What is IFTTT?

IFTTT, pronounced like 'gift' without the 'g', stands for 'If This Then That'. It is an automation platform that connects apps and services to each other so actions run automatically. The concept is simple but powerful: if something happens (the trigger), automatically do something else (the action). For example: if I receive an email with an attachment, automatically save that attachment to Dropbox.

IFTTT connects hundreds of popular services: social media, smart devices, productivity apps, cloud services and more. What used to be manual, repetitive tasks become automated workflows. The platform democratizes automation: you don't need any programming knowledge to create powerful connections between your digital tools.

How IFTTT works

Triggers and actions

The core of IFTTT is the if-this-then-that structure. The 'this' is a trigger: an event that starts the automation. The 'that' is an action: what happens when the trigger fires. A simple example: if I post a photo on Instagram (trigger), save it to Google Photos (action). The trigger watches, the action executes.

Services and Applets

IFTTT calls the apps and services you can connect 'services'. Each service offers specific triggers and actions. Gmail can trigger on new emails and perform actions such as labeling or sending. Philips Hue can trigger on time and perform actions such as turning lights on or off. The combinations of services into automations are called 'Applets'.

Ready-made Applets

You don't have to build everything yourself. IFTTT offers thousands of ready-made Applets created by the community and service providers. Browse the library, filter on the services you use, and activate Applets with one click. Many popular automations already exist: you only need to activate what is useful to you.

Creating your first automation

Creating an account

Go to ifttt.com and create a free account. You can sign up with email, Google or Facebook. After signing up, you are asked which services you use. This helps IFTTT recommend relevant Applets, but you can skip this step and connect services later.

Connecting services

Before you can use Applets, you need to connect the relevant services to your IFTTT account. Go to a service, click 'Connect', and log in with your credentials for that service. IFTTT asks for permission to act on your behalf. Once connected, Applets can use this service as a trigger or action.

Activating an Applet

Browse the Applet library and find something useful. Click the Applet and you will see a description of what it does. Click 'Connect' and connect the required services if you had not done so yet. Configure any options and activate the Applet. From now on the automation runs in the background.

Creating your own Applet

Click 'Create' to make a new Applet. Click 'If This' and choose a trigger service, then a specific trigger. Click 'Then That' and choose an action service, then a specific action. Configure the details and give your Applet a name. With these building blocks you can create unique automations that fit your workflow perfectly.

Productivity

Many productivity automations are popular. Automatically save email attachments to cloud storage. Add new Spotify tracks to a Google Sheet. Automatically create a to-do in Todoist when you star an email. Receive a daily summary of your calendar by email. These automations save small bits of time every day that add up to hours.

Social media

Automatically crosspost between platforms. Automatically share Instagram photos on Twitter or Pinterest. Archive your tweets in a Google Sheet. Get a notification when someone mentions you on Reddit. Social media management gets easier when content automatically flows where it needs to be.

Smart home

IFTTT shines in smart home automation. Turn on lights at sunset. Start the robot vacuum when you leave the house (detected through your phone's location). Get a notification if your smart doorbell detects motion while you are not home. Your home gets smarter without complex programming.

Weather and location

Receive a weather report every morning. Get a warning when rain is forecast. Automatically log when you arrive at work. Send your partner a message when you leave the office. Weather and location triggers make context-aware automations possible.

Advanced features

Filter code

With IFTTT Pro you can add filter code to Applets. These are JavaScript snippets that decide when the action should or should not run. For example: only run the email-to-Dropbox action if the attachment is a PDF. Filter code adds conditional logic to your automations.

Multiple actions

IFTTT Pro also allows multiple actions per trigger. One event can set several things in motion. A new blog post can automatically be shared on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook at the same time. A new lead in your CRM can create a task, send an email and post a Slack message.

Query ingredients

Queries let you retrieve extra information to use in actions. Besides the data from the trigger, you can request additional data. This enables richer automations that combine context from multiple sources.

IFTTT plans

Free versus Pro

The free plan limits you to two active Applets and offers no advanced features. That is enough to explore IFTTT but too limited for serious use. IFTTT Pro (3.99 dollars per month) offers unlimited Applets, multiple actions, filter code and faster execution. Pro+ adds even more for power users and developers.

Considering alternatives

IFTTT is not the only automation tool. Zapier offers more services and more complex workflows but is more expensive. Make (formerly Integromat) is powerful with a visual workflow builder. Microsoft Power Automate integrates deeply with Microsoft products. Each platform has its strengths; IFTTT still excels in simplicity and smart home integrations.

Tips for using IFTTT effectively

Start with pain points

Identify repetitive tasks that cost you time or frustrate you. Then look for Applets that specifically address them. An automation that solves a real problem is more valuable than a cool but useless Applet. Focus on impact, not on the number of automations.

Test thoroughly

New Applets can behave unexpectedly. Test them in a controlled environment before you rely on them. Check that the trigger fires correctly and the action does what you expect. A misconfigured automation can quickly create a big mess.

Maintain regularly

Services change, accounts expire, and your needs evolve. Schedule a periodic review of your Applets. Remove what you no longer use. Check that active Applets still work correctly. Reconnect services that have lost authorization. Good maintenance keeps your automations reliable.

Conclusion

IFTTT makes automation accessible to everyone. By connecting apps and services with simple if-this-then-that rules, you can eliminate repetitive tasks and streamline your digital life. Start with a few useful Applets, discover what is possible, and gradually build a network of automations that works for you while you focus on what really matters.

Frequently asked questions

What does IFTTT mean?

IFTTT stands for 'If This Then That'. It describes how the platform works: if this happens (trigger), then do that (action). For example: if I post a photo on Instagram (trigger), save it to Dropbox (action). The name sums up the simple but powerful logic.

Is IFTTT free to use?

IFTTT has a free plan, but with limitations: a maximum of two active Applets and no advanced features. For serious use you need IFTTT Pro (3.99 dollars per month), with unlimited Applets, multiple actions per trigger and filter code.

Which apps work with IFTTT?

IFTTT supports hundreds of services: social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), productivity (Gmail, Dropbox, Google Sheets, Todoist), smart home (Philips Hue, Ring, Nest), and many others. Browse the services on ifttt.com to see whether your favorite apps are supported.

Is IFTTT safe to use?

IFTTT asks for access to your accounts so it can automate. The company takes security seriously and only asks for the permissions it needs. You can disconnect services at any time. Regularly review which services are connected and remove what you no longer use.

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