Static vs Dynamic Lists¶
Understand the difference between static and dynamic lists to choose the right type for your use case.
Comparison¶
| Feature | Static Lists | Dynamic Lists |
|---|---|---|
| Membership | Manual -- you add and remove contacts | Automatic -- based on filter criteria |
| Updates | Only changes when you modify it | Auto-updates as contact data changes |
| Best for | Hand-picked groups, event lists, imports | Segments based on properties or behavior |
| Effort | Requires manual curation | Set up once, stays current |
Static Lists¶
Static lists give you full control. Contacts stay on the list until you explicitly add or remove them. No automatic changes happen.
When to use static lists:
- You have a specific list of people for a one-time campaign
- You imported a batch of contacts and want to group them
- The selection criteria don't follow a clear filter pattern
- You need a stable list that doesn't change unexpectedly
Dynamic Lists¶
Dynamic lists evaluate filter criteria and automatically update membership. When a contact's data changes to match the filters, they are added. When their data no longer matches, they are removed.
When to use dynamic lists:
- You want a segment that stays current without manual work
- The group is defined by properties (stage, tag, owner, etc.)
- You need a list for ongoing campaigns or sequences
- You want to track contacts meeting specific criteria over time
How Dynamic Lists Update¶
- When any contact is updated, Outsprint checks if they match active dynamic list filters
- A full recalculation runs every 15 minutes as a safety net
- The contact count is cached and refreshed on each recalculation
You
How many contacts are in the Enterprise SQLs list?
Outsprint AI
The Enterprise SQLs list has 34 contacts. This is a dynamic list that auto-updates based on lifecycle stage and tags.
Pro Tip
Use dynamic lists for segments you reference often, like "All SQLs" or "Contacts not contacted in 30 days." The list always reflects the latest data.