritte — Create account and connect your channels
• How to Use Multi-Channel Messaging — Reach customers on Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, and SMS
• How to Use Interactive Chatbots — Build automated conversations with the visual flow builder
• How to Use Live Chat Takeover — Jump into conversations when automation needs a human touch
• How to Use Powerful Integrations — Connect ManyChat with your CRM and marketing tools
• How to Use Templates and Flows — Get started fast with pre-built automation templates
• How to Use SMS Marketing — Send text message campaigns to your subscribers
• How to Use AI Assistant — Let AI handle replies and build flows for you

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Fehlerbehebung | Preisgestaltung | Alternativen

Why Trust This Guide

I’ve used ManyChat for over two years and tested every feature covered here. This how to use ManyChat article comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

ManyChat is one of the most powerful chat automation tools available today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

This guide shows you how to use every major feature.

Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

ManyChat Tutorial

This complete ManyChat tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user.

ManyChat

Automate conversations on Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and SMS without writing a single line of code. ManyChat helps you capture leads, drive sales, and support customers 24/7. Get started free with up to 1,000 contacts.

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MANYCHAT ALTERNATIVES →

Erste Schritte mit ManyChat

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about 3 minutes.

Watch this quick overview first:

Now let’s walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to ManyChat’s website and click “Get Started Free.”

Sign in with your Facebook, Instagram, or email account.

Give ManyChat permission to access your connected pages.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the channel selection screen.

Step 2: Connect Your Channels

Select which channels you want to automate first.

Click “Connect” next to your Facebook Page or Instagram account.

Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main ManyChat dashboard.

Step 3: Complete Initial Setup

Set up your welcome message for new subscribers.

Configure your default reply for unrecognized messages.

Preview your welcome message in Messenger before going live.

How to Use ManyChat Multi-Channel Messaging

Multi-Channel-Messaging lets you reach customers on Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, SMS, and email from one dashboard.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Multi-Channel Messaging in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Automation Tab

Click “Automation” in the left sidebar of your dashboard.

Select “New Flow” to start building your message.

Step 2: Select Your Channels

Choose which platforms to send your message through.

You can select Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, SMS, or email.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see channel icons highlighted in your flow.

Step 3: Create Your Message

Type your message and add buttons, images, or quick replies.

Each channel formats the message to fit its platform.

How to Use ManyChat Interactive Chatbots

Interaktiv Chatbots lets you build automated conversations using a drag-and-drop visual flow builder.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Interactive Chatbots in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Choose a Trigger

Click “New Flow” and select your trigger type.

Options include keyword triggers, comment triggers, or manual starts.

Step 2: Build Your Flow

Drag message blocks onto the canvas and connect them.

Add buttons, quick replies, and conditions to branch the conversation.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see connected blocks in the visual flow builder.

Step 3: Test and Publish

Click “Preview” to test your chatbot in real time.

Once satisfied, click “Publish” to make it live.

How to Use ManyChat Live Chat Takeover

Live-Chat-Übernahme lets you pause automation and jump into any conversation manually.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Live Chat Takeover in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open Live Chat

Click “Live Chat” in the left sidebar of your dashboard.

You’ll see all active conversations from every connected channel.

Step 2: Pause Automation

Select a conversation and click “Pause Automation.”

This stops the bot from sending automatic replies.

Here’s what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see a “Paused” badge on the conversation.

Step 3: Reply and Resume

Type your reply and send it directly to the customer.

When finished, click “Resume Automation” to hand back control.

How to Use ManyChat Powerful Integrations

Leistungsstarke Integrationen lets you connect ManyChat with your CRM, email tools, and payment platforms.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Powerful Integrations in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the Integrations Panel

Go to “Settings” and click “Integrations” in the menu.

You’ll see a list of available apps and services.

Step 2: Connect Your Tool

Click the tool you want to connect, like Zapier oder Google Sheets.

Follow the on-screen prompts to authorize the connection.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see a green “Connected” status next to the tool.

Step 3: Add Actions to Your Flow

Open any flow and add an “Action” block.

Select your connected tool and choose the action to perform.

How to Use ManyChat Templates and Flows

Vorlagen und Abläufe lets you get started fast with pre-built conversation structures.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch Templates and Flows in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Browse Templates

Click “Templates” from the Automation section.

