Back to glossary
    Technical

    Webhook

    A webhook is an automated HTTP callback that sends real-time data from one system to another when a specific event occurs. UnifiedRAG supports webhooks to trigger actions in other tools — such as creating a ticket, sending a notification, or updating a CRM record — based on chatbot interactions.

    Why it matters for AI-powered support

    Webhooks are the real-time glue between your AI chatbot and the rest of your stack. When a customer qualifies as a high-intent lead mid-conversation, a webhook can fire instantly to create a CRM contact, alert a sales rep in Slack, and start a nurture sequence — without any manual work. For support teams, webhooks enable escalation automation: a conversation flagged as frustrated can open a priority ticket and assign it to a senior agent in seconds. Internal link: /integrations/[tool] (webhook examples), /features (workflow automation).

    How Webhooks Work

    The key difference between an API and a webhook is who initiates the communication.

    API (Pull)

    Your system asks for information.

    GET /api/conversations → response

    You decide when to check. If nothing happened, you still made the request.

    Webhook (Push)

    Another system automatically sends information when an event happens.

    Event fires → POST to your URL

    You only receive data when something actually happens. Real-time, zero polling.

    Example flow

    1New AI conversation starts
    2Webhook event fires
    3POST sent to CRM / Slack / internal system
    4CRM creates contact, Slack sends alert, ticket opens

    Webhooks for AI Chatbot Automation

    Webhooks are the real-time glue between your AI chatbot and the rest of your stack. Every significant event can trigger an automated action elsewhere.

    Trigger eventAutomated action via webhook
    New conversationLog to analytics, start a nurture sequence, or notify the on-call agent
    Lead capturedCreate a CRM contact, assign to a sales rep, and enroll in a follow-up workflow instantly
    Ticket createdOpen a helpdesk ticket with full conversation context pre-populated
    Human handoffAlert the assigned agent in Slack with conversation summary and customer details
    Appointment bookedAdd to calendar, send confirmation email, and update CRM — all in one event
    CRM updatesSync conversation outcome back to the customer record for future context
    Real-time notificationsPush critical events (frustrated customer, high-value lead, compliance trigger) to the right team immediately

    Webhooks eliminate manual work between systems. Every event in a customer conversation becomes a trigger for action — without polling, without delay, and without human intervention.

    Related Terms in Technical

    FAQ

    Questions about Webhook

    What is a webhook?

    A webhook is an automated HTTP callback that sends data from one application to another when a specific event occurs.

    How does a webhook work?

    A webhook sends an HTTP request to a predefined URL when an event happens. The receiving application processes the information and can perform an automated action based on the received data.

    What is the difference between an API and a webhook?

    An API typically requires an application to make a request to retrieve data or perform an action. A webhook sends data automatically when a specific event occurs, making it useful for real-time event-driven automation.

    How are webhooks used with AI chatbots?

    Webhooks can trigger actions based on AI chatbot interactions, such as creating support tickets, sending notifications, updating CRM records, or starting other business workflows.

    Why are webhooks important for real-time automation?

    Webhooks allow applications to exchange event information immediately when something happens. This reduces the need for repeated polling and enables faster automated workflows.

    7-day free trial · No credit card required

    Build an AI Chatbot for Your Website in Minutes

    Train your AI agent in minutes. Deploy to your site with one line of code. Watch deflection rates climb from day one.

    SOC 2 Type II
    GDPR compliant
    99.9% uptime SLA
    No credit card