What is a Webhook in Zapier?

What is a Webhook in Zapier?
A webhook is an automated message that one application sends to another when a specific event occurs. Instead of polling for updates, the sending app delivers data instantly to a unique URL provided by the receiving app. In Zapier, webhooks allow you to integrate apps that don’t have built-in Zapier connectors, making them a powerful option for custom automations.

How Webhooks Work

When an event occurs in an app—such as a form submission, a payment, or a new record—it generates a payload (the data related to that event). The app then sends that payload to a designated URL.

Think of the webhook URL like a phone number or an address: it’s where the data needs to be delivered. Zapier can provide this unique URL, listen for incoming data, and then use it to trigger an automation.

Using Webhooks in Zapier

Zapier’s built-in Webhooks by Zapier app can be used in two different ways:

As a Trigger (Catch Hook):
Zapier gives you a unique URL. You place that URL into another app so it can send data to Zapier. When the event occurs in the sending app, Zapier “catches” the webhook and uses it to start your Zap.
As an Action (POST, GET, or Custom Webhook):
If you need Zapier to send data out to another application, Zapier can act as the sender. You provide Zapier with the webhook endpoint from the other system, and Zapier will deliver the data whenever your Zap reaches that action step.

This flexibility means that even if your application doesn’t support native Zapier integration, you can still connect it either by catching its data into Zapier or by sending data out through Zapier.

Why Use Webhooks?

Real-time updates – Data is sent instantly when the event occurs.
Custom connections – Useful when apps don’t have direct Zapier integrations.
Efficiency – Eliminates the need for constant polling or manual entry.

Common Use Cases

Receiving form submissions from an app that doesn’t have a Zapier connector (using Zapier as the trigger).
Sending new lead data from Momentum AMS to a third-party tool that only accepts webhooks (using Zapier as the action).
Updating external databases or systems in real-time.

Next Steps with Momentum AMS

If you’d like to see how webhooks specifically connect with Momentum AMS forms, review this article:
Form Webhook Integration and Mapping in Momentum AMS

Final Thoughts

Webhooks are a powerful way to extend Zapier beyond its native integrations. By using them, you can build real-time automations, capture data instantly, and connect Momentum AMS with external systems that don’t yet have a direct Zapier integration.