Automate Your Bubble.io App in Real-Time with Webhooks & Triggers

Hey,

Did you know that you don’t have to wait for scheduled workflows to run in Bubble.io? Database Triggers & Webhooks allow your app to react instantly when something changes—making it faster, more efficient, and fully automated.

Instead of running time-based workflows, these tools let your app respond in real time to user actions, making it smarter and reducing manual effort.

Today, I’ll break down how to use Database Triggers & Webhooks in Bubble.io to power real-time automation.

1. What Are Database Triggers?

A Database Trigger is an automatic workflow that runs whenever a change happens in your database.

For example:

• A user updates their email → Trigger an email verification workflow.

• An order is marked as ‘Shipped’ → Send a confirmation message instantly.

• A new user signs up → Auto-create related records like a profile, settings, or welcome message.

Instead of relying on time-based workflows, Database Triggers respond instantly to changes.

How to Set It Up in Bubble.io:

1. Go to the Backend Workflows tab.

2. Create a new “Database Trigger Event.”

3. Select the Data Type you want to monitor (e.g., User, Order, Post).

4. Set conditions (e.g., “When Order’s Status changes to ‘Shipped’”).

5. Define what happens next (e.g., send a confirmation email, update a dashboard).

2. What Are Webhooks?

A Webhook allows your Bubble.io app to send or receive data instantly from other apps whenever something happens.

For example:

• A new Stripe payment comes in → Your app automatically updates the user’s subscription.

• A customer submits a form on your website → A new lead is created in your CRM instantly.

• A task is completed in an external project management app → Bubble updates the status inside your app.

Webhooks are like instant messengers between different platforms. Instead of checking for updates every few minutes, Bubble gets notified immediately when something happens.

3. How to Set Up a Webhook in Bubble.io

Step 1: Enable API Workflows

• Go to Settings > API and enable backend workflows.

Step 2: Create a New API Workflow

• In the Backend Workflows tab, click “New API Workflow” and name it.

• Add parameters to define what data the webhook will receive (e.g., user ID, order status).

Step 3: Get the Webhook URL

• Once created, Bubble will generate a unique Webhook URL.

• Copy this URL and paste it into the third-party service (e.g., Stripe, Zapier, Make).

Step 4: Test & Use the Webhook

• Send a test request from the external service.

• If successful, you’ll see the data appear in your Bubble logs.

• Set up actions inside Bubble (e.g., update a database entry, send a notification).

4. Real-World Examples of Triggers & Webhooks in Action

Not sure how to use these in your app? Here are some real-world automation examples:

✅ E-commerce App

• A new order is placed → Inventory is updated instantly using a Database Trigger.

• Order status changes to “Shipped” → A webhook notifies a shipping provider to generate tracking details.

✅ SaaS App

• A user upgrades their plan → Stripe sends a webhook to Bubble to unlock premium features instantly.

• A customer cancels their subscription → A webhook updates the database and removes access to paid content.

✅ No-Code CRM or Marketplace

• A new lead is added from a website form → Webhook automatically sends the data to Bubble.io.

• A seller marks an item as “Sold” → A Database Trigger updates the listing in real time.

These automations save time, reduce errors, and make your app feel seamless.

5. When to Use Database Triggers vs. Webhooks

If the action happens inside your app, use a Database Trigger.
If the action comes from an external service, use a Webhook.

That’s a Wrap!

Automation is the key to scaling your Bubble.io app without adding extra work. Whether you’re using Database Triggers for instant updates or Webhooks to connect with other tools, these features will make your app more powerful.

What’s the first automation you’re going to build? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear how you’re using these features!

Until week,
Stackless