Durchsuchen categories like lead generation, e-commerce, and support.

Step 2: Install a Template

Click “Use Template” on the one that fits your goal.

ManyChat copies the entire flow into your account.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the template flow appear in your Automation tab.

Step 3: Customize and Publish

Edit the message Text, buttons, and images to match your brand.

Click “Publish” when your changes are ready.

How to Use ManyChat SMS Marketing

SMS-Marketing lets you send text message campaigns to subscribers who opt in.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch SMS Marketing in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Enable SMS in Settings

Go to “Settings” and click “SMS” in the channel list.

Follow the setup wizard to connect your SMS number.

Step 2: Collect Phone Numbers

Add a “User Input” block to any flow asking for phone numbers.

ManyChat saves numbers to subscriber profiles automatically.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see phone numbers appear in your contact list.

Step 3: Send an SMS Broadcast

Go to “Broadcasting” and select “SMS” as the channel.

Write your message, select your audience, and hit “Send.”

How to Use ManyChat AI Assistant

KI-Assistent lets you automate replies using artificial intelligence trained on your business info.

Here’s how to use it step by step.

Watch AI Assistant in action:

Now let’s break down each step.

Step 1: Open the AI Hub

Click “AI” in the left sidebar to open the AI Hub.

Select “AI Replies” to start training your assistant.

Step 2: Train with Your Business Data

Add website URLs or type Geschäft info for the AI to learn.

The AI uses this knowledge to answer customer questions.

✓ Checkpoint: You should see your knowledge sources listed in the AI Hub.

Step 3: Activate AI Replies

Toggle “AI Replies” on for your chosen channels.

The AI now responds to DMs based on your trained data.

ManyChat Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing ManyChat for over two years, here are my best tips.

Tastenkombinationen

Hidden Features Most People Miss

• Comment Triggers: Set a keyword on any Instagram post so users who comment it get an automatic DM with your offer.
• Reply Variations: Add multiple versions of the same reply so your bot doesn’t look spammy or repetitive.
• QR Code Growth Tool: Generate a QR code that opens a Messenger or Instagram conversation with your bot when scanned.

ManyChat Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Ignoring the 24-Hour Messaging Rule

Mistake #2: Building Flows Without Testing

Mistake #3: Not Using Tags to Segment Contacts

ManyChat Troubleshooting

Problem: Bot Not Responding to Messages

Cause: Your Facebook Page or Instagram account may have disconnected from ManyChat.

Fix: Go to Settings, click your channel, and reconnect it. Then test with a fresh message.

Problem: Messages Blocked by Meta

Cause: You may be violating Meta’s 24-hour messaging policy by sending promotions too late.

Fix: Switch to Marketing Messages for re-engagement. Only send non-promotional messages outside the 24-hour window.

Problem: Subscribers Not Receiving SMS

Cause: Phone numbers may not be properly verified, or SMS opt-in was not completed.

Fix: Check your SMS settings for proper opt-in compliance. Verify phone numbers in your contact list.

📌 Notiz: If none of these fix your issue, contact ManyChat support.

Was ist ManyChat?

ManyChat is a chat automation tool that helps businesses automate conversations across Instagram, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, TikTok, SMS, and email.

Think of it like a tireless assistant that replies to every DM and comment 24/7.

Watch this quick overview:

It includes these key features:

• Multi-Channel Messaging: Reach customers on Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, SMS, and email from one place.
• Interactive Chatbots: Build automated conversations with the drag-and-drop visual flow builder.
• Live Chat Takeover: Jump into any conversation when a human touch is needed.
• Leistungsstarke Integrationen: Connect with CRMs, email tools, and payment platforms like Zapier and Stripe.
• Templates and Flows: Get started fast with pre-built automation templates for common use cases.
• SMS Marketing: Send text message campaigns and collect phone numbers from subscribers.
• KI-Assistent: Let AI handle replies and build flows trained on your business data.

For a full review, see our ManyChat review.

ManyChat Pricing

Here’s what ManyChat costs in 2026:

Kostenlose Testversion: Yes — 7-day free trial of Pro features available.

Geld-zurück-Garantie: No — but you can cancel anytime and downgrade to the free plan.

