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Failed to create an update in Buffer: The app returned "Not Found"


I want to automate creating posts on Buffer using specific Jotform’s that include text and images.

I successfully selected a Jotform and an example using New Submission.

On the Buffer side, I selected an Action Event “Add to Queue” and then filled out the following values on the Configure Page.

When I run the test, the following error occurs:

Any help how to fix this and achieve my goal would be greatly appreciated!

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18 replies

Troy Tessalone
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Hi ​@Huntsman 

Make sure the file link is a publicly accessible direct download link.

You may need to change settings in Jotform > Settings > Privacy:

  • uncheck: Requie log-in to view uploaded files

 

https://www.jotform.com/myaccount/security

 


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 24, 2025

Thanks Troy,

 

The test ran successfully and I was able to my Zap Live.

Now, whenever a Jotform is sent in, I’m getting the following Stopped/Error message from AI in Zap History:

 

This Buffer step hit an error
Required field "Image" (image) is missing.

The error you're encountering indicates that the "Image" field is missing in the data being sent to the BufferCLIAPI step. From the input data you provided, it seems like the image field is being populated with a dynamic value {{282530151__answers__Photo 1}}, which should be pulling from the previous JotForm step. However, the JotForm output shows that the image URL is nested within widget_metadata.value[0].url for "Photo 1". This means the dynamic field reference in your Zap is incorrect and not pulling the actual image URL.

To resolve this, you need to adjust the dynamic field reference in your BufferCLIAPI step. Instead of using {{282530151__answers__Photo 1}}, you should map it to the correct path of the image URL. In the Zap editor, when setting up the BufferCLIAPI step, click on the field where you need to input the image URL, and use the dropdown to navigate through the JotForm data to select answers.Photo 1.widget_metadata.value[0].url. This should correctly populate the image field with the URL, resolving the error.

 

Do you know how I can set this step up? My form has multiple places to pull images from:

 

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated so that I can streamline customers sending my forms that are then sent to be Instagram to be posted.


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

Try pulling newer example records from the Zap trigger step and remap any variables.

You may need to add a Filter step to check that the variable mapped to the Image field has an existing value since that is a required field.


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 24, 2025

I ensured that I am using the latest test trigger step and simplified my Jotform down to one image and one piece of text to be uploaded to Buffer.

On the example record tripper step itself I am getting some successful Add to Queue’s on Buffer, just not on any follow up Jotform sends when the Zap is live.

 

I added the following Filter step to my Zap:

Now, the Filter is filtering any submissions that I send in via Jotform and the Zap is not successful.

I have ensured that the image URL’s are working, as when I paste them into search an image is automatically downloaded.


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

In the Jotform Zap trigger step, test again to pull thru current submissions, use those to completely reconfigure the Zap action steps.

Check your Zap Runs history activity to see the DATA IN/OUT for each step to help you troubleshoot: https://zapier.com/app/history/

Check your Jotform Zap app connection: https://zapier.com/app/connections


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 24, 2025

Looking at the Zap History Data Out Tab, I believe the issue is that new submission photo URL’s do not contain https://jotform.com in front of them, only containing the following URL sequence that does not allow an image to be downloaded:

/widget-uploads/imagepreview/250520810328144/d058b33IMG_020367bcacd064121.jpeg
 

Do you know how I can add https://jotform.com in front of the Photo 1 URL section in the Zap sequence?
 

 


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

Add a static value in the field before the mapped variable: https://jotform.com[VAR]


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 24, 2025

@Troy Tessalone 

I tried to insert that here in my current steps to no avail (removed filter for troubleshooting):

 

I believe I need a formatter step to make sure the image URL is properly showing using the https://jotform.com beginning and the /widget-uploads/imagepreview/250520810328144/d058b33IMG_020367bcacd064121.jpeg ending. 

This is the original error message with this straight from Jotform to Buffer approach:

To resolve this, you need to ensure that the correct path to the image URL is used in the Buffer step. You can do this by using a Formatter step in your Zap to extract the image URL from the Jotform output. Add a Formatter step before the Buffer step, choose “Utilities” and then “Text Extract” or “Text Split” to parse the image URL from the widget_metadata.value array. Once extracted, map this Formatter output to the “Image” field in your Buffer step. This should provide the required image URL and resolve the error.

 

How can I ensure that the Image 1 input is properly being input in one coherent, downloadable, and readable format for Buffer so it recognizes there is an image and can download it, adding it to the queue?

 


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

For us to have more info, post screenshots showing the DATA IN for your Buffer Zap step in the Zap Run.

 

You may have to use a custom Named Variable since the DATA OUT from Jotform in a live Zap Run appears to be different from the DATA OUT from Jotform when configuring and testing the Zap steps.

 


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 24, 2025

@Troy Tessalone 

Data In for Buffer:

Data out for Jotform (Data in is just the form ID):

​​​​​

Thank you for the continued help, if we can get this to work this can fundamentally change my business.

Please let me know how I should proceed.


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

The currently mapped variable has a different structure than the actual data structure returned from Jotform.

Try this mapped variable:

{{282530151__answers__Photo 1__widget_metadata__value[]__url}}

 


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 24, 2025

I plugged in the mapped variable in the Image section in the Buffer Zap:

 

The following error occurs that the image can’t be found still:

 


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

Did you try testing live with the Zap turned ON?

Check your Zap Runs history details to see the DATA IN/OUT for each step to help you troubleshoot:

https://zapier.com/app/history/

Provide updated screenshots if you still need help.


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 25, 2025

@Troy Tessalone 

I tested with the Zap turned ON.

Still getting the missing Image error with the mapped variable plugged into the Buffer step:

 

 


JammerS
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  • Zapier Staff
  • 2331 replies
  • February 25, 2025

Hi ​@Huntsman,

 

Buffer's "Image" field error usually occurs when the Zap isn't receiving a valid image URL. To troubleshoot, check the Zap history to see if the previous step outputs an image URL. Ensure the URL is correctly mapped in the Buffer step and test it in a browser to confirm it's accessible. Buffer requires a direct link to a JPEG, PNG, or GIF file, so unsupported formats or restricted URLs may cause issues.

 

If you've checked all these and are still encountering the issue, you may need to contact Zapier support for additional assistance.


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

If you are considering hiring help, there is a directory of Certified Zapier Experts: https://zapier.com/experts


  • Author
  • Beginner
  • 8 replies
  • February 25, 2025

I know that I’m plugging in the proper URL directly into the Image* section in the Add to Queue part on the Buffer step itself.

Once I do this, running a test works successfully and I publish the Zap.

When the Zap is published, a queue is uploaded to Buffer as expected initially. 

When I go to try another form submission with the live Zap, the following error occurs and it appears that the Data In for the image section is no longer the same as when I was originally setting it up as I can’t see that same URL format anywhere to be found in the Data In.

Is there anything else I can try?


Troy Tessalone
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@Huntsman 

Perhaps try a different form app than Jotform.