---
ref: tool:instantly/add-leads-to-campaign
name: Add leads to a campaign
company: company:instantly
workflows: []
access: [api]
tags: [capability:send-email, category:sales-engagement, has:api]
docs: https://developer.instantly.ai/api-reference/lead/add-leads-in-bulk-to-a-campaign-or-list
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Add leads to a campaign

Adds up to 1,000 leads to one Instantly campaign or lead list, checking their emails against blocklists and existing leads.

Pass `campaign_id` or `list_id`, not both, and a `leads` array; in a campaign
every lead needs an `email`, and each lead can carry fields such as
`first_name`, `company_name` and `personalization`. `skip_if_in_workspace`,
`skip_if_in_campaign` and `skip_if_in_list` skip people you already have, and
`verify_leads_on_import` verifies their emails in the background. The key
needs the `leads:create` scope (or `leads:all`, `all:create`, `all:all`).
Leads added to an active campaign can start receiving its emails, so confirm
the campaign first.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### API (official)

- Base URL: https://api.instantly.ai
- Endpoint: `POST /api/v2/leads/add`
- Auth: send the header `Authorization: Bearer $INSTANTLY_API_KEY`
- Get a key: https://app.instantly.ai/app/settings/integrations
- Docs: https://developer.instantly.ai/getting-started/authorization

Before doing anything else, make one read-only call to confirm access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data.
- Never print API keys.