How to Upload Customer Lists to X Ads (Twitter Ads)

If you're running performance campaigns on X (formerly Twitter), you’re missing out big time if you’re not leveraging custom audiences. By uploading a customer list, you can reach existing leads, re-engage lapsed users, or build lookalike audiences that convert. Whether you’re a small business or scaling brand, using tailored audiences in Twitter Ads lets you sharpen your targeting, boost CTRs, and improve ROAS across the board. In this guide, we’ll break down how to upload your customer list, match it to active Twitter users, and activate powerful segments for smarter, more personalized X Ads campaigns.

► 🎥 Follow our YouTube Channel

► 🧠 Book Training Call

► 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn

Upload Customer Lists to X Ads (Twitter Ads):

1. Login to X Ads

2. Click on Tools

3. Navigate to Audiences

4. Click on Create an Audience

5. Select "List"

6. Give an Audience Name

7. Upload a CSV file of at least 100 Emails

   
   
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Upload Customer Lists to X Ads (Twitter Ads)

1. What is a customer list in X Ads?

A customer list is a file containing first-party data such as email addresses, phone numbers, or Twitter handles, used to create a Tailored Audience for more personalized ad targeting.

2. What file format should I use?

You must upload your list as a .CSV file, formatted with one column (no headers) containing identifiers like email addresses, phone numbers, mobile advertiser IDs, or Twitter usernames.

3. Does the data need to be hashed before uploading?

Nope. X Ads Manager will automatically SHA-256 hash your customer data during the upload process. Just make sure your data is clean and properly formatted.

4. How many entries should I upload for effective matching?

While there’s no strict minimum, it's recommended to upload at least 500-1,000 matched users for the audience to become active. More entries = better match rates.

5. How long does it take for the list to be processed?

Processing can take from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of your list. You’ll see a status update in the Audiences tab in X Ads Manager.

6. What types of data can I upload?

You can upload:

• Email addresses

• Phone numbers

• Twitter user IDs

• Mobile advertising IDs (MAIDs)

• Twitter usernames (@handles)

7. Can I create Lookalike or Similar Audiences on X Ads?

Yes! Once your Tailored Audience is live, you can use it to build a Lookalike Audience to expand your reach and target users similar to your existing customers.

8. What if my audience size shows as too small?

This usually means your match rate is low. Double-check your formatting and try uploading more data. Make sure emails/phones are accurate and recent.

9. Is it safe to upload customer data to X Ads?

Yes. X (Twitter) encrypts and hashes your data using industry-standard security protocols, and only uses the data for ad targeting purposes.

10. Can I update or delete a customer list?

Yes. Go to Tools > Audiences in X Ads Manager to manage, edit, or delete any of your uploaded customer lists.