Appointment booking for WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger DMs.
On Pro, the AI offers open Google Calendar times in the chat, creates the event when the customer picks one, and handles reschedules. Calendly customers get your booking link.
- Set up in minutes
- Review before anything sends
Calendar booking is on Pro ($349/mo), with no per-booking fee. Starter ($59/mo) and Growth ($129/mo) do not include it.
The short answer
How does appointment booking work in WhatsApp and Instagram DMs?
On Pro, once Google Calendar is connected, Instant Reply's AI offers open times in the chat as numbered options and creates the calendar event when the customer picks one. With Calendly it sends your booking link. It can offer replacement times for a reschedule. Reminders go to the calendar owner, not the customer. Starter and Growth do not include booking.
Last verified
Key facts
- Calendar booking is Pro only ($349/mo).
- Google Calendar: numbered slots, event created on confirmation, reschedule supported.
- Calendly: the AI sends your booking or reschedule link.
- Reminders go to the calendar owner, not the customer.
- No deposits or payments in the booking step.
Verified capabilities
What booking does today
Checked against the product source code and plan data on October 2, 2026. The last two rows list what it does not do.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Capability | How it works today | Plans |
|---|---|---|
| Google Calendar slots in the DM | With Google Calendar connected and Booking handoff set up in The Brain's Automations tab, the AI offers open times (generated from business hours minus your busy times) as numbered options. The customer replies 1, 2 or 3. | Pro ($349/mo) |
| Confirmation | A booking is confirmed to the customer only after the event is created on your primary Google Calendar. If creation fails, the AI does not claim it is booked. | Pro |
| Reschedule | A customer who asks to move an appointment is offered replacement times. The old appointment stays until the new one is chosen and confirmed. | Pro |
| Calendly | With Calendly connected, the AI sends your Calendly booking link and, for changes, the reschedule link. Calendly confirms the time; Instant Reply does not pick the slot. | Pro |
| Appointments list | The Calendar page lists upcoming appointments from your connected calendar. | Pro |
| Reminders | Reminders are set on the Google Calendar event (an email 60 minutes before and a popup 15 minutes before) for the calendar owner. Instant Reply does not send reminder messages to the customer. | Calendar owner only |
| Starter and Growth | Calendar booking is a Pro feature. On Starter ($59/mo) and Growth ($129/mo), if a customer asks to book, the AI is told no calendar is connected and does not invent times. | Not available |
| Payments, deposits and team calendars | Booking does not take deposits, and it uses one connected calendar rather than assigning teammates by calendar. | Not available |
Best fit
Use it when the lead is ready to pick a time in the chat.
It shortens the step from yes to a calendar slot.
Best fit
Consultations, demos and services booked from Instagram, Messenger or WhatsApp DMs.
Use a link if
Your booking needs a long intake form before any time can be offered.
Check first
Which calendar is connected, your business hours and timezone, and what you want said about reminders.
How it works
How It Works
Connect a calendar
Connect Google Calendar or Calendly and set up Booking handoff in The Brain.
The AI offers times
When a customer asks to book, it offers open slots (or your Calendly link) in the same thread.
The booking is confirmed
For Google Calendar the event is created first, then the customer is told it is booked.
Why teams choose it
What booking in the DM changes
Fewer steps between yes and a calendar slot.
No jump to a form
The customer picks a time in the chat they are already in.
Real availability
Slots come from business hours minus your busy times.
Honest confirmation
The AI says booked only after the event exists.
Reschedules handled
Replacement times are offered and the old appointment stays until the new one is confirmed.
Best fit
Perfect for teams that move fast in DMs.
Consultation booking
Scenario
A prospect asks about Thursday afternoon. The AI lists three open times and books the one they pick.
Outcome
Demo requests
Scenario
A hot lead asks for a call after pricing. The AI offers the next open slots while interest is high.
Outcome
Link-based booking
Scenario
Your team uses Calendly. The AI sends the booking link when a customer asks to book.
Outcome
The difference
Why Switch?
Without Instant Reply
With Instant Reply
Common questions
Can the AI book appointments inside WhatsApp and Instagram DMs?
Yes, on Pro ($349/mo). With Google Calendar connected, the AI offers open slots in the chat and creates the event when the customer picks one. With Calendly it sends your booking link instead. Starter and Growth do not include calendar booking.
How does the customer choose a time?
The AI lists up to three open times as 1, 2 and 3 and the customer replies with a number or the time. The booking is confirmed only after the calendar event is created.
What if the customer wants to reschedule?
With Google Calendar the AI offers replacement times and keeps the current appointment until the new one is confirmed. With Calendly it sends the reschedule link, and Calendly updates the booking.
Does the customer get a reminder?
Not from Instant Reply. Google Calendar reminders (60-minute email, 15-minute popup) go to the calendar owner. Add a follow-up or send your own reminder if customers need one.
Which calendars work?
Google Calendar (events on the primary calendar) and Calendly. Other calendars are not connected.
What happens if no calendar is connected?
The AI is instructed that no booking system is connected, so it does not invent times. Your team can answer the booking request from the inbox.
Related features
Features that work with this one
Each page below covers the next step in the same workflow, with its own plan limits and a list of what it does not do.
Let customers pick a time in the chat.
Start the 7-day trial, which includes Pro features, and connect Google Calendar.
An interactive read-only demo, and plan limits in plain English.