Clear, consistent communication is key to successful influencer campaigns. Later Influence provides tools like Message Templates, Canned Responses, and the Messages Inbox to keep you and your creators aligned.

This FAQ covers common questions about how messaging works, how to automate, and how to troubleshoot.

Message Templates

What are message templates?

Pre-written emails tied to workflow stages that keep creators informed from invitation through payment. By default they’re Manual sends, but you can switch to automatic delivery. 

Can I edit templates?

Yes. Go to Setup → Message Templates, then edit the subject, body, and delivery settings. 

You can use merge tags (e.g., {{first_name}}, {{due_date}}), insert links, and add images (GIF/JPG/PNG up to 2 MB). Attachments aren’t supported in templates (only in new messages/replies).  

What’s the difference between placeholders and merge tags?

• Placeholders: [ALL CAPS IN BRACKETS] → update manually before sending.
• Merge tags: {{curly_brackets}} → auto-populate with creator/campaign data when the message sends (e.g., due dates).  

Sending Messages to Creators

How do I message creators in bulk?

From the Workflow tab in your campaign, 

1. Select the creators you want to message
2. Click Send Message
3. Select a template (top left), compose a custom message or use a canned response (bottom left).

Can I message a single creator?

Yes. Open their creator profile in the Workflow tab (click the |← button), click Send Message, and choose a template or write a custom message. 

Does “Add to Campaign” notify creators automatically?

No—unless you set the Invitation template to Automatic: Stage Entry → Invited

Can I resend an email to a creator?

Yes, but by default automatic sends and manual sends exclude past recipients. If you need to resend, uncheck Exclude Past Recipients.

Do messages go to creators outside Later Social?

Yes. Messages are delivered to the email linked to a creator's account.

Can I attach files to messages?

Yes, but only for new messages or replies. Templates cannot include attachments. Maximum total size: 25MB (text + attachments).  

Automation & Scheduling Emails

What delivery methods are available?

• Manual → You trigger the send.
• Automatic: Stage Entry → Sends when a creator enters a stage.
• Automatic: Date Based → Sends relative to a due date or specific date.
• Automatic: Draft Needs Work → Sends when you mark a draft as needing revisions.

When do date-based reminders send?

Between 7:00–8:00 AM Eastern on the scheduled day. Merge tags will auto-populate with each creator’s due date.

Can I set multiple reminders for the same deadline?

Yes. Duplicate the template and adjust the timing (e.g., 3 days before, 1 day before, 1 day after).

Can I schedule messages to send later?

Yes. When sending a manual message, click the dropdown arrow next to Send, then set your date/time, and confirm. Messages appear under Scheduled Messages in the inbox. 

Inbox & Message Routing

Where do I find creator replies?

• Replies to campaign emails: Go to the Messages page in the left sidebar; replies are routed to that campaign folder.
• Replies not associated with a campaign: Go to the Messages page in the left sidebar; replies are directed to the General Inquiries folder.

What if my campaign is archived or expired?

Messages remain accessible in an Archived Campaign folder.

What’s the difference between templates and canned responses?

• Templates → Pre-written, tied to workflow stages, configured at the campaign level.
• Canned responses → Saved replies you can insert when responding to creators in the inbox.

What if I want to message creators outside of a campaign?

1. Go to the Messages page in the left side bar
2. From the Inbox, click New Message.
3. Start a standalone thread not tied to a campaign. You can add extra recipients with CC.

Troubleshooting

Why didn’t my automated message send?

• Check if automation is enabled (Stage Entry, Date-Based, or Draft Needs Work).
• Confirm the creator is in the correct stage or has a due date set.
• Make sure the template wasn’t disabled.

Why didn’t my merge tags populate?

• Merge tags only populate if data exists (e.g., if no due date is set, {{due_date}} will be blank).
• Placeholders in [brackets] are not merge tags — update them manually.

Can I test a message before sending it to creators?

Yes. Add yourself as a test creator:

1. Use your campaign’s application link in a new browser tab.
2. Create a Later Social account when prompted.
3. Move yourself through stages to trigger automated sends.

Can I recall or edit a message after it’s sent?

No. Once sent, messages cannot be recalled or edited. If a correction is needed, send a follow-up message.

Do creators know if I’ve added internal comments?

No. Internal comments are only visible to your team inside Later Influence.

Can I send attachments with templates?

No. Templates support inline images only (up to 2MB). Attachments (e.g., PDFs) can only be added to new messages or replies.