# Should I use a scripted automation or the AI assistant?

> A scripted automation sends exactly the words you wrote and then stops. The AI assistant, on Pro and Scale, keeps answering follow-up questions from your facts, and most accounts use both together.

- Topic: AI replies and AI assistant
- In the app: Open Automations — https://app.replavia.com/automations
- Last checked: 2026-10-29
- Web page: https://replavia.com/help/scripted-automation-or-ai-assistant

## The short answer

Use a scripted automation when you know exactly what to send. Use the AI assistant when people ask questions you cannot predict. Most accounts use a scripted automation first and let the assistant carry the chat on.

## How each one works

| | Scripted automation | AI assistant |
|---|---|---|
| What it sends | Exactly the words you wrote | A short reply written from your facts |
| When it stops | After it sends its message | After 10 replies, or sooner |
| Plans | Every plan | Pro and Scale |
| AI allowance | Not used | Each reply uses it |

A scripted automation is predictable. The same keyword always gets the same message, link or button. That makes it ideal for a giveaway, a free guide or a discount code.

The assistant is flexible. Someone asks “Do you have this in blue, and can it arrive by Friday?” A keyword reply cannot answer that. The assistant can, if the answer is in your details.

## When each one fits

**Scripted automation fits:**

- “Comment GUIDE and I’ll DM you the link”
- collecting an email or phone number
- a fixed answer, such as your opening hours

**The assistant fits:**

- questions about prices, sizes, dates or availability
- people who want to book a call or a session
- conversations where the next question depends on the last answer

See [How to create an automation](https://replavia.com/help/create-an-automation) for the scripted side.

## How they work together

By default, your automations get the first chance. The assistant only replies to people already in your Lead Inbox, and only when their DM matches none of your automations.

You can also hand a chat over on purpose:

1. Open an automation that uses the **User DMs you** trigger.
2. Find the **Hand over to the AI DM agent** step.
3. Tick **Hand over to the AI DM agent after this automation replies**, then save.

After that automation sends its reply, the person’s next message goes to the assistant. It no longer matches the same keyword again. The box starts unticked on every automation.

The handover only happens when the assistant is switched on and at least three AI replies are left this month. If the assistant cannot answer later, your automations take the chat back. The person is not left in silence.

## Common mistakes

- **Ticking the box with the assistant switched off.** The builder warns you. Turn it on under **Lead Inbox**, then **AI Agent**.
- **Leaving the offer and booking link empty.** The assistant can then only ask questions. See [how to set up the assistant](https://replavia.com/help/set-up-your-ai-dm-assistant).
- **Expecting it on comment or story automations.** The handover works only on **User DMs you** automations.

## Good to know

- Unticking the box stops new handovers. Chats the assistant already has end the normal way.
- Comment drafts and the assistant share one monthly AI allowance, not one each.
- The assistant stops and hands people to you in set cases. See [when the assistant hands the chat to you](https://replavia.com/help/ai-assistant-handover-and-limits).