Automate Image Generation via Telegram Using Fal and n8n

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through setting up an n8n workflow that automates image generation from a Telegram chat. The workflow integrates Fal.ai for image creation and uploads the generated image to Google Drive before sending it back to the Telegram user.

Prerequisites

An n8n instance running (local or cloud-based)
A Telegram bot set up via BotFather
A Fal.ai API key for image generation
A Google Drive account for temporary image storage

Workflow Overview

The workflow consists of two main sections:

Generate Image – Captures a message from Telegram, requests an image from Fal.ai, and waits for completion.
Get Image and Send to Telegram – Retrieves the generated image, uploads it to Google Drive, and sends it back to Telegram.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Set Up Telegram Trigger

Add a Telegram Trigger node to capture messages from the bot.
Configure it to listen for messages and extract the user’s request.

Step 2: Call Fal.ai API to Generate Image

Add an HTTP Request node named “Generate Image”
Set the method to POST and the URL to Fal.ai’s image generation endpoint (1).
Select Fal.ai credential.
Enable Send Body, in Body Parameters, type prompt in Name and drag the field text from Telegram node (2).

Step 3: Wait for Image Completion (optional)

Add a Wait node to introduce a delay before checking the image status.
Use another HTTP Request node (“Check Status”) to poll the Fal.ai API.
Add a Switch node (“Completed?”) to check if the image is ready.
If incomplete, loop back to the Wait node; if completed, proceed.

Step 4: Retrieve and Process the Image

Add an HTTP Request node to get the final image URL.
Use another HTTP Request node to download the image.
Add a Google Drive node to upload the image file.
- Resource: Select File.
- Operation: Select Upload.
- Input Data Field Name: Type data.
- Type any file name (this file can be deleted later).
- Select your folder to save the image.

Step 5: Send Image to Telegram

Add a Telegram Send Photo node to send the image back to the user.
Connect it to the uploaded image file from Google Drive.

Step 6: Cleanup (Optional)

Add a Google Drive Delete File node to remove the image (by ID) after sending.

Conclusion

This workflow automates the process of generating AI images from Telegram messages, storing them temporarily, and sending them back efficiently. You can enhance this by integrating additional features such as style selection or AI model variations.