What Is a Webhook? How It Works and Examples
A webhook sends digital data from one system to another as soon as a specific event occurs. For example: Someone buys your ebook through a shopping cart system and then receives a newsletter from your email system. This works because your shopping cart system is connected to your newsletter tool via a webhook. Instead of periodically retrieving data, data is actively transmitted the moment the event occurs. Webhooks thus connect two applications and trigger an action there without any manual intervention.
At a Glance
- A webhook automatically notifies one system of an event that has occurred in another system.
- The transmission occurs in real time, triggered by the event itself.
- Unlike with repeated queries, the triggering system sends the data on its own initiative.
- A typical use case is integrating tools, such as sales and email programs.
How does a webhook work?
A webhook is set up for a specific event, such as "new purchase." When the event occurs, the triggering system sends a message containing the relevant data to a predefined address (URL) in the target system. The target system receives the message and performs an action.
What is the difference between a webhook, an interface, and an API request?
Term
What It Is
Procedure
Integration
the connection between two systems
An umbrella term that encompasses webhooks, APIs, or tools such as Zapier
Webhook
an event-driven notification from system to system
sends data on its own as soon as an event occurs (push)
API Interface
an interface for selectively retrieving and sending data
A system actively retrieves data (pull), for example once a day, to keep the data in sync
Practical Example of Webhooks
When someone purchases an online course, a webhook immediately sends the purchase data to an email tool. The tool automatically creates a contact and sends a welcome email with the login credentials. Without a webhook, the email tool would have to periodically check the sales platform, or the contact would have to be created manually.
Common Misconceptions
"A webhook and an API are the same thing."
An API is an interface for retrieving and sending data. A webhook is an event-driven notification, often part of an API.
"I need programming skills to use webhooks."
Not necessarily. Many platforms and tools, such as Zapier, connect webhooks without code.
"A webhook is a notification for people."
No. A webhook is an automated message sent from one system to another; it is not intended to be viewed by humans.
ablefy classification
ablefy provides webhooks, an API, and a Zapier integration to forward sales events to external tools. For example, when a new order is placed, a contact can be automatically created in an email marketing tool or an entry can be created in another system—all without any programming. This page provides an overview:
Frequently Asked Questions About Funnel
What does "webhook" mean in German?
"Webhook" is an English technical term that does not have an established German equivalent. Essentially, it is an automated web notification sent from one system to another, sometimes also referred to as an HTTP callback.
What are webhooks used for?
To connect tools and automate workflows, such as sending an email after a purchase.
What happens if a webhook fails?
If the message does not arrive, many systems will attempt to resend it. If the delivery still fails, the action will not be triggered in the destination system, so it's a good idea to check the webhook logs.
