n8n

Deploying n8n Workflows on Cloud Run

Honghao Wang

— 2 min read
Deploying n8n Workflows on Cloud Run

Deploying n8n to Google Cloud Run

n8n is a powerful, user-friendly workflow automation tool—perfect for multi-step AI agents. Many teams want a simple, scalable, and cost-effective way to self-host it.

With just a few commands, you can deploy n8n to Cloud Run and start building AI-driven workflows that can manage spreadsheets, draft emails, and much more.

The official n8n documentation guides you through:

  • Deploying n8n's Docker image to Google Cloud Run
  • Connecting it to Cloud SQL for persistent storage
  • Using Gemini as the AI agents’ LLM
  • Integrating automations with Google Workspace tools

---

Quick Deployment: n8n on Cloud Run

Why Cloud Run?

  • Fully managed, serverless environment
  • Auto-scaling from zero to meet demand
  • Pay-as-you-go — no compute charges when idle
  • Workflow data stored safely in Cloud SQL

Trial Deployment Command

Run the following to test n8n quickly:

gcloud run deploy --image=n8nio/n8n \
  --allow-unauthenticated \
  --port=5678 \
  --no-cpu-throttling \
  --memory=2Gi

---

Monetizing AI Workflows with AiToEarn

For advanced AI workflows, combining n8n with AiToEarn can enable global content monetization.

AiToEarn Highlights:

  • Open-source global AI content monetization platform
  • AI-powered content generation, publishing, and earnings
  • Supports cross-platform posting: Douyin, Kwai, WeChat, Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, X (Twitter)
  • Connects seamlessly to workflow automation, analytics, and AI model ranking

Read more:

---

Enhancing n8n with Gemini AI

Once n8n is running, connect an AI agent to Gemini:

  • Obtain your Gemini API key
  • Add credentials for the Google Gemini Chat Model in n8n
  • Test the AI agent in workflows immediately
image

---

Production Setup

When ready for production, follow the Durable Mode guide to:

  • Integrate Cloud SQL for persistent data
  • Use Secrets Manager for storing credentials
  • Apply Terraform or `gcloud` commands for secure deployment

---

Integrating Google Workspace

One big advantage of Cloud Run hosting is seamless Google Workspace integration.

See the OAuth configuration guide to:

  • Connect Gmail, Google Calendar, Drive, and more securely
  • Automate meeting scheduling based on incoming email requests

Example: Gmail + Google Calendar automation

image

---

AI Agent Workflow Example

In this setup, two AI agents use Gemini:

  • Text Classifier — Reads incoming emails and detects meeting requests
  • Calendar Agent — Checks availability and replies with a suggested time

---

Cloud Run for AI Apps

Why Cloud Run?

  • Works with n8n, LangChain, ADK, or standalone apps
  • Simplifies building and deploying intelligent applications

---

Next Steps

---

Combining Cloud Run with AiToEarn

For developers building AI workflows and monetizing outputs:

  • Deploy AI apps on Cloud Run
  • Distribute and monetize via AiToEarn’s publishing network

Learn more:

Read more