> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zaia.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zaia.app/workflows/workflow-nodes/external-event-trigger.md).

# External Event Trigger

The **External Event Trigger** node starts a workflow from an external event.

It defines the workflow entry point. The **Triggers** screen creates the operational link to the event source.

{% hint style="info" %}
Configuration is split across two areas. The workflow defines its entry point. The **Triggers** screen selects the source, filters, and destination.
{% endhint %}

### How it works

Deploy a workflow containing an **External Event Trigger** node. Deployment creates a workflow trigger for that entry point.

Create an external trigger in the **Triggers** screen. Select the connection, event, optional filters, and the workflow trigger as its destination.

When the external event arrives, Endless finds a compatible active trigger. It then sends the event payload into the deployed workflow.

### Configure a workflow trigger

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Add the entry point

Add an **External Event Trigger** node to the workflow.

Use one entry point for each external event path.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Deploy the workflow

Deploy the workflow to create its workflow trigger.

The workflow trigger identifies the deployed entry point.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create the external trigger

Open **Triggers** and create a trigger.

Select the external connection, event, and destination. Choose the workflow trigger from the deployed workflow.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Supported event

Currently, Endless supports this external event:

* **Source:** Instagram
* **Event:** New comment

You can apply a post filter using its `mediaId`. Leave the filter empty to match comments from every post on the selected connection.

### Trigger destinations

An external trigger can run an **Agent**, **Squad**, or **Workflow**.

For a workflow destination, select the workflow trigger created by the deployed entry point. Endless injects the incoming event as an external event into that node.

For Agent and Squad destinations, you can provide an optional prompt.

### Execution flow

1. Instagram sends a new-comment webhook.
2. Endless normalizes the event and identifies its connection and event ID.
3. Endless finds active triggers that match the connection, event, and filter.
4. Endless runs the configured destination.

Each run creates an execution with an external-trigger origin. This provides traceability for the event and destination.

### Rules and limitations

* The selected connection must be active and support Instagram.
* Duplicate triggers cannot share the same connection, event, and filters.
* Endless processes each trigger and external event only once.
* Redeploy the workflow after changing its entry points.

When you redeploy, Endless recreates the workflow triggers. Existing workflow destinations update when their entry point still exists. If an entry point is removed, linked triggers become inactive.

### Test the entry point

The node shows triggers linked to its entry point. When several triggers exist, select one before testing.

The test action generates a sample Instagram comment payload. Use it to validate the workflow logic before receiving live events.