Make the Internet Work for You with IFTTT

Published on January 27, 2014

Ever wanted to have the internet do work for you on its own accord? IFTTT does just that.

Heard of it? IFTTT is a essentially a recipe that uses internet applications as ingredients. It is run on the formula:

If this, then that.

One action essentially acts as a trigger (This) which initiates the responding action (That). It is sort of like a cause and effect (or a series of cause and effects) that has been predetermined by you.

So, how does it work?

IFTTT interacts with 79 channels - including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Email, Evernote, Dropbox, Weather, and Feedly - to create a chain-reaction response based on your original formula.  For example, you could set up an IFTTT with something like, "IF I post a new photo on Instagram, THEN a link to this image will automatically be put in my Dropbox."

Your chosen "trigger" will automatically respond with your desired "action" - essentially, letting the internet do your own work for you.

The possibilities are exceptionally customizable for personal use or business use

IFTTT is an exceptionally flexible platform that can be easily used for personal or professional ventures.

If your business uses blogging, for example, maybe you want to set up an automatic link share via email with the rest of your coworkers every time a new article is published.

Maybe you want to know when you've been tagged in a photo on Twitter with a text instead of a pop-up notification, or maybe you want your weather app to give you a heads up when it is expected to be raining.  There are numerous choices with exceptionally detailed options available

Create your own formulas or use predetermined formulas from the IFTTT community

If you're feeling like figuring out these recipes is a bit like solving an algebra problem, don't worry. In the IFTTT sharing answers is encouraged. Under their "Shared Recipes" section, there are plenty of sample templates you can use. Simply fill in your account information, and you'll be good to go!

Explore the free IFTTT app by clicking here. It is suitable for both Apple and Android products.

How do you use IFTTT? Are there any formulas you've found to be particularly useful for your personal or professional ventures? We want to know your thoughts! Comment on our Facebook page, send us an email, or give us a call!