What is a webhook?
A webhook is a way for apps to notify each other automatically. You give a provider a URL (your "webhook endpoint"), and whenever a chosen event occurs, the provider sends a small package of data to that URL. Your system receives it and reacts — updating a record, triggering a workflow, or alerting a team.
The classic analogy: an API is like phoning a shop every few minutes to ask if your order shipped (polling). A webhook is the shop texting you the second it ships. Far less effort, far more real-time.
How does a webhook work?
- Register a URL: you tell the provider where to send event data (your webhook endpoint).
- An event happens: a message is delivered, a call ends, a customer replies.
- The provider sends data: it makes an HTTP request to your URL with the event details (usually as JSON).
- Your system reacts: you process the data — log it, update a dashboard, or start the next step.
Webhook vs API
Webhook | API | |
|---|---|---|
Direction | Provider pushes to you | You pull from the provider |
Trigger | An event (automatic) | Your request (manual) |
Timing | Real-time | When you ask |
Analogy | "Don't call us, we'll call you" | "Call us anytime to check" |
They're complementary, not competing. In a typical cloud-communication setup, you send messages via the API and receive status updates via webhooks.
How webhooks are used in messaging
- Delivery receipts: know instantly when an SMS or WhatsApp message is delivered, read, or failed.
- Inbound messages: receive customer replies in real time for two-way support.
- Call status events: track when a call rings, connects, or ends — essential for number masking.
- OTP verification results: get notified the moment a code is confirmed.
- Workflow triggers: kick off the next step in an automation as soon as an event fires.
Benefits of webhooks
- Real-time: no delay waiting for the next poll.
- Efficient: no wasted requests constantly checking for updates.
- Scalable: handles high event volumes cleanly.
- Automation-ready: the backbone of event-driven workflows.
Helo.ai's Integrations service helps you wire webhooks into your CRM and internal tools so events flow automatically.
Related on Helo.ai: Integrations · Hub · Number Masking
Frequently asked questions
What is a webhook in simple terms?
It's an automatic message one app sends another when something happens — pushing real-time data to a URL you specify, instead of you having to ask for it.
What is the difference between a webhook and an API?
With an API, your app requests data when it wants it. With a webhook, the data is pushed to your app automatically the moment an event occurs.
What is a webhook used for in messaging?
Delivering real-time status updates like delivery receipts, inbound replies, and call events, so your system always knows what happened without constant checking.
Is a webhook secure?
Yes, when set up correctly — using HTTPS endpoints and verifying the signature or token the provider sends ensures the data is genuine.