Zapier Discord Timestamp Guide

Using Zapier with Discord makes it easier to share clear, localized timestamps inside your channels while you automate the messages that include them. This guide walks you through how Discord timestamps work and how to combine them with automation so everyone sees the right local time.

How Discord timestamps work with Zapier automation

Discord can convert special timestamp codes into dates and times formatted for each user’s local timezone. When you pair this feature with Zapier, you can trigger messages that always display the correct time without manual conversion.

The basic idea is simple:

You start with a Unix timestamp (seconds since January 1, 1970).
You wrap that number in a Discord timestamp tag: <t:UNIX_CODE:F>.
Discord renders the date and time in the viewer’s local timezone.
Zapier can generate and insert those timestamp tags automatically.

This means you can schedule events, reminders, and updates and have them appear correctly across time zones.

Understanding Discord timestamp formats before using Zapier

Discord timestamps use a single letter at the end of the tag to control how the date and time appear. Before you build any automated workflow with Zapier, you should know the available formats.

The generic structure looks like this:

<t:UNIX_TIMESTAMP:STYLE>

Common style options include:

t — Short time (for example, 9:41 PM)
T — Long time (for example, 9:41:30 PM)
d — Short date (for example, 30/06/2021)
D — Long date (for example, 30 June 2021)
f — Short date and time (for example, 30 June 2021 9:41 PM)
F — Long date and time (for example, Wednesday, 30 June 2021 9:41 PM)
R — Relative time (for example, in 2 hours, 3 days ago)

Every time you send one of these tags, Discord converts it to the correct local representation for each user.

Step-by-step: Build a timestamp message for Zapier

Before you let Zapier send automated messages, practice creating a timestamp manually in Discord. This helps you understand what Zapier will eventually generate for you.

1. Convert a date to a Unix timestamp

First, convert your desired date and time to a Unix timestamp. You can use a time conversion website, a programming language, or built-in tools on many systems.

Pick your event date and time.
Use any Unix timestamp converter to get the numeric value in seconds.
Copy the resulting integer.

For example, you might get a value like 1625077290.

2. Wrap it in a Discord timestamp tag

Next, you decide how it should display in chat.

Start with <t:.
Add your Unix timestamp: <t:1625077290.
Add a colon and style letter, such as :F for long date and time.
Close the tag with >.

Your final tag might look like:

<t:1625077290:F>

Paste this in a Discord message to see the local time format appear.

3. Test different styles

Before you connect anything to Zapier, test the different styles in a private channel or test server.

Send multiple tags side by side, such as <t:1625077290:t>, <t:1625077290:f>, and <t:1625077290:R>.
Ask a friend in a different timezone to view them to confirm localization.

Once you know which format you prefer, you are ready to automate these tags in your workflows.

Using Zapier to automate Discord timestamps

With the basics learned, you can let Zapier send Discord messages that include dynamic timestamps. The exact setup varies by workflow, but the general pattern stays similar across use cases.

1. Choose your trigger in Zapier

Start by selecting an event that should result in a timestamped Discord message. Common triggers include:

A new calendar event created in your scheduling app
An updated task or issue in a project management tool
A form submission containing a date and time
A specific time of day using a schedule-based trigger

When the trigger runs, Zapier collects the necessary date and time fields from the source app.

2. Convert the date to Unix time inside Zapier

After your trigger step, you can transform the date into a Unix timestamp that Discord understands.

Add a Formatter step in Zapier (Date/Time action).
Choose the input field containing your original date and time.
Set the output format to Unix time in seconds.
Test the step to confirm you get a numeric timestamp.

Now Zapier can feed that timestamp into a Discord message.

3. Build the Discord action with a timestamp tag

Next, configure a Discord action step to post in a channel.

Select your Discord account and target channel.
In the message body field, construct your content and insert the timestamp tag.
Use the Formatter output field where the Unix value belongs.
Choose a style letter such as F or R depending on your needs.

For example, your automated message might look like:

Our event starts at <t:{{1234567890}}:F> in your local time.

When Zapier sends the message, Discord converts the tag into a localized time for each user.

Best practices for Zapier and Discord timestamp workflows

To create reliable automations, follow a few best practices when you combine Discord with Zapier.

Use clear context around timestamps

Even though Discord automatically localizes time, you should always explain what the timestamp represents. For instance:

“The meeting begins at <timestamp>.”
“Reminder will go out <timestamp> before the event.”

Adding context helps your team understand the purpose of the time reference.

Prefer relative timestamps for countdowns

If your workflow in Zapier creates reminders or countdown-style messages, relative timestamps with the R style can be more intuitive. They display phrases like “in 2 hours” or “3 days ago,” which update automatically as time passes.

Example message structure:

The deadline is <t:{{UNIX}}:R>.

This remains understandable even if a user checks the message much later.

Test in a private channel before going live

Always test new automations in a dedicated Discord channel before using them with your full team.

Send trial messages from Zapier using sample data.
Verify that the timestamps display correctly for at least two different timezones.
Adjust the style codes or surrounding text if needed.

This minimizes confusion and prevents incorrect time information from reaching production channels.

Advanced ideas: Scaling Zapier timestamp workflows

Once your first automation works, you can expand your system with more complex workflows that still rely on the same timestamp concept.

Multi-step announcements

You can chain multiple Zapier actions together for a complete announcement flow:

Create an event in your calendar or database.
Generate a Unix timestamp with Formatter.
Post a Discord announcement using the timestamp.
Schedule follow-up reminders that reference the same Unix time for consistency.

This helps you keep all time references aligned across channels and notifications.

Cross-platform time synchronization

If you manage time-based events in multiple tools, Zapier can act as the coordinator. For example:

Pull dates from a booking app.
Store or transform them in a spreadsheet or database.
Send aligned timestamp messages to Discord, email, and other channels in parallel.

By centralizing the logic, you reduce time zone mistakes and conflicting schedules.

Where to learn more about Discord timestamps and Zapier

The complete reference for Discord timestamp behavior and examples is available on the original guide. You can read it directly here: Discord timestamps article on Zapier. It includes additional examples and clarifications on how Discord renders each style.

If you want broader help with automation strategies beyond timestamps, you can also explore consulting resources like Consultevo for workflow design, integration planning, and optimization ideas that complement your Zapier setups.

By combining the Discord timestamp feature with well-structured workflows in Zapier, you ensure that every automated message shows the right time, in the right format, for every member of your workspace.

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