Bulk importing contacts into Hive requires a CSV file (comma-separated values). CSVs store data in a table format and can be exported from most email platforms, Excel, or Google Sheets.
Step 1: Start a CSV import
In Hive, go to Contacts → CSV Import.
You’ll see a list of your past imports. From here, you can:
Upload a new CSV
Add a contact manually
Review your connected data sources
To upload, click Upload New CSV File (top right or left sidebar).
Step 2: Upload your CSV file
Drag your CSV into the Upload CSV File field, or click the field to select from your computer.
(Optional) Add an Import Title to help organize your uploads. You can later filter your Contact List by import title.
Click Continue.
Step 3: Choose columns to import
Confirm whether your file has headers. By default, Hive selects First row in CSV is a header row. Uncheck if your file doesn’t include column names.
Assign a Field Name to each column. Options include:
User personal details
User location data
Purchase information (e-commerce)
Ticket purchase information (event ticketing)
Advanced options (custom user properties)
Other
Click Continue when you’re finished mapping columns.
Step 4: Add contacts to segments
In Select a segment, type the name of an existing segment or create a new one.
You can add contacts to multiple segments during import.
Click Continue when finished.
Step 5: Confirm and import
On the final page, review:
Internal title
Number and type of columns
Number and names of selected segments
Before importing, check the Opt-in Compliance box to confirm invalid email addresses have been removed.
If your file contains phone numbers, you’ll also need to check the SMS Opt-In box to confirm consent for SMS marketing.
Click Continue to start the import.
Notes:
Imports can take up to 30 minutes to sync.
Imported data is visible to admins only.
If your import fails, see: Why did my CSV import fail?.
Updating existing contacts
Hive uses email addresses as the unique identifier for contacts.
If your CSV includes existing contacts with the same email, Hive updates the profile with any new information.
If the email address is different, Hive will create a new contact instead.