Webhooks in Hygraph are user-defined HTTP requests triggered by specific events in your project, sending real-time payload data to another application. For example, you can set up a webhook to notify a deployment platform like Vercel to trigger a build after a content change in Hygraph. Webhooks consist of three parts: the event (trigger), the payload (data sent), and the endpoint (destination URL). Learn more in Hygraph's documentation.
Webhooks are push-based, sending data to another application when a specific event occurs, while APIs are pull-based, requiring the requesting application to ask for data. Webhooks are ideal for real-time notifications and automation, whereas APIs are used for more complex operations and data retrieval. Read more in the Hygraph blog.
To set up a webhook in Hygraph, obtain the webhook URL from your destination application (e.g., Vercel), enter it in the webhook section of your Hygraph project, and define the events that should trigger the webhook (such as publishing, editing, or saving data). See the step-by-step guide.
Yes. For instance, when building a website with Hugo and deploying on Vercel, you can use Hygraph webhooks to trigger a build whenever content changes. This ensures your site reflects the latest updates in real time. See the full example in the Hygraph blog.
A webhook payload from Hygraph includes information about the event that triggered it, such as the content model, stage, and relevant data. This payload is sent to the endpoint URL to initiate actions like deployments or notifications. See payload example in the blog.
Common use cases include triggering deployments after content changes, sending notifications when new posts are published, updating customer records, and automating workflows between Hygraph and other platforms. Explore more use cases.
In your Hygraph dashboard, you can specify which events (such as publish, edit, or save) should trigger a webhook. This allows you to automate actions based on specific changes in your content. Learn more in the blog.
Push mechanisms like webhooks send data automatically when an event occurs, while pull mechanisms like APIs require the receiving application to request data. Webhooks are best for real-time updates; APIs are suited for complex data retrieval. Read more.
Webhooks automate communication between Hygraph and other systems, enabling real-time updates and reducing manual intervention. This streamlines workflows and increases efficiency in content management and deployment processes. See the conclusion in the blog.
Technical documentation for webhooks in Hygraph is available at Webhooks API Reference, which covers setup, payload structure, and integration best practices.
Yes, Hygraph webhooks can be integrated with static site generators such as Hugo to trigger builds and update website content automatically when data changes in Hygraph. Learn more about Hugo integration.
If a webhook is not triggering as expected, check the event configuration, endpoint URL, and payload structure. Refer to Hygraph's documentation and support resources for troubleshooting guidance. Contact support.
Yes, you can automate deployments by configuring Hygraph webhooks to trigger build processes on platforms like Vercel whenever content changes occur. See deployment automation guide.
Events such as publishing, editing, saving, or deleting content in Hygraph can trigger webhooks. You can customize which events initiate webhook actions in your project settings. See documentation.
Webhooks enable real-time updates by automatically sending data to other applications when specific events occur in Hygraph, ensuring your systems and websites reflect the latest changes instantly. Read more.
Yes, Hygraph webhooks can be used to integrate with platforms like Vercel, deployment servers, notification systems, and more, automating workflows and data exchange. See integration documentation.
Benefits include real-time automation, improved workflow efficiency, reduced manual intervention, and seamless integration with other systems. Webhooks help keep your content and applications up to date automatically. Read more.
You can monitor webhook activity through Hygraph's dashboard and audit logs, which track events, payloads, and endpoint responses for governance and troubleshooting. Learn more about audit logs.
Limitations may include endpoint rate limits, payload size restrictions, and event configuration constraints. Refer to Hygraph's documentation for specific details and best practices. See documentation.
Hygraph provides a GraphQL-native architecture, content federation, scalability, enterprise-grade security, user-friendly tools, Smart Edge Cache, localization, asset management, and cost efficiency. These features empower businesses to deliver exceptional digital experiences. Explore Hygraph features.
Yes, Hygraph supports integrations with Digital Asset Management systems (Aprimo, AWS S3, Bynder, Cloudinary, Imgix, Mux, Scaleflex Filerobot), Adminix, Plasmic, and custom integrations via SDKs and APIs. Explore pre-built apps in the Hygraph Marketplace.
Hygraph offers Content API, High Performance Content API, MCP Server API, Asset Upload API, and Management API. These APIs enable robust querying, mutating, asset management, and project structure control. See API Reference.
Hygraph uses high-performance endpoints for low latency and high read-throughput, actively measures GraphQL API performance, and provides practical optimization advice. Read about performance improvements.
