Dynamic Automations and Dynamic Lists
Dynamic Automations and Dynamic Lists are related but distinct features. Both allow lead data to update automatically, but they operate at different levels - one controls how the automation behaves, the other controls which leads enter it.
What is a Dynamic List?
A Dynamic List is a lead source that continuously refreshes based on a LinkedIn search URL. As new profiles appear in the search results, they are automatically added to the Leads List without any manual action.
Best for: ongoing sourcing campaigns where new candidates are regularly available.
The list grows over time as LinkedIn surfaces new matching profiles.
Profiles that no longer appear in search results are not removed - they remain in the Leads List.
What is a Dynamic Automation?
A Dynamic Automation is an automation that is set to keep running continuously rather than stopping once it has processed all current leads. It works hand-in-hand with a Dynamic List - as new leads are added to the list, the automation picks them up and begins processing them automatically.
Best for: always-on outreach campaigns that should run without manual restarts.
The automation re-checks the lead list on a schedule and processes any new additions.
Requires a Dynamic List to be active on the automation to function effectively.
How They Work Together
Dynamic List plus Dynamic Automation is the recommended setup for continuous outreach campaigns:
The Dynamic List monitors the LinkedIn search URL and pulls in new profiles as they appear.
The Dynamic Automation detects the new leads and automatically begins processing them through the outreach steps.
No manual intervention is needed - the pipeline runs continuously.
Quick Comparison
Feature | Dynamic List | Dynamic Automation |
What it controls | Which leads enter the automation | Whether the automation keeps running for new leads |
Must be enabled separately? | Yes | Yes |
Works without the other? | Yes - but new leads won't be processed automatically | Yes - but no new leads will be added automatically |
Best used together? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
💡 Best Practices
Enable both Dynamic List and Dynamic Automation together for fully hands-off outreach pipelines.
Use a standard (non-dynamic) automation with a fixed list when running a one-off targeted campaign.
Monitor dynamic automations regularly — because they run continuously, unchecked configuration issues can affect a large number of leads.
🤔 FAQs
Q1: Can I use a Dynamic Automation with an Excel file upload? Answer: No. Dynamic Automations are designed to work with Dynamic Lists sourced from LinkedIn search URLs. Excel imports are static lead sources.
Q2: Will the automation re-process leads it has already contacted? Answer: No. The system tracks which leads have already entered the automation and will not re-process them.