We've all seen how automation can be a game-changer in the digital world. It simplifies tasks, boosts productivity, and enhances user experience. As platforms begin to embrace the new age of automation, one key feature is the ability to support bots. Bots are common on apps such as Discord, or paired with news feeds, but a lesser-known bot system exists within Telegram, the much-loved messaging app for millions around the world.
A feature that may slip past most users, these bots can perform a variety of tasks, from sending reminders to managing files. The problem? There is no magic button that you can click to enable a custom bot within your Telegram app.
Enter IFTTT, or "If This Then That". It's our free automation tool that connects over 1000 different web services, creating chains of conditional statements known as Applets. With IFTTT, you can easily automate your Telegram and create a bot that can execute actions based on specific triggers.
This guide will walk you through building a Telegram bot with IFTTT. It's designed to be easy to follow, even for those with limited technical background. So, let's jump right in.
Why build a Telegram bot?
Telegram bots are automated programs that operate within the Telegram app, enabling users to interact with them through messages, commands, or queries. These bots can perform a wide range of tasks, such as providing information, facilitating games, managing tasks, or integrating with other services. With IFTTT, you can expand the function of your bot to execute even more complex tasks.
Below are a few examples of what can be done with a Telegram bot.
Commands: Bots can process specific commands prefixed with a slash (e.g., /start, /help). Telegram highlights these commands in messages, and users can select them from a list after typing /. This feature simplifies user interaction by providing predefined options.
Custom keyboards and buttons: Bots can replace the default keyboard with custom keyboards containing predefined answer options, making it easier for users to provide inputs. Additionally, bots can display buttons next to their messages, allowing users to interact with the bot seamlessly.
Inline queries: Users can interact with bots directly from the text input field in any chat by typing the bot's username and then a query. The bot then offers relevant content that users can select and send within the chat.
Web apps: Bots can offer interactive HTML5 web apps, providing users with rich interfaces and functionalities directly within the Telegram app. These web apps can be tailored to specific needs, enhancing the user experience.
Games: Bots can host HTML5 games that users can play solo or compete against others in groups and one-on-one chats, adding an entertainment aspect to the app.
With IFTTT, you can take bots even further by connecting them to other services. This means you can control smart devices, send notifications, post updates, and much more with just the click of a button.
Understanding Telegram bots and IFTTT
To harness the power of automation, it's important to understand the components involved. Telegram bots can be a bit complex when we dig into the details but think of them acting as digital assistants within the Telegram app. These bots can interact with users or perform tasks autonomously.
Telegram provides a Bot API that users save to create bots. The Bot API acts as a bridge between the Telegram platform and the bot's backend system. It handles communication between users and the bot. Then, the special API is used with IFTTT, which allows Telegram servers to send updates to a specific URL. IFTTT processes the message based on predefined rules or logic, such as interpreting commands, searching for information, or interacting with databases.
Then, data is spit back out to Telegram, telling the app to execute whatever action you specified. All of this happens behind the scenes within milliseconds, so you won't even notice all the magic happening.
A quick background on IFTTT
IFTTT is the most trusted automation system on the market, helping millions of people like you easily set up bots and other helpful tools. The basic idea behind IFTTT is to create Applets that trigger when certain conditions are met.
These Applets are created by IFTTT engineers and the community and can be enabled in just a couple of clicks. With very little technical knowledge, you can get your bot up and running in just a few minutes.
IFTTT also offers automation capabilities with other similar services, including:
And thousands more!
Founded in 2010, IFTTT has since been used by over 30 million individuals around the globe to automate both business and smart home tasks. With IFTTT you can connect over 1000 digital tools together to create beautiful automations. Best of all, it's free to start and only takes a couple of minutes to set up.
Building a Telegram bot with IFTTT
With IFTTT, you are given two choices. You can browse our library of millions of user-made Applets (bots that have already been set up by the community) or create your own in just a few minutes with our Applet builder. We encourage users to check out what the community has already set up because oftentimes your perfect bot idea is already a reality! Keep your eyes peeled for our small Applet cubes throughout the article, which you can click on to get started.
Enabling Applets requires a free IFTTT account, so make sure to sign up or log in if prompted. Then the steps are as follows:
Make sure the Applet is fit for you. Read the title and description to learn about the process. Additionally, make sure you have an account with all the applications involved or create an account. Then, click the "Connect" bar.
You will then be redirected to log in to those accounts and grant IFTTT access to certain data. IFTTT uses this data to complete your Applet tasks, and your data is never sold or distributed to any third party, ever.
Once you have you granted IFTTT access, the Applet is set up. You can see more details about what Applets you have enabled in the "My Applets" tab, where you can manage and edit tasks as well.
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Whenever you are mentioned on Twitter, post a message to Telegram
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Send new Feed items to a Telegram chat
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Get the daily forecast in Telegram
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Every time you post a new Instagram photo, share it to a Telegram chat
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Step-by-step IFTTT Telegram Webhook setup
If you'd like to create your own custom bot, you'll need to use IFTTT's webhook function. Don't worry, if you follow the steps as presented, it's a simple process.
Step 1: Create a Telegram bot
Open Telegram and search for the BotFather bot. Start a conversation with BotFather and use the /newbot command to create a new bot.
Follow the instructions to:
- Name your bot.
- Assign it a unique username ending in "bot" (e.g., MyTestBot).
- After creation, BotFather provides a bot token (a long string). Save this token, as you'll use it to authenticate your bot.
Step 2: Get your chat ID
You’ll need the chat ID where the bot will send messages.
Send a message to your bot (e.g., /start) to initiate interaction.
Open this URL in your browser, replacing with your bot token: https://api.telegram.org/bot/getUpdates
Look at the JSON response. Find the "chat" object under "message". Note the "id" field — this is your chat ID.
Step 3: Set up the webhook URL
Telegram bots interact with users via the Bot API. For a webhook, your URL format is as follows:
https://api.telegram.org/bot/sendMessage?chat_id=&text=
Replace with your bot token.
Replace with the chat ID.
Replace with the desired message text. For example:
https://api.telegram.org/bot123456:ABC-DEF1234ghIkl-zyx57W2v1u123ew11/sendMessage?chat_id=987654321&text=Hello+from+IFTTT
Step 4: Configure IFTTT
Log in to IFTTT and create a new applet.
Choose a Trigger: Click "If This" and select a service like "Email", "Google Assistant", or "Weather." Configure the trigger (e.g., "Receive a new email").
Add the webhook Action: Click "Then That" and search for "Webhooks." Select "Make a web request."
Fill in the webhook details: URL: Enter your webhook URL (e.g., the one from Step 3). Method: Choose GET. Content Type: Leave blank (not needed for Telegram messages). Body: Leave blank (not needed).
Step 5: Test the integration
Save your IFTTT applet and trigger the event (e.g., send an email or activate the trigger). Check your Telegram chat to see if the bot sent the message.
A final word from IFTTT
Creating a Telegram bot is an excellent way to streamline communication and keep everyone on the same page. With a bit of technical know-how, you can expand this automation to even greater heights, such as syncing Telegram to social media or automated messaging to a mailing list. IFTTT is the best option on the market for easy-to-use automations, but if you need any more help with webhooks or setting up an Applet, feel free to visit our help page here.
We hope this article has taught you enough to create your own Telegram bot with IFTTT. Remember, IFTTT is free to try, and if you don't like your bot, you can disconnect with no obligations. We want to deliver you the best automation experience possible, so you can take back your precious time.