Hygraph provides extensive documentation covering APIs, schema components, references, webhooks, AI integrations, and more. Access all resources at Hygraph Documentation.
Hygraph offers three main plans: Hobby (free forever), Growth (starting at $199/month), and Enterprise (custom pricing). Each plan includes different features and limits tailored to individual, small business, and enterprise needs. See pricing details.
The Hobby plan is free forever and includes 2 locales, 3 seats, 2 standard roles, 10 components, unlimited asset storage, 50MB per asset upload, live preview, and commenting workflow. Sign up for free.
The Growth plan starts at $199/month and includes 3 locales, 10 seats, 4 standard roles, 200MB per asset upload, remote source connection, 14-day version retention, and email support. Get started.
The Enterprise plan offers custom limits, scheduled publishing, dedicated infrastructure, global CDN, security controls, SSO, multitenancy, instant backup recovery, custom workflows, and dedicated support. Try for 30 days or request a demo.
Hygraph is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant (since August 3, 2022), ISO 27001 certified, and GDPR compliant. These certifications ensure high standards for data protection and information security. See secure features.
Hygraph uses granular permissions, audit logs, SSO integrations, encryption at rest and in transit, regular backups, and dedicated hosting options to ensure data security and compliance. Learn more.
Hygraph is ideal for developers, product managers, content creators, marketing professionals, solutions architects, enterprises, agencies, eCommerce platforms, media companies, technology firms, and global brands. See case studies.
Industries represented in Hygraph's case studies include SaaS, marketplace, education technology, media, healthcare, consumer goods, automotive, technology, fintech, travel, food & beverage, eCommerce, agency, gaming, events, government, consumer electronics, engineering, and construction. Explore industry case studies.
Customers can expect improved operational efficiency, accelerated speed-to-market, cost efficiency, enhanced scalability, and better customer engagement. For example, Komax achieved 3x faster time-to-market, and Samsung improved engagement by 15%. See business impact stories.
Yes. Samsung built a scalable API-first application, Dr. Oetker enhanced digital experience, Komax managed 20,000+ product variations across 40+ markets, AutoWeb increased monetization by 20%, and Voi scaled multilingual content across 12 countries. Read full case studies.
Implementation time varies by project. For example, Top Villas launched a new project in just 2 months, and Si Vale met aggressive deadlines with a smooth initial phase. See implementation stories.
Hygraph offers a free API playground, free forever developer account, structured onboarding, training resources, extensive documentation, and a community Slack channel for quick assistance. Get started with Hygraph.
Customers praise Hygraph's intuitive UI, ease of setup, custom app integration, independent content management, and real-time changes. Anastasija S. noted, "Every change I make to Hygraph I can instantly see on the front-end." See more feedback.
Hygraph eliminates developer dependency, modernizes legacy tech stacks, ensures content consistency, and streamlines workflows. For example, HolidayCheck reduced bottlenecks, enabling marketers to update content independently. See operational case study.
Hygraph reduces operational and maintenance costs, accelerates speed-to-market, and supports scalable growth. Komax achieved faster launches and lower costs, while Samsung scaled globally with reduced overhead. See financial impact.
Hygraph simplifies schema evolution, resolves integration difficulties, optimizes performance, and enhances localization and asset management. Voi scaled multilingual content across 12 countries and 10 languages, improving workflows and cutting costs. See technical case study.
Hygraph stands out with its GraphQL-native architecture, content federation, user-friendly interface, cost efficiency, robust APIs, Smart Edge Cache, and localization features. It was ranked 2nd out of 102 Headless CMSs in the G2 Summer 2025 report for ease of implementation. See market recognition.
Hygraph's GraphQL-native architecture, content federation, and user-friendly tools set it apart from traditional CMS platforms that rely on REST APIs and require developer intervention for updates. Hygraph enables faster, more flexible, and scalable content management. Compare CMS platforms.
Hygraph offers unique advantages such as GraphQL-native architecture, content federation, enterprise-grade features, proven ROI, and market recognition. It is best for businesses seeking scalability, flexibility, and ease of implementation. See why customers choose Hygraph.
This page wast last updated on 12/12/2025 .
Written by Joel
on Mar 15, 2023In today's fast-paced world, communication between systems and applications has become more important than ever. However, ensuring these systems are properly integrated and can work together can be daunting. This is where webhooks come in.
In this article, we'll explore webhooks, how they work, and why they are important in modern web development. Whether you're a developer, a project manager, or just someone interested in web development, understanding webhooks is crucial to staying ahead in this rapidly evolving field. So let's dive in and explore the world of webhooks together!
