CSV Import Guide

Master bulk content import with CSV files. Schedule weeks of content in minutes using spreadsheet uploads.

What is CSV Import?

CSV Import allows you to upload a spreadsheet containing your content calendar and automatically create scheduled posts. Access it from Content tab → Create Content → Import CSV. This is perfect for:

• Campaign Planning - Import entire campaign schedules
• Content Migration - Move from other platforms
• Bulk Scheduling - Schedule weeks of content at once
• Team Collaboration - Work in spreadsheets, import to Creator Studio

CSV File Structure

Required Columns

Your CSV must include these columns:

Optional Columns

Enhance your import with additional data:

Sample CSV Content

date,activity,media,platform,post_type
2024-01-15,Motivational Monday - Share productivity tips,,instagram,feed
2024-01-16,Product showcase with customer testimonial,https://media.url/video.mp4,tiktok,video
2024-01-17,Behind the scenes of our creative process,,instagram,story
2024-01-18,Feature Friday - Highlight new feature,,youtube,video
2024-01-20,Weekend sale announcement - 25% off,,facebook,feed

Step-by-Step Import Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Spreadsheet

1. Open your spreadsheet tool (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)
2. Create column headers - Exactly as shown above
3. Add your content data - One row per post
4. Format dates correctly - YYYY-MM-DD format
5. Export as CSV - File → Download as → CSV

Pro Tips:

• Keep descriptions clear and detailed for better AI generation
• Include relevant keywords in activities
• Group related content by date ranges
• Leave media blank to let AI generate images

Step 2: Start Import Process

1. Navigate to Content section
2. Click Create Content
3. Select Import CSV option
4. You'll see the import wizard

Step 3: Upload and Configure

1. Upload File

   • Click upload area or drag & drop
   • Select your CSV file
   • Wait for initial processing

2. Select Brand (if applicable)

   • Choose brand for guidelines
   • Ensures consistent voice
   • Applies brand assets

3. Choose Target Profiles

   • Select social accounts
   • Multiple profiles supported
   • Platform filtering available

Step 4: Validation

The system automatically validates your data:

✅ Valid Rows

• Ready for import
• All requirements met
• No conflicts detected

⚠️ Warnings

• Non-critical issues
• Can still import
• Review recommended

❌ Errors

• Must be fixed
• Cannot import these rows
• Download error report

Step 5: Review and Import

1. Review Summary

   • Total rows: X
   • Valid rows: Y
   • Invalid rows: Z

2. Options Available

   • Import all valid rows
   • Download error report
   • Fix and re-upload
   • Cancel import

3. Complete Import

   • Click "Import X Valid Rows"
   • System creates schedules
   • Generates content tasks
   • Shows success message

Common Validation Issues

Date Problems

Issue: "Invalid date format" Solution: Use YYYY-MM-DD format (2024-01-15, not 15/01/2024)

Issue: "Date in the past" Solution: Only future dates accepted

Issue: "Date too far in future" Solution: Maximum 90 days ahead

Scheduling Conflicts

Issue: "Slot already taken" Solution:

• Another post scheduled at this time
• Adjust time by 15-30 minutes
• Use different profile

Issue: "Too many posts per day" Solution:

• Platform limits exceeded
• Spread across more days
• Reduce quantity

Media Issues

Issue: "Media URL not accessible" Solution:

• Ensure URL is public
• Check for typos
• Verify file exists

Issue: "Invalid media format" Solution:

• Use supported formats (JPG, PNG, MP4)
• Check file extension
• Verify media type matches post type

