Start Triggers
Every AgentFlow begins at the Start node. What actually starts a run is the trigger you configure on that node. A flow can have more than one trigger, so the same bot can answer a live chat, react to an Instagram DM, and fire on a schedule — all from a single Start node.
This section covers each trigger type in detail. For the Start node's shared settings (Ephemeral Memory, Flow Variables, Persist Variables), see the Start node page. For a big-picture look at what can kick off a flow, see Triggers overview.
Choosing a trigger
| Trigger | Starts the flow when… | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Chat Input | Someone types in a chat window (internal test panel, embedded widget, or shared chatbot link) | Website chatbots, in-app assistants, testing on the canvas |
| Custom Webhook | An external system sends an HTTP request to your flow's unique URL | Connecting any platform not built in — custom CRMs, form builders, Telegram, internal tools |
| Instagram Business | A customer sends a DM, comments, mentions you, or replies to a story on Instagram | Instagram DM autoresponders, comment automation |
| WhatsApp Business | A customer sends a WhatsApp message (text, media, buttons, forms, and more) | WhatsApp support and sales bots |
| Zoho CRM | A record is created, edited, or deleted in a Zoho CRM module | Reacting to CRM changes — new leads, updated deals |
| Scheduled Run | A timer fires — once at a set time, or repeatedly on a schedule | Reminders, digests, recurring campaigns |
| Batch Run | A scheduled fire fans out to many recipients from a list | Bulk WhatsApp template campaigns, per-contact outreach |
The three channel triggers (Instagram, WhatsApp, Zoho) let you pick which events or message types actually start the flow — so one account can route DMs to one flow and comments to another. Each page explains the options.
How triggers relate to connected accounts
Instagram, WhatsApp, and Zoho triggers assume the account is already connected to Flowera. This section covers how to set up the trigger inside a flow — picking the account, choosing events, and tuning behavior. Connecting the account itself (Business Login, Zoho OAuth) lives in the Channels section.
Connecting an Instagram/WhatsApp/Zoho account is a one-time setup done outside the flow builder. See the Credentials section for account connection. Once connected, the account appears in the trigger's dropdown here.
In this section
- Chat Input — trigger from a chat window
- Custom Webhook — trigger from any HTTP request, with full security options
- Instagram Business — DMs, comments, mentions, story replies
- WhatsApp Business — all 13 message types
- Zoho CRM — record create / edit / delete across CRM modules
- Scheduled Run — time-based triggering
- Batch Run — bulk, per-recipient triggering