ManyChat Glossary: Terms Every User Should Know

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Updated October 7, 2026.

Understanding the vocabulary of a messaging automation makes it easier to troubleshoot a workflow and explain it to colleagues. These plain-language definitions describe common concepts; exact labels and availability can differ between channels, plans, and interface versions.

Automation and flow

An automation performs defined steps after a trigger. A flow describes the path through replies, decisions, and actions. Think of it as a conversation map rather than a single outgoing message. Draw the intended path before building so each step has a clear purpose.

Trigger

A trigger is the event that starts the workflow. It might be a supported message or interaction. Confirm that it works for the particular channel. A trigger should lead to the information the person requested, not an unrelated sequence of promotions.

Contact

A contact is a person represented in the account. A contact record is not proof of permission for every kind of message. Billing definitions such as an active contact should be checked against the current plan, not inferred from the total number of stored profiles.

Custom field and tag

A custom field stores a value, such as a preferred topic or request number. A tag marks a category or condition, such as a person requesting a guide. Use clear names and document what changes each field or tag. Do not use a name field as a unique customer identifier.

Condition and action

A condition decides which branch to take based on available information. An action changes something, such as recording a preference or transferring a request. A missing value needs a deliberate fallback; otherwise people may land in a path that does not fit their situation.

Broadcast and sequence

A broadcast is an outgoing message to a selected audience. A sequence is a series of planned messages or steps. Neither overrides the channel’s messaging restrictions. Review eligibility and purpose before enabling either, and make stopping messages straightforward.

Messaging window

A messaging window limits when particular replies or follow-ups are allowed. Rules vary by channel and message type. ManyChat documents these restrictions; use its current guidance rather than treating an old contact as permanently reachable.

Integration, webhook, and external request

An integration connects services. A webhook generally delivers information about an event to a destination. An external request sends a request from the workflow to another service. These connections need authentication, field mapping, testing, and a plan for failure.

Human handoff

A handoff moves the conversation to a person. Specify who monitors the queue, when they are available, and what the customer sees while waiting. A button labeled “Contact support” is not enough if nobody receives the request.

A worked example

In a hypothetical guide-delivery flow, a supported request triggers a reply containing the guide. A field records the topic selected. A condition routes product questions to staff. A tag may help the team count guide requests. None of these steps proves a sale or creates permission for future marketing.

Keep a short glossary beside your workflow diagram. Consistent terminology reduces confusion when another person edits or troubleshoots the automation.

Reference

Current messaging-window guidance.

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