How often does Zapier run?

In this blog post, we will discuss the frequency at which Zapier runs, thereby helping users understand how to plan their automated tasks effectively.

Understanding Zap Triggers and Actions

Before diving into the intervals at which Zapier runs, it is essential to understand the components of a Zap. Zapier automation is built on two primary elements: triggers and actions. A trigger is an event that sets the automation in motion, while an action is the task executed as a consequence of the trigger.

For instance, if a user wants to send a welcome email to new subscribers, the trigger would be 'New Subscriber' and the action would be 'Send Email.' Triggers and actions work in tandem, and their execution depends on the timing and frequency set on the Zapier platform.

Zapier Task Polling Intervals

The frequency at which Zapier checks for new triggers and subsequently executes the associated actions depends on the user's pricing plan. Zapier offers four different pricing plans with varying polling intervals:

1. Free plan: With the Free plan, Zapier checks for triggers every 15 minutes. This is suitable for those requiring automation for minor tasks or are just getting started with Zapier.

2. Starter plan: The Starter plan comes with a polling frequency of 5 minutes, suitable for users who require more frequent updates for their automations.

3. Professional plan: Upgrading to the Professional plan reduces the polling interval to 2 minutes, allowing for more rapid and consistent automation execution.

4. Company and Enterprise plans: Businesses seeking the fastest Zap execution can opt for Company or Enterprise plans, which offer 1-minute polling intervals for optimal performance.

Instant Triggers and Webhooks

For situations where real-time automation is necessary, Zapier offers instant triggers and webhooks. Instant triggers enable certain apps to immediately notify Zapier when a particular event has occurred, thus eliminating the need for Zapier to poll for triggers. This results in near-instantaneous trigger detection and action execution.

Webhooks, on the other hand, are user-defined callbacks that can be added to Zaps, allowing them to communicate in real-time with other apps. Both instant triggers and webhooks provide a more immediate response compared to the polling intervals but can be limited by the apps supporting this feature.

Understanding the polling intervals and instant trigger options that Zapier provides is crucial in planning effective automations. Users must evaluate their specific needs and choose a plan that strikes the right balance between the desired frequency, budget, and app compatibility.