---
ref: tool:klaviyo/create-campaign
name: Create a campaign
company: company:klaviyo
workflows: []
access: [mcp, cli, api]
tags: [capability:send-email, category:email, has:api, has:cli, has:mcp]
docs: https://developers.klaviyo.com/en/reference/create_campaign
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Create a campaign

Creates a campaign for the lists and segments you include, with its messages and send strategy, and returns it.

`name`, `audiences.included` and the `campaign-messages` are required; the
send strategy defaults to immediate. Give an email message its content by
assigning a template to it (`assign_template_to_campaign_message`).

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### MCP (official, remote)

Add this server to your agent's MCP settings, then sign in when asked.

```json
{ "mcpServers": { "klaviyo": { "url": "https://mcp.klaviyo.com/mcp" } } }
```

Call the MCP tool `create_campaign`.

Server URL: https://mcp.klaviyo.com/mcp

### CLI (official)

Install the command, then confirm it runs.

```sh
go install github.com/klaviyo/klaviyo-cli/cmd/klaviyo@latest
klaviyo --version
```

Run `klaviyo campaigns create`.

Set `$KLAVIYO_API_KEY` in your environment first (get a key: https://www.klaviyo.com/create-private-api-key).

### API (official)

- Base URL: https://a.klaviyo.com
- Endpoint: `POST /api/campaigns`
- Auth: send the header `Authorization: Klaviyo-API-Key $KLAVIYO_API_KEY`
- Get a key: https://www.klaviyo.com/create-private-api-key
- Docs: https://developers.klaviyo.com/en/reference/api_overview

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.