Playbook · Course creators
How a course creator can build a launch waitlist from Instagram
By Michał Kołnierzak · Updated November 7, 2026
A waitlist is the quiet engine behind a strong course launch — it gathers the people who want in before doors open. This playbook shows course creators how to grow that list from Instagram by teasing the course in content, inviting a keyword comment, and capturing each interested follower’s email in the DMs, so launch day starts with a warm audience instead of a cold push.
Free plan · No credit card
Playbook
What this guide covers
What should a waitlist post promise?
Share content that shows the result your course delivers, then ask viewers to comment a word like ‘WAITLIST’ to be first in line. People join a waitlist for the outcome they want, so lead with the change and let the curriculum come later.
When should you ask for the email?
When someone comments, CommentTap replies in the DMs and asks for their email to save their spot. Collecting the address in the moment means you keep the lead even if launch is weeks away, and you can reach everyone directly when enrollment opens.
How do you keep people on the waitlist engaged before launch?
Use the emails you captured to share a useful lesson or a behind-the-scenes look from your own email tool a few days after someone joins. Steady, helpful contact keeps the waitlist engaged so that when you announce the open date, the people on it already trust that the course is worth it.
Key takeaways
- Lead with the outcome to make joining the waitlist an easy yes.
- Capturing the email in the DM means you own the launch audience.
- A short email sequence keeps the list warm until doors open.
How it works
How comment-to-DM automation works
- 01
Choose a post and keyword
Pick a post or Reel and a word like “guide” or “price”.
- 02
Add your message and offer
Write the DM and attach a link, PDF, coupon or booking page.
- 03
CommentTap sends it — and tracks it
Every match gets a DM right away. Clicks and leads land in your stats.
FAQ
Questions, answered
- When should I start building the waitlist?
- Start weeks before launch. The earlier you capture interested followers, the larger and warmer your audience is when enrollment finally opens.
- Do I need email software connected first?
- No. CommentTap captures and stores the emails as leads, and you can export them or connect a tool later to run your launch sequence.
- What if someone joins but the course is not ready?
- Email waitlisters useful content from your own email tool until the launch date, so interest stays high through the wait.