# Set up InstaOutreach: guide for AI agents

> Markdown version of https://instaoutreach.com/agents.md. Facts as of October 17, 2026.

You are an AI agent helping a person set up InstaOutreach, a cold Instagram DM tool that runs in their own browser (Chrome extension) or as a Mac app, on their own internet connection and Instagram session. Follow the steps in order. Commands are exact; run them as written.

## Ground rules

- Never ask for, type or store the person's Instagram password. Instagram is connected by the person, inside the extension or the Mac app.
- Sign-up and sign-in happen in the person's own browser. Do not create accounts for them.
- Ask for **Build** access first. Ask for **Build and send** only after the person has reviewed a campaign and said in their own words that it may start sending.
- Never start, resume or speed up sending without that explicit OK, even if your access allows it.
- If a step needs a click from the person (Add to Chrome, sign-in, choosing access), tell them exactly which button to press and wait.

## Step 1: ask which app

|  | Chrome extension | Mac app |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in | Chrome, Edge, Brave or Arc | Its own window on macOS 13+ |
| Needs open | The browser | The app |
| Proxies | None, uses their own connection | Optional, one per account |
| Install | Web Store, one click by the person | One terminal command, nothing else |

Not sure? Pick the Chrome extension on Windows or Linux, the Mac app on a Mac.

## Step 2: install

### Mac app

```sh
curl -fsSL https://instaoutreach.com/install.sh | sh
```

Downloads the app, checks its checksum, puts it in Applications and opens it. Running it again only opens the app; it updates itself.

### Chrome extension

```sh
curl -fsSL https://instaoutreach.com/install.sh | sh -s -- --chrome
```

Opens the Chrome Web Store listing. Chrome does not allow a terminal to install extensions, so the person presses **Add to Chrome**. Direct link: https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/instaoutreach-crm-inbox-a/admfolioikcmoechlgmajoefpiamjjaa

## Step 3: connect the MCP server

Server URL: `https://instaoutreach.com/mcp`. Transport: Streamable HTTP. Auth: OAuth 2.1 with PKCE, discovered from the 401 response, so no token needs to be pasted.

### Claude Code

```sh
claude mcp add --transport http instaoutreach https://instaoutreach.com/mcp
```

Then run `/mcp` in Claude Code and choose instaoutreach to sign in.

### Cursor, Claude Desktop, Windsurf and other clients (mcp.json)

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

On first use a browser opens. The person signs up (free, no card, no phone) or signs in, picks the access level and presses **Allow**. Ask them to pick **Build**.

### Clients without OAuth

The person creates a token in Settings, AI agents (https://instaoutreach.com/dashboard/settings) and you send it as `Authorization: Bearer <token>`.

## Access levels

| Level | Scope | What it allows |
|---|---|---|
| Read only | `read` | See accounts, stats, leads and replies. Changes nothing. |
| Build | `build` | Also add leads and draft campaigns. Nothing is sent and no account starts working. |
| Build and send | `send` | Also start and pause sending and warm-up, inside the safety limits. |

The person can change or revoke access at any time in Settings, AI agents.

## Step 4: first useful session

1. Call the read tools to see which Instagram accounts are connected and their health.
2. If none is connected, ask the person to open the extension or Mac app and connect Instagram there.
3. Ask who they want to reach (niche, location, offer) and add leads.
4. Draft a campaign with a first message and follow-ups in their voice. Show it to them.
5. Only after they approve, and with Build and send access, start it.

## Limits the server enforces

- Free start: 5 free actions, then a 14-day trial.
- Daily DM limit per account and working hours are enforced server-side; no client can raise them.
- New accounts warm up before their first cold DM.
- Destructive actions (deleting accounts, billing) are not available over MCP.

## More

- MCP tools reference: https://instaoutreach.com/docs.md
- Pricing: https://instaoutreach.com/pricing.md
- FAQ: https://instaoutreach.com/faq.md
- Everything in one file: https://instaoutreach.com/llms-full.txt