What is a Trigger in Zapier?

What is a Trigger in Zapier?
In Zapier, a trigger is the event that starts an automation (Zap). Zapier monitors the selected app for this event, and once it occurs, the Zap is activated. Triggers are the foundation of every Zap because they determine when the automation begins.

Example: If you want Zapier to send a Slack message whenever you receive a new email in Gmail, the trigger is the new email.

Types of Triggers

Zapier offers two main types of triggers:

Polling Triggers
- Zapier checks the app for new data at regular intervals (from 1 to 15 minutes, depending on your plan).
- These are the most common type of trigger.
- Example: Zapier polls Gmail every 5 minutes to check for new emails.
Instant Triggers
- The app sends data to Zapier immediately when the event occurs.
- These triggers run in real time and are labeled Instant in the Zap editor.
- Example: A new form submission instantly triggers a follow-up action in Momentum AMS.

Setting Up a Trigger

When creating a Zap, you’ll:

Choose the Trigger App – the app where the event happens (e.g., Gmail, Slack, Momentum AMS).
Select the Trigger Event – the specific event to monitor, such as “New Email,” “New Form Submission,” or “Updated Record.”
Test the Trigger – Zapier pulls sample data to make sure the connection is working correctly.

Deduplication and Accuracy

To prevent duplicates, Zapier uses deduplication—meaning each trigger event is treated as unique. This ensures that a Zap doesn’t accidentally run multiple times for the same action.

Monitoring Triggers

Once your Zap is turned on:

Polling triggers will run automatically on their set schedule.
Instant triggers will run the moment the event happens.

Final Thoughts

Triggers are the starting point of every automation in Zapier. By choosing the right trigger, you control exactly when and how your Zaps begin—whether that’s a new lead, an email, or a client update in Momentum AMS.