This morning in AI Morning Club, we dove deep into n8n with Mikhail. And wow, my automation brain is buzzing. If you’ve been wondering what is n8n and why it’s gaining so much attention in 2025, you’re in the right place.
n8n is one of those tools that makes you wonder why you didn’t start sooner. By the end of this post, you’ll see how, even if you’ve never written a single line of code, you can build workflows that save hours every week.
What is n8n?
n8n (pronounced n-eight-n) is a fair-code, open-source automation platform.
If you’re asking what is n8n, it’s essentially a powerful no-code and low-code tool for connecting apps, services, and data without vendor lock-in.
Think of it like Zapier or Make — but with far more flexibility, scalability, and customization.
It’s node-based and built on Node.js, meaning your workflows are designed visually using connected “nodes” that handle triggers (events that start a workflow) and actions (what happens next).
In 2025, n8n offers two ways to run:
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Self-hosting for full ownership and privacy.
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n8n Cloud for those who prefer a managed, worry-free setup.
Why n8n Is a Game-Changer in 2025
If you’ve been researching what is n8n automation, the big differentiator is freedom and flexibility compared to closed platforms like Zapier or Make.
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Freedom from vendor lock-in – Unlike proprietary tools, n8n’s fair-code license means you’re in control of your workflows and data.
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AI-ready – Prebuilt AI nodes let you connect to OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, or your own AI models. You can even design multi-agent AI workflows.
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Built for collaboration – Workflow sharing, version control, and reusable templates make it team-friendly.
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Proven growth – With 230K+ active users and a $1.5B valuation, n8n is now one of Europe’s fastest-growing automation startups.
How n8n Works — Trigger → Action
At its core, answering “what is n8n” means understanding its workflow model: triggers that start processes and actions that execute tasks.
Basically, it’s about 2 steps:
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Trigger – The event that starts your workflow.
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Action – The steps that follow.
Example:
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Trigger: A new member joins your community.
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Action: Send them a personalized welcome email, tag them in your CRM, notify your Slack channel, and update your Google Sheet — all automatically.
In our AI Morning Club, Mikhail showed how a single trigger can launch multiple actions across tools — no coding needed.
Real-World Use Cases in 2025
Here are a few examples of what’s possible with n8n:
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Automated Content Posting: Pull posts from a database and publish them across multiple platforms at scheduled times.
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Lead Tracking: Instantly update your CRM, Google Sheets, and Slack when a form is submitted.
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AI-Powered Workflows: Connect n8n to AI tools for content generation, summarization, or tagging.
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Operations Automation: From invoice reminders to customer onboarding, repetitive processes can run without manual intervention.
Getting Started — No Developer Needed
One of n8n’s greatest strengths is its visual interface. If you can follow a flowchart, you can build an automation.
You simply:
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Drag and drop nodes.
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Connect them in a logical sequence.
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Map data between steps.
And if you do want more control, you can insert JavaScript, Python, or API calls for advanced customization.
Alternatives to n8n (and Why It Still Wins)
Other tools include:
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Huginn – Powerful, but less user-friendly.
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Node-RED – Great for IoT, but fewer prebuilt integrations.
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Activepieces – Another open-source option, but less mature.
n8n stands out in 2025 for its modern UI, AI integration, scaling options, and huge library of nodes.
n8n’s Trajectory — Looking Ahead
With fresh funding, AI-native features, and a rapidly growing community, n8n is on track to become a household name in automation.
Expect:
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More AI templates for instant setup.
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Stronger enterprise features like role-based permissions.
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Expanded integrations with emerging AI and Web3 tools.
Conclusion
n8n is more than just an automation tool — it’s a productivity multiplier.
Whether you want to post to multiple platforms, streamline lead management, or blend AI into your daily processes, n8n can do it.
Start small. Automate one repetitive task. Then watch your creative energy and free time expand.
💡 Want more AI + automation tips like this? Follow my blog for behind-the-scenes looks at how I use tools like n8n to run communities, manage events, and keep things moving without burning out.
FAQs
Q: What does n8n stand for?
It comes from “nodemation,” a nod to its node-based automation approach.
Q: Is n8n free?
Yes — the Community Edition is free to self-host. The Cloud plan offers managed infrastructure for a fee.
Q: Can I use n8n without coding?
Absolutely. Its drag-and-drop visual editor handles most workflows. Coding is optional.
Q: Does n8n work with AI tools?
Yes — it integrates with OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, and more, letting you build intelligent, multi-step workflows.