PhantomBuster Glossary: Key Terms and Definitions

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This glossary defines the key terms and concepts you'll encounter in PhantomBuster, from Phantoms and Workflows to session cookies, slots, and execution time. Use it as a quick reference whenever you come across an unfamiliar term in the Help Center or in the product.

Automation concepts

  • Phantom: An automation that performs one or more tasks, such as extracting LinkedIn profiles, enriching lead data, or sending messages. Phantoms are the building blocks of your automations. You can run them individually or chain multiple Phantoms together to create your own custom multi-step sequence.
  • Chaining: Manually connecting Phantoms so that the results (what you get) from one are used as the setup data (what you provide) for the next. This lets you build your own multi-step sequences without downloading or uploading files manually.
    → Learn how to chain Phantoms.
  • Workflow: A predefined multi-step automation that runs several Phantoms in sequence, already connected in the right order. Workflows let you automate an entire process: from extracting leads to sending outreach messages, without setting up or linking Phantoms manually. 
    → They're built around the most popular lead generation and outreach use cases, so you can launch complete automations with a single setup, no need to configure or link several Phantoms manually. Learn more about Workflows.
  • Watcher mode: A setting available in some automations that helps you collect new or updated results over time. Useful for tracking fresh data without duplicating what you've already gathered. 
    → Learn more about Watcher mode.

Workspace and platform terms

  • Workspace: Your environment for managing automations, users, and connected accounts. All workspaces support collaboration by default and come with separate resources (slots, execution time, billing). 
    → Learn how to sign up and activate your PhantomBuster workspace.
  • Dashboard: The home screen where you see, manage, and organize your active automations.
    → Learn how to navigate your PhantomBuster Workspace.
  • Console page: Each automation has its own console page, where you can view logs, download files, monitor launch history, and manage its status. Accessible by clicking on any automation in your Dashboard.
  • Usage page: This is where you can track your usage stats: execution time, available slots, credits and automation limits. Accessible via the coin icon in the top-right hand side of you workspace.

Account connection

  • Session cookie: A small piece of browser data that confirms you're logged into a platform like LinkedIn. PhantomBuster uses this to access your account securely without needing your password.
    → Learn more about session cookies.
  • User agent: A fingerprint of the browser and device you used when capturing the session. PhantomBuster uses it to replicate the same environment.
    → Learn more about user agents.
  • Magic link: A one-time link used to invite someone to connect their LinkedIn account without joining your workspace.

Input, output, and launch settings

If you're new to PhantomBuster, start with our step-by-step guide to launching your first Phantom to see how setup, input, and output work together in a real example.

You can also explore our tutorial library for each Phantom to follow detailed, use-case-specific walkthroughs.

  • Input: What you provide to the automation (Phantom or Workflow) to get started. For example: a LinkedIn search URL, a spreadsheet of profiles, keywords, or a leads list.
    → Learn more about how to provide input data.
  • Output: What the automation (Phantom or Workflow) gives you back after it runs. Typically: a downloadable file or synced results, like LinkedIn profile data or contact details.
    → Learn more about how to access your results.
  • Execution time: The time it takes to run your automations. Your plan includes a monthly execution time limit that's shared across all Phantoms and Workflows in your workspace.
  • Slots: The number of automations you can run at the same time. Each Phantom on your Dashboard generally uses one slot, whether or not it has been launched. Workflows usually use one, two or more slots, depending on how many steps they include.
  • Launch type: Defines when your automation runs.
    • Most Phantoms let you fully customize their launch schedule:
      • Options include: Manual launch, Repeated schedule, Advanced scheduling, Launch after another Phantom finishes.
    • However, all Workflows have predefined launch patterns optimized for timing and safety. Some Workflows run automatically on fixed schedules that can't be customized, while others let you choose from a few predefined timing options (for example, sending actions during weekdays or at random intervals).

Team and billing terms

  • Subscription plan: Your plan determines how many slots, execution time, and advanced features (like LinkedIn Leads or AI) are available. Plans are: Start, Grow, and Scale.
    → Learn more about PhantomBuster plans.
  • Member: A user who has login access to your workspace. They can create, manage, and launch automations.
    → Learn more about how to collaborate in your Workspace.
  • External contributor: Not a workspace member. Someone who connects their LinkedIn account to your workspace but cannot login or see it.
    → Learn more about external contributors.

Additional terms

  • LinkedIn Leads List: An organized view of lead data collected from compatible LinkedIn Phantoms and Workflows. Lets you segment, enrich, and export leads from a central interface.
    → Learn more about LinkedIn Leads Lists.
  • Proxy: A proxy helps your automations run from a consistent location. It keeps your connection stable and avoids alerts on platforms like Facebook or Google Maps that check where you're connecting from.
    → Learn more about proxies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Phantom and a Workflow?

A Phantom performs one specific task, like extracting LinkedIn search results or sending connection requests. A Workflow combines multiple Phantoms into a single, pre-built sequence — so you can go from lead extraction to outreach in one setup.

What happens when my execution time runs out?

Your automations stop running until your execution time resets at the start of your next billing cycle, or you upgrade your plan. Any data already collected is saved and available to download.

Do I need a session cookie for every platform?

Not always. LinkedIn and Sales Navigator require a session cookie. Other platforms like Google Maps or Yellow Pages don't. Check the setup instructions for each specific Phantom to see what's needed.

Can I run Phantoms on my phone?

PhantomBuster is designed for desktop browsers (Chrome or Firefox). You can view your dashboard on mobile, but you can't connect accounts or retrieve session cookies from a phone or tablet.

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