Apify Task Runner
Gumloop’s Apify Task Runner lets you run your Apify tasks directly inside Gumloop workflows. Scrape data with Apify, then process it with AI, send results via email, update spreadsheets, or connect to any of Gumloop’s 100+ integrations.
Build workflows that automatically collect data from websites and deliver insights to your team through Slack, Gmail, Google Sheets, or wherever you need them.
Node Inputs
Required Field
- Task: Select the Apify task to execute
Optional Fields
- Maximum Run Time: Time limit in minutes (default: 5)
- Output Entries Count: Number of results to retrieve (default: 10)
- Output Fields: Select specific data fields to extract
Connect Apify with Gumloop
To use the Apify integration in Gumloop, you will need:
- An Apify account
- A Gumloop account
- At least one Apify task that has been run previously
Step 1: Get your Apify API Key
First, you’ll need to get your API key from Apify Console:
- Navigate to Apify Console Settings
- Copy your API token from the Integrations section
Step 2: Add Apify Credentials to Gumloop
Next, connect your Apify account to Gumloop:
- Go to Gumloop Credentials
- Search for “Apify” in the credentials list
- Add your Apify API key from Step 1
- Save the credential
Step 3: Add Apify Task Runner to Your Workflow
Now you can add the Apify Task Runner to your Gumloop pipeline:
- Open your Gumloop pipeline editor
- Search for “Apify Task Runner” in the Node Library
- Drag and drop the node onto your canvas
Step 4: Create and Save Tasks in Apify
The Apify Task Runner node fetches tasks from your Saved Tasks in Apify Console. You’ll need to create tasks from your Actors:
- Navigate to your Apify Actors
- Click on the Actor you want to use
- Click “Create a task” next to the Run button
- Configure your task settings and save
Important: The Task Runner only displays tasks that have been saved in your Apify Console, not individual Actors.
Step 5: Run Your Tasks
Before tasks appear in Gumloop, they must be executed at least once in Apify:
- Go to your Saved Tasks
- Click on the task you want to use
- Click “Start” to execute it
- Wait for the task to complete
This step is required because Gumloop needs to understand the output structure of your task to properly configure data fields.
Step 6: Configure Your Gumloop Workflow
Finally, configure the Apify Task Runner node in your Gumloop workflow:
- Select your task from the dropdown menu
- Choose the output fields you want to use
- Configure maximum run time and output limits
- Connect the node to other workflow components
Example Workflow
Here’s a simple example of how to use Apify with Gumloop:
Web Scraping + AI Analysis + Email Report
- Apify Task Runner: Scrapes product prices from an e-commerce site
- Ask AI: Analyzes price trends and identifies opportunities
- Combine Text: Formats the analysis into a readable report
- Gmail Sender: Emails the report to stakeholders
This workflow runs automatically and delivers actionable insights directly to your inbox.
Best Practices
- Test in Apify First: Always run your tasks in Apify Console before using in Gumloop
- Set Realistic Timeouts: Match the timeout to your task’s expected runtime
- Limit Output Size: Only retrieve the data you need to optimize performance
- Use Specific Fields: Select only the output fields required for your workflow
- Monitor Usage: Keep track of both Apify and Gumloop credit consumption
Native Apify Nodes for Popular Use Cases
For even more powerful and customizable automation, Gumloop offers native nodes for popular Apify use cases that provide enhanced functionality and easier configuration:
Specialized Nodes Available
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Google Maps
Why Use Native Nodes?
- Pre-configured: No need to manage Apify tasks or API keys
- Enhanced Features: Built-in data validation and formatting
- Better Performance: Optimized for Gumloop
- Fully Customizable: Easily customize what you want to do with the node using a prompt
General MCP Tutorial to Create your Own Node
Important Considerations:
- Requires Authentication with Apify - Set up in the Credentials page
- Task must be run once on Apify platform first
- Output format depends on entries count
- Consider runtime limits for large tasks
In summary, the Apify Task Runner node streamlines web automation and scraping tasks through Apify’s platform, making it ideal for data collection and monitoring workflows.