Reference · Tools
Twilio trigger
Starts a workflow when inbound SMS messages are received or voice call summaries are completed on your Twilio account.
The Twilio Trigger listens for events from your Twilio account through the Event Streams API — inbound SMS messages, completed call summaries, or both — and starts a workflow with the full payload. A typical build is handling replies to an outbound campaign automatically.
- Works as
- Webhook trigger
- Tool name
twilio_trigger- Parameters
- 3
- Outputs
- Output
- Credentials
- Twilio
- Official docs
- Twilio docs twilio.com
What you can build with Twilio
- Start a workflow when an SMS message is received on a Twilio number.
- Trigger a support ticket flow when a customer sends a text.
- When log all completed voice calls to a spreadsheet.
- When send an auto-reply when an inbound SMS arrives.
- When route incoming SMS messages to different teams based on content.
Overview
The Twilio Trigger node starts a workflow when events occur on your Twilio account. It uses the Twilio Event Streams API to subscribe to inbound SMS messages and completed voice call summaries. When Twilio detects a matching event, it sends the event payload to this webhook. Supports two event types: new inbound SMS messages and completed call summaries (note: call summaries may take up to 30 minutes to arrive). Outputs the full event payload as received from Twilio Event Streams.
Node Type
Trigger — webhook (receives incoming HTTP callbacks)
Input / Output
| Direction | Port(s) |
|---|---|
| Input | None (trigger node) |
| Output | Output |
Credentials
This tool requires Twilio credentials. See the Credentials Guide for setup instructions.
Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trigger On | multiOptions | Yes | [] | Which Twilio events to listen for. |
Options: com.twilio.messaging.inbound-message.received (an SMS message is received), com.twilio.voice.insights.call-summary.complete (a call summary is complete) | ||||
| Verify Webhook Signature | boolean | No | true | Whether to verify the X-Twilio-Signature header using HMAC-SHA1 with the credential Auth Token. Required for standard Twilio webhooks (SMS/voice). Event Streams deliveries are not signed by Twilio; if you are using Event Streams exclusively, disable this option. |
Output Data
Each accepted delivery produces one output item containing the full Twilio payload exactly as it arrived — the Event Streams event fields for Event Streams deliveries, or the form-encoded parameters for a standard SMS or voice callback — plus:
_trigger— alwaystwilio_webhook_timestamp— ISO 8601 timestamp of when the delivery was received_webhookEvent— the payload’stypefield, falling back toEventType, orunknownwhen neither is present
Reference the payload downstream by expression, e.g. {{ $json.Body }} for a standard SMS callback.
Example Configuration
Inbound SMS only:
{
"id": "twilio-sms-trigger",
"type": "twilio_trigger",
"typeVersion": 1,
"position": [250, 300],
"parameters": {
"updates": ["com.twilio.messaging.inbound-message.received"],
"verifySignature": true
}
}
Completed call summaries, delivered through Event Streams — signature verification is turned off because Event Streams deliveries are unsigned:
{
"id": "twilio-call-trigger",
"type": "twilio_trigger",
"typeVersion": 1,
"position": [250, 300],
"parameters": {
"updates": ["com.twilio.voice.insights.call-summary.complete"],
"verifySignature": false
}
}
Both SMS and call events in one workflow:
{
"id": "twilio-communication-trigger",
"type": "twilio_trigger",
"typeVersion": 1,
"position": [250, 300],
"parameters": {
"updates": [
"com.twilio.messaging.inbound-message.received",
"com.twilio.voice.insights.call-summary.complete"
],
"verifySignature": false
}
}
Trigger Behavior
- Activation: When the workflow is activated, a webhook endpoint is registered with the service.
- Deactivation: The webhook is automatically unregistered when the workflow is deactivated.
- Payload: The incoming webhook payload is parsed and output as workflow items.
- Verification: Supports signature verification where applicable.
Tips
The Twilio Trigger monitors Twilio for inbound SMS messages and completed voice call summaries. This is the right tool when you need to start a workflow immediately upon receiving a text or after a call concludes, rather than polling for updates. It produces the full event payload as received from Twilio Event Streams.
Important Notes
- The
updatesparameter is required and must contain at least one valid Twilio event type - The “New Call” event may take up to thirty minutes to be triggered, because it is based on call summaries
- Multiple event types can be selected simultaneously to create workflows that respond to different types of Twilio events
- This trigger serves as the entry point for workflows, so it should typically be the first node in your workflow configuration
- Leave Verify Webhook Signature on for standard SMS and voice callbacks; turn it off only when every delivery comes from Event Streams, which Twilio does not sign
Frequently asked questions
Why is my call event so delayed?
The New Call event uses call summaries, which can take up to 30 minutes to arrive. It is not suitable for anything needing a real-time reaction to a call.
Which events can it listen for?
Inbound SMS messages, completed call summaries, or both — set through the updates parameter, which is required.
What does the workflow receive?
The full event payload from Twilio, so message content, sender and call metadata arrive without a follow-up lookup.
Which credential does it need?
A Twilio credential, the same one the action node uses.
Build with Twilio
Drop it into a workflow, wire it to an agent, or call it on a schedule. You'll need Twilio credentials first.
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