Why it matters
Uploading contacts lets you add new audiences to Whippy quickly and keep your data accurate. Every upload automatically creates a contact list, which helps you organize audiences and reuse them for future messaging.
Key Concepts
Contact Uploads: Methods for adding multiple contacts at once through supported file types or by pasting phone numbers directly into the importer.
Supported File Types: Whippy accepts .csv, .tsv, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, and .xml files.
Column Mapping: After uploading a file, Whippy shows your data in a table. You assign each column to the correct field (for example, ensure phone numbers map to the Phone Number field).
Lists: Every upload automatically creates a new static list. Whippy also applies an upload tag to all imported contacts so you can identify or target them later.
Channel Opt-in: When creating a list, choose which channels the contacts are opted into (SMS, WhatsApp, voice, email).
Upload Tag: A tag added to all contacts in the import batch. This functions as the identifier for the list.
Step-by-Step: Uploading Contacts
Go to Data and select Contacts.
Click the cloud-and-arrow icon to create a contacts list.
Enter a unique name for the list.
Select the channels to opt the contacts into.
Choose how to add contacts:
Upload a file: Select a file in
.csv,.tsv,.txt,.xls,.xlsx, or.xmlformat.Paste numbers: Use Command+V or Control+V to paste phone numbers.
Review the preview table displayed after the upload.
Assign column headers to ensure each field matches correctly.
Deselect any rows you do not want imported.
Click Save Contacts to complete the upload.
Access the new list automatically created under Data → Lists or from the sidebar navigation.
Tips and Best Practices
Clean files before uploading by removing unnecessary columns, blank rows, or invalid values.
Ensure phone numbers follow a consistent format to improve import reliability.
Always verify column mapping in the preview table before saving.
Use descriptive list names to keep data organized and easy to reference.
Use the upload tag to quickly target imported contacts in campaigns or sequences.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Possible Cause | Fix |
File fails to upload | Unsupported formatting or corrupted file | Re-export the file, simplify formatting, or convert to a supported format |
Data mapped incorrectly | Wrong column selection during mapping | Reassign the correct column headers in the preview step |
Missing contacts | Some rows were deselected or not parsed | Review the preview table and ensure all required rows are selected |
Paste not working | Mouse paste not supported | Use Command+V or Control+V instead |