When you upload contacts to create a segment via Excel, you can now track the entire process in real time from the moment your file starts uploading to the moment your segment is ready to use. You'll always know which stage your file is in and roughly how long it will take.
What You'll See
Upload progress (%) As your file uploads, a progress bar shows the exact percentage completed along with an estimated time remaining. This is especially useful for large files, where uploads previously felt like a black box.
Processing stages Once uploaded, your file moves through clearly labelled stages so you can see exactly where it is:
Stage | What's happening |
Uploading | Your Excel file is being transferred to BIK. |
Scanning & Processing | BIK reads your file and validates the contacts inside it. |
Errors (if any) | Any issues found in the file are flagged here for you to review. This stage only appears when errors are detected. |
Creating Segment | Valid contacts are being compiled into your new segment. |
Completed | Your segment is ready to use in campaigns and journeys. |
How to Upload a Segment via Excel
Go to the Segments section and choose to create a new segment via Excel upload.
Select your contact file and start the upload.
Watch the progress bar for the live upload percentage and estimated time remaining.
Once uploaded, follow your file through the processing stages listed above.
If the Errors stage appears, review the flagged issues, fix them in your file, and re-upload.
When you see Completed, your segment is ready — you can select it in any campaign or journey.
Why This Helps
Large contact lists are no longer a black box. If you collect customer data outside BIK including customers who aren't in Shopify and regularly upload large lists, you now have a transparent, predictable process from start to finish.
You can plan campaigns with confidence. Because you can see when your segment is expected to be ready, you can schedule campaigns around it instead of guessing or waiting idly.
Fewer surprises and drop-offs. Clear stages and progress mean you always know what's happening and what comes next, so there's no need to abandon a large upload midway.
Good to Know
The time shown is an estimate. Actual processing time can vary slightly depending on your file size and current processing conditions.
The Errors stage only appears when there's something to fix. If your file is clean, your segment moves straight from Scanning & Processing to Creating Segment.
This feature is available to all merchants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my upload taking longer than the estimated time?
Why is my upload taking longer than the estimated time?
The time shown is an estimate and can vary with file size and processing load. A larger file, or one with many contacts to validate, may take a little longer than initially shown.
What happens if my file has errors?
What happens if my file has errors?
The process pauses at the Errors stage and flags the issues found. Review and fix them in your Excel file, then re-upload to continue.
Can I schedule a campaign before my segment finishes uploading?
Can I schedule a campaign before my segment finishes uploading?
Yes, its recommended. The estimated time remaining helps you plan when it will be ready so you can line up your campaign right after.
Do I need to keep the page open during upload?
Do I need to keep the page open during upload?
Keep the upload window open until you at least reach the Creating Segment or Completed stage to ensure the process runs smoothly.
If you run into any issues during upload, reach out to our support team and we'll help you get your segment ready.