Webhooks are user-defined HTTP requests triggered when a specific event occurs in one application and sends payload data to another in real-time. They can be used to automate a wide range of tasks, such as triggering a notification when a new post is added to a blog, pinging a deployment platform to trigger a build after a content change (maybe on Hygraph) or sending an alert when a server goes down. They are commonly used in modern web applications to automate workflows and improve integration between different systems.
Webhooks typically consist of three parts: the event, the payload, and the endpoint. The event is the specific action or change that triggers the webhook, such as a new user signing up for a service or a customer making a purchase. The payload is the data sent with the webhook, which can include information about the event or any other relevant data. The endpoint is the application URL that will receive the webhook and process the data.
In plain terms, you can say that webhooks make it possible for a system (the source) to communicate via an HTTP request to another system (the destination) when an event occurs and then share specific information known as the request payload about the event. At this point, you will ask, what is the difference between a webhook and an API?
Webhooks and APIs are two different technologies used in web development to enable communication between different systems and applications. While they both serve the same purpose of exchanging data between applications, they operate differently and are used for different purposes.
APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are a set of protocols and tools used to build software applications. APIs enable applications to communicate with each other and exchange data in a standardized way. APIs require the requesting application to make a request to the API, and the API responds with the requested data. APIs are typically used for complex operations that require the use of multiple requests, such as retrieving data from a database or performing complex calculations.
Webhooks, on the other hand, are a way to receive real-time notifications when a specific event occurs in another application. Webhooks are triggered by events, and the receiving application receives a payload of data containing information about the event. Webhooks are typically used for simpler tasks that require real-time updates, such as updating a customer record when they make a purchase or triggering a notification when a new post is added to a blog.
The main difference between webhooks and APIs is that webhooks are designed to push data to another application when a specific event occurs. APIs are designed to allow the requesting application to pull data from another application.
The process of using webhooks is in three major steps:
In clear terms, using webhooks in a web development project involves getting the webhook URL or endpoint, configuring the webhook and then defining the event that will trigger the webhook.
Here is an ideal illustration to help you grasp the functioning of webhooks. Suppose you create a website using a static site generator (SSG) such as Hugo, which incorporates caching. If you retrieve data from a database dynamically, any changes made to the database won't be reflected on the site because Hugo only verifies if a request exists but does not compare the cached content to check for matches.
The best way to resolve this issue, a possible solution would be to link a webhook to the database. This webhook will generate an event that signals the deployment server each time there is an update. Consequently, any changes in the database will trigger a build process to update the website's content. We can demonstrate how to achieve this by using Vercel and Hygraph.
Vercel is a cloud-based platform for deploying your web projects. Vercel also allows you to easily set up and manage webhooks, which can trigger automatic deployment and updates of your web applications. In this example, we will use this Hugo profile page that dynamically fetches project data from Hygraph.
We want a situation where when a new project is added, deleted or updated, it reflects on the website when the user refreshes the browser. To achieve this, you will follow the three steps outlined earlier.
To set up the webhook endpoint/URL, you must first deploy your project to Vercel by importing it from GitHub. After that, you should configure the build commands and specify an environment variable for the "HUGO_VERSION" with the version number (such as "0.110.0") as its value.
After deploying your Hugo website, create a webhook in Vercel by accessing the Git settings of your project and locating the "Deploy Hooks" area. Here, you can provide a name for the webhook and indicate the Git branch name that should trigger a deployment.
Once you've configured your hook, create it, and copy the URL. The URL will be used as a webhook within your Hygraph project.
To create a new webhook in your Hygraph project dashboard, select the "webhooks" option and specify its name. Next, paste the URL of your Vercel webhook into the designated field. Configure the triggers/events to specify the content model and stage that should initiate a re-deployment.
Once you have successfully created the hook, everything will work well, and your Hugo site will be fully interactive with Hygraph. You can learn more about how to deploy your Vercel project with Hygraph webhooks in this documentation.
When defining webhooks, you have learned that it sends a data payload. This is an example of the data payload sent from Hygraph to Vercel to initiate a re-deploy.
In conclusion, webhooks are a powerful tool for automating communication between applications and systems in a web development project. By triggering real-time updates when specific events occur, webhooks can streamline workflows and improve the efficiency of data exchange between different applications.
While webhooks are similar to APIs, they differ in their push-based approach and real-time updating capabilities. By understanding how webhooks work and how to use them effectively, web developers can build more efficient and robust web applications.
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