Many creators start using ManyChat because it is well known. But after a few weeks, many of them get surprised by the bill.
In this guide, we break down how ManyChat pricing works. We also compare it with Creatoro so you can see which tool is best for your wallet.
The Problem With Contact-Based Pricing
ManyChat does not charge you based on how many direct messages you send. Instead, ManyChat charges you based on your total active contacts.
An active contact is anyone who has messaged your account in the last 365 days.
Here is why this is a trap for creators:
- One viral reel can bring you 5,000 new comments.
- If those people get an automated message, they are now saved as contacts.
- Many of those people will never message you again.
- ManyChat keeps charging you for them every single month.
As your account grows, your monthly bill grows with it. You end up paying more money just because your content did well.
ManyChat Pricing Breakdown
ManyChat has a free plan and a Pro plan. The Pro plan price goes up as your contact count increases.
Here is what ManyChat Pro costs per month:
| Total Contacts | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 contacts | $15 per month |
| Up to 1,000 contacts | $25 per month |
| Up to 2,500 contacts | $45 per month |
| Up to 5,000 contacts | $65 per month |
| Up to 10,000 contacts | $95 per month |
| Up to 15,000 contacts | $145 per month |
| Up to 25,000 contacts | $235 per month |
If your audience is growing, your ManyChat bill can easily pass $100 every month.
What Does ManyChat Free Give You?
ManyChat offers a free plan, but it has very strict limits:
- You only get 25 contacts. Once you pass 25 contacts, you must upgrade.
- Every message has a "Powered by Manychat" watermark.
- You can only have 4 live automations.
- You do not get AI features or post scheduling.
- You must connect a Facebook Business Page to make it work.
For almost every creator, 25 contacts runs out on day one.
How Creatoro Pricing Works
Creatoro was built specifically for Instagram creators. It does not use contact-based pricing.
Instead, Creatoro uses flat, predictable limits based on the number of direct messages you send each month.
1. Free Plan ($0 forever)
Creatoro has a generous free plan that you can use with no time limits:
- 1,000 direct messages every month.
- Unlimited contacts.
- Unlimited automations.
- Comment to DM automation included.
- Story reply trigger included.
- 3 scheduled posts per month.
- 30-day analytics.
- No watermark on your messages.
- No credit card required.
- No Facebook Page required.
2. Creator Plan ($15 per month billed annually, or $19 monthly)
Built for growing creators who need more volume:
- 10,000 direct messages every month.
- Unlimited contacts.
- Unlimited automations.
- All triggers including story mention.
- 30 scheduled posts per month.
- 90-day analytics.
- CSV contact export.
- Priority customer support.
- No watermark.
3. Studio Plan ($39 per month billed annually, or $49 monthly)
Built for agencies and top creators:
- 30,000 direct messages every month.
- Unlimited contacts.
- Unlimited automations.
- Unlimited scheduled posts.
- 365-day analytics with Excel and CSV export.
- Dedicated 1-on-1 support.
The Facebook Page Difference
There is another big difference between the two tools.
To use ManyChat, you must have a Facebook Business Page. You also need to navigate Meta Business Suite and connect your accounts. Many Instagram creators do not use Facebook and do not want to set up a business page.
Creatoro connects directly using official Instagram Login. You only need an Instagram Creator or Business account. You do not need a Facebook Page, and you do not need Meta Business Suite. Setup takes under 5 minutes.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | ManyChat | Creatoro |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan DM Volume | Capped at 25 contacts | 1,000 DMs per month |
| Free Plan Watermark | Yes ("Powered by Manychat") | No watermark at all |
| Pricing Model | Contact count (grows every month) | Flat monthly rate |
| Starter Paid Price | $15/mo (scales up quickly) | $15/mo billed annually ($19/mo) |
| Facebook Page Required? | Yes | No |
| Setup Time | 30 to 60 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Post Scheduling Included | No | Yes (native scheduler) |
| Official Meta API Safe | Yes | Yes |
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Choose ManyChat if:
- You need to manage customer chats across WhatsApp, SMS, and Facebook Messenger in one place.
- You run a large agency with a team of customer support agents.
- You have a large budget and do not mind paying more as your audience grows.
Choose Creatoro if:
- You focus on Instagram and want comment to DM and story reply automations.
- You want a generous free plan with 1,000 DMs and no watermark.
- You do not have or want a Facebook Business Page.
- You want predictable monthly pricing without surprise bills.
- You want a clean, fast tool that takes 5 minutes to set up.
Get Started Free
You can start using Creatoro today without paying anything. Connect your Instagram account, set up your first comment trigger, and start sending direct messages in minutes.