Advanced Features

Bulk Operations

Large Imports

• Up to 100 rows per import
• Background processing
• Progress notifications

Batch Strategies

• Import by week/month
• Group by campaign
• Separate by platform

Smart Scheduling

Auto-Spacing

• Minimum gaps between posts
• Platform-specific timing
• Avoid clustering

Optimal Times

• AI suggests best slots
• Based on audience data
• Maximizes engagement

Content Generation

AI Enhancement

• Generates from prompts
• Applies brand voice
• Creates variations

Media Creation

• Auto-generates images
• Matches content theme
• Brand-compliant visuals

Best Practices

Planning Your Import

1. Start Small

   • Test with 5-10 rows first
   • Verify process works
   • Scale up gradually

2. Organize by Campaigns

   • Group related content
   • Use consistent themes
   • Plan story arcs

3. Mix Content Types

   • Vary post formats
   • Different platforms
   • Diverse topics

Content Strategy

1. Batch Similar Content

   • Group by theme
   • Similar generation needs
   • Consistent style

2. Leave Room for Real-Time

   • Don't over-schedule
   • Allow flexibility
   • Space for trending topics

3. Include Variety

   • Educational content
   • Entertainment
   • Promotional
   • User-generated

Quality Control

1. Review Before Import

   • Check spelling/grammar
   • Verify dates
   • Confirm media URLs

2. Post-Import Review

   • Check generated content
   • Edit as needed
   • Approve before publishing

Templates and Examples

Weekly Content Calendar

date,activity,platform,post_type
2024-01-15,Monday Motivation - Productivity tips for the week,instagram,feed
2024-01-16,Tutorial Tuesday - How to use our new feature,youtube,video
2024-01-17,Wednesday Wisdom - Industry insights and trends,linkedin,article
2024-01-18,Throwback Thursday - Company milestone celebration,facebook,feed
2024-01-19,Feature Friday - Product spotlight,instagram,reel
2024-01-20,Saturday Stories - Customer success story,instagram,story
2024-01-21,Sunday Summary - Week in review,twitter,thread

Product Launch Campaign

date,activity,media,platform
2024-02-01,Teaser - Something big is coming,https://cdn.ex.com/teaser.jpg,instagram
2024-02-03,Countdown - 5 days until launch,,tiktok
2024-02-05,Feature preview #1 - Speed improvements,,youtube
2024-02-06,Feature preview #2 - New interface,,instagram
2024-02-07,Feature preview #3 - AI enhancements,,facebook
2024-02-08,Launch day - Introducing Product X,,all
2024-02-09,Tutorial - Getting started guide,,youtube
2024-02-10,Customer reactions and testimonials,,instagram

Seasonal Content

date,activity,platform
2024-12-01,December goals and planning,instagram
2024-12-05,Holiday gift guide for our industry,facebook
2024-12-10,Year in review preparation,linkedin
2024-12-15,Holiday greetings from our team,all
2024-12-20,Last-minute holiday tips,instagram
2024-12-25,Merry Christmas message,all
2024-12-28,Preparing for the new year,youtube
2024-12-31,New Year's Eve celebration,instagram

Troubleshooting

Upload Issues

"File too large"

• Maximum 10MB file size
• Remove unnecessary columns
• Split into multiple files

"Invalid file format"

• Must be .csv file
• Not .xlsx or .xls
• Save as CSV from spreadsheet

Import Failures

"No valid rows"

• Check column headers
• Verify date format
• Remove empty rows

"Import failed"

• Check internet connection
• Verify profile connections
• Contact support if persists

Post-Import Problems

"Content not generating"

• Check profile settings
• Verify AI credits available
• Review generation queue

"Wrong timezone"

• Check profile timezone settings
• Adjust in CSV if needed
• Use UTC times

Integration Tips

With Brand Management

• Select brand before import
• Applies guidelines automatically
• Uses brand assets
• Maintains consistency

With AI Generation

• Include detailed prompts
• Reference brand elements
• Specify tone/style
• Let AI enhance

With Approval Workflows

• Imported content enters queue
• Bulk approval options
• Review before publishing
• Track approval status

With Analytics

• Monitor imported content performance
• Compare with manual posts
• Track engagement rates
• Optimize future imports

FAQ

Q: Can I update imported content? A: Yes, all imported content can be edited before publishing.

Q: What happens to duplicates? A: System detects and prevents duplicate scheduling in same time slot.

Q: Can I import for multiple brands? A: Import one brand at a time, but you can do multiple imports.

Q: Is there an import history? A: Yes, all imports are logged with details and results.

Q: Can I cancel an import? A: Yes, until content is generated. After that, delete individual posts.

Q: How are errors handled? A: Invalid rows are skipped, valid rows import. Download error report for details.

Next Steps

• Download Sample CSV Template
• Watch Video Tutorial
• Read API Documentation
• View Full Auto Generation

Get Support

Having issues with CSV import? We're here to help:

• Email: support@studio.ei.au
• Help Center: studio.ei.au/dashboard/help
• Community Forum: Coming soon