This is the setup from my Instinct reel. Instinct is a personal AI assistant you text. On my iPhone it shows up as a blue bubble in iMessage, so there's no app to open. You ask for something in plain words and it goes and does it, with updates in the same thread.
On September 28, 2026, Instinct raised $1 billion at a $10 billion valuation in a Series C led by Sequoia, Benchmark and Coatue. It's still in early access, so you can't just download it yet. Noah Shinn is the founder.
Step 1: Get access
- Go to instinct.com and tap "Text Instinct to get started!"
- Instinct texts you. When I signed up, it texted me again once my access opened.
- Save the number as a contact called Instinct so it's easy to find in Messages.
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Step 2: Set your rules before it touches money
Instinct can log into accounts and buy things for you. I set it up so a mistake would stay small:
- I gave it a prepaid credit card instead of my main card. The most it can ever spend is what's loaded on the card.
- I gave it a spending limit in my first message.
- I only shared a login when a task needed one. For a one-off job, you can change that password once the job is done.
Read the privacy policy before you hand over logins. Then send this as your first text:
Here's how I want you to work for me: - Use the prepaid card I'm sending you for purchases up to $[your limit]. Ask me before anything over that. - Text me an update as you go and send me the confirmation when you're done. - Ask me before you cancel, change or sign me up for any plan or account. - If you need a login, ask me for it and tell me what you'll use it for.
Step 3: The texts I sent
Lower my internet bill
I gave it my AT&T login. It found I was paying too much for my internet package and got me about $75 a month off, texting me updates the whole way.
Log into my [AT&T] account and check what I pay for [internet]. Compare it with the current plans and promos for my address. If I'm overpaying, get me a lower rate on the same speed or better. Text me what you find before you change my plan.
Buy a printer at the best price
I'd been comparing printers. I gave it my top three and a price limit. It compared them, looked for coupon codes, bought the cheapest one under my limit and sent me the confirmation. The printer showed up a few days later.
I want one of these: [product 1], [product 2], [product 3]. Compare them on price, shipping time and reviews. Look for coupon codes. Buy the best deal under $[limit] with my prepaid card and send me the order confirmation. If nothing fits under the limit, text me the options first.
Book a flight
It booked my flight with the prepaid card and added my TSA PreCheck number to the reservation.
Book me a flight from [city] to [city] on [date], leaving after [time]. Economy, one carry-on, under $[limit]. Add my TSA PreCheck number [number] to the booking. Text me the two best options before you buy.
It does more than errands
You can text it about anything. I've had it make PDFs and marketing material for me in the same thread.
It's still an AI acting on real accounts, so read its updates and check the confirmation for anything it buys or changes.
