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Overview

Opt-in is how a contact who previously opted out can re-subscribe to your messages. When someone replies with an opt-in keyword like START, Autocampaign AI clears their opt-out flag, records the consent on their timeline, and can send an optional welcome-back confirmation. You set up opt-in keywords and the auto-reply at Settings → Opt-out, in the right-hand Opt-In Settings column (next to Opt-out).
Time to complete: ~5 minutes  ·  Difficulty: Beginner  ·  Who can do this: anyone with access to Settings can view; you need to be an Owner or Admin to make changes.

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How opt-in works

1

A contact replies with an opt-in keyword

Autocampaign AI checks incoming messages for opt-in keywords. Detection works the same as opt-out. Capitals don’t matter, and the keyword must be at the start of the message as a whole word (STARTUP won’t match START).
2

The contact is re-subscribed

If the contact was previously opted out, Autocampaign AI clears the flag and records an Opted in event on their timeline. They can receive campaigns again. If they were never opted out, nothing changes.
3

An optional confirmation is sent

If you’ve set an opt-in auto-reply, Autocampaign AI sends it. See the exceptions for keywords your provider answers itself, below.

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The default keywords

Every workspace starts with the carrier-standard opt-in keywords:
Opt-in only affects contacts who are currently opted out. An opt-in keyword from an unknown number (one that has never contacted you) is ignored. It does not create a contact.

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Set up opt-in

1

Open opt-in settings

Go to Settings → Opt-out and use the Opt-In Settings column on the right.
2

Manage keywords

Add your own re-subscribe keywords (for example, subscribe) under Keywords. Up to 75 per workspace, same rules as opt-out.
3

Set a welcome-back auto-reply (optional)

Under Auto-Reply Message, enter an optional confirmation (up to 1,600 characters) sent when a contact re-subscribes, then Save.

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Auto-replies are not written by AI

The opt-in and opt-out auto-replies are fixed messages you write yourself. The exact text you enter is sent back word for word. They are not AI-generated. If you want AI to answer, qualify, or route incoming conversations, that’s a separate feature. See AI Employees, which work alongside your Inbox. Compliance replies (opt-in/opt-out confirmations) always send your exact text, on purpose.

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Keywords your provider answers for you

Like opt-out, your provider (the phone company behind your numbers) reserves the standard opt-in keywords:
  • Twilio automatically handles START, UNSTOP, YES and sends its own confirmation, so Autocampaign AI skips its reply for those. Your custom keywords are answered by Autocampaign AI.
  • Telnyx behaves the same way when advanced opt-in sync is turned on for the profile.
Autocampaign AI records how each contact entered your list as a consent source. Examples: CSV import, manual entry, web form (join link), text link, inbound SMS, or an ad platform (Google/Meta). Join-link web forms also store a snapshot of the exact consent wording, timestamp, and other evidence per submission. Opt-in and opt-out events are logged on the contact’s activity timeline so you have a record if anyone asks.

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FAQ

Only if they were opted out. If they were never opted out, nothing happens: no change and no reply.
No. Opt-out is different: a STOP is recorded even from unknown numbers, for compliance. An opt-in from a number that never contacted you is ignored.
No. It’s the fixed message you write yourself. For AI-assisted replies to incoming messages, use an AI Employee.
For the standard keywords (START, UNSTOP, YES) the carrier sends its own reply and blocks Autocampaign AI’s. Custom keywords you add are answered by Autocampaign AI.

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Troubleshooting

Confirm an Opted in event appears on their timeline. If they opted in after a campaign’s audience was built, they’ll be included in the next send.
Check it’s spelled correctly and that the incoming message starts with it. The keyword must be at the start of the message and be a whole word.

Opt-out management

STOP handling and keyword settings.