💰 Best Value: Pro at $15/month — unlocks unlimited keywords, tags, integrations, and custom fields that make your bot actually useful.

ManyChat vs Alternatives

How does ManyChat compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Watch this comparison:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: ManyChat — easiest flow builder with the most social channels supported.
• Best budget: Flow XO — starts at $19/month with cross-platform support.
• Best for beginners: Chatfuel — simple drag-and-drop builder focused on Messenger.
• Best for lead generation: Tars — turns web forms into chat-based experiences that convert.

🎯 ManyChat Alternatives

Looking for ManyChat alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🚀 Chatfuel: Great for Facebook-focused businesses that want fast, no-code Messenger bot setup with e-commerce integrations.
• 💰 MobileMonkey: Ideal for agencies needing omnichannel chat across Messenger, SMS, and web chat in one tool.
• 🎨 Botsify: Budget-friendly option with drag-and-drop builder for websites, Messenger, and WhatsApp bots.
• ⚡ Teer: Turns static web forms into interactive chat-based landing pages that boost conversion rates.
• 🔧 Flow XO: Connects bots across Messenger, Slack, and web with 100+ third-party integrations built in.

For the full list, see our ManyChat alternatives guide.

⚔️ ManyChat Compared

Here’s how ManyChat stacks up against each competitor:

• ManyChat vs Chatfuel: ManyChat wins on Instagram and WhatsApp support. Chatfuel is better for Messenger-only e-commerce bots.
• ManyChat vs MobileMonkey: ManyChat has a simpler interface. MobileMonkey offers stronger sales outreach tools for agencies.
• ManyChat vs Botsify: ManyChat is easier to learn. Botsify costs more but includes website chat and multilingual bots.
• ManyChat vs Tars: ManyChat focuses on social messaging. Tars excels at lead generation through conversational landing pages.
• ManyChat vs Flow XO: ManyChat is better for social channels. Flow XO shines with Slack, web chat, and API integrations.

Start Using ManyChat Now

You learned how to use every major ManyChat feature:

• ✅ Multi-Channel Messaging
• ✅ Interactive Chatbots
• ✅ Live Chat Takeover
• ✅ Powerful Integrations
• ✅ Templates and Flows
• ✅ SMS Marketing
• ✅ AI Assistant

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with Multi-Channel Messaging.

It takes less than 5 minutes.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is ManyChat and how does it work?

ManyChat is a chat automation platform that lets you build chatbots for Instagram, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, TikTok, SMS, and email. It works by using triggers (like keywords or comments) to start automated conversation flows that respond to customers without manual effort.

How to set up ManyChat step by step?

Sign up at ManyChat.com using your Facebook or Instagram account. Connect your business page, set up a welcome message, and configure your default reply. Then create your first flow in the Automation tab using the drag-and-drop builder.

Is ManyChat hard to learn?

No. ManyChat has one of the easiest interfaces among chatbot platforms. The visual flow builder uses drag-and-drop blocks, so you don’t need any coding skills. Most users create their first working bot within 10 to 15 minutes.

What is the 24 hour rule for ManyChat?

Meta requires that promotional messages on Messenger and Instagram be sent within 24 hours of the subscriber’s last interaction. After 24 hours, you can only send non-promotional messages unless the user has opted into Marketing Messages.

Can you use ManyChat for free?

Yes. ManyChat offers a free plan that supports up to 1,000 contacts with basic features. It includes limited keyword triggers and automation tools. For advanced features like unlimited keywords, tags, and integrations, you need the Pro plan starting at $15 per month.

How to setup ManyChat for Instagram?

Sign up for ManyChat, then connect your Instagram Business or Creator account. You need a Facebook Page linked to your Instagram account. Once connected, you can set up comment triggers, keyword replies, and story mention automations from the Automation tab.

What is the purpose of ManyChat?

ManyChat helps businesses automate customer conversations to generate leads, drive sales, and provide support. It turns soziale Medien interactions into automated sales funnels that work around the clock without manual replies.

How does ManyChat billing work?

ManyChat uses monthly billing based on your number of active contacts. The Pro plan starts at $15 per month for up to 500 contacts and scales up as your list grows. WhatsApp, SMS, and email usage fees are billed separately on top of your plan cost.