Avoid API Rate Limits with Batch HTTP Requests

This n8n workflow showcases a technique to handle large datasets without hitting API rate limits. It starts with a Manual Trigger, fetches data from a Customer Datastore node (easily replaceable with any data source like Google Sheets or databases), and uses the Split In Batches node to divide items into configurable batches—defaulting to size 1 for strict limits.

Each batch triggers an HTTP Request node that sends POST requests to a target API (using jsonplaceholder.typicode.com as a demo). After processing, a Wait node pauses execution for a specified duration, allowing the API to reset limits before the Split In Batches node resumes with the next batch. This loops until all data is processed, with an optional NoOp node for further actions.

Benefits include reliable bulk operations, reduced failure rates, and scalability for high-volume tasks. Ideal use cases: syncing CRM data, bulk social media posts, inventory updates, or any API-driven automation where rate limits are a bottleneck. Customize batch size and wait time based on API docs for optimal performance.