Ever used ChatGPT inside your app and wished the answer would appear gradually, like magic? That’s exactly what Streaming APIs can do. And yes, Bubble.io already supports this!
Here’s a quick rundown with the top 10 things you should know about how they work and how to implement them:
1. What’s a Streaming API?
It’s a way to send data in real time, bit by bit, without waiting for the full response to be ready.
2. How does it work in practice?
The server keeps the connection open and sends small chunks as they’re ready.
3. Difference from standard APIs
Traditional APIs respond all at once. Streaming sends data in “pieces” over time.
4. UX benefits
It feels faster — the user sees the answer “come to life” on the screen.
5. When to use it?
Perfect for integrations with LLMs (like ChatGPT, Claude), real-time dashboards, and messaging bots.
6. Enabling in Bubble
In the API Connector plugin, choose the response type “Stream” and add the "stream": true parameter.
7. Response fields
You define which data to display (partial text, final output, stream status, etc).
8. Behavior in Workflows
On the client side, the action continues even while streaming. On the server, it proceeds only after streaming ends.
9. Handy built-in fields in Bubble
text so far→ the text received so faris done→ shows when it’s finishedis streaming→ indicates if content is still coming
10. Practical tip
Use “Display data” to show content as it comes in, like in a live chat.
I’ve tested it with ChatGPT integrations and let me tell you — it’s a whole different experience!
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