---
title: "Creating and using segments in beehiiv"
updated: 2026-01-27
---

# Creating and using segments in beehiiv

Segments are a versatile tool for analyzing subscriber engagement and organizing your audience based on attributes and activity. They enable you to gain valuable insights into your subscribers and deliver personalized content tailored to their preferences.

In this guide, we’ll begin with quick tips and helpful resources to get you started. Next, we’ll share a video tutorial on creating and using segments, followed by an overview of the types of segments available in beehiiv. Finally, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for creating segments and answer common FAQs.

## Quick tips to get you started 

-   **Explore segment use cases:** Check out our [list of segment use cases, examples, and conditions](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14492964250007) to spark ideas for creating segments that fit your needs.
-   **Use automations with segments:** [Enroll users in automations](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/21526057683991) when they enter or exit a segment, helping streamline your workflows.
-   **Re-engage inactive users**: [Create a re-engagement campaign](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/16666074781975) to identify unengaged subscribers, then [manage your audience](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/12428610562327) by removing the inactive subscribers.
-   **Personalize content with custom fields:** Leverage [custom fields](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/7712894720023) as segments to tailor your content for specific reader groups.
-   **Tag subscribers in bulk:** [Add tags to your audience in bulk](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/22044432486295) by using segments for easy organization.
-   **Send targeted newsletters:** Use a segment to send newsletters to specific groups of subscribers directly from the [Audience page of the post flow](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/13064033042199-options-on-the-audience-page-of-the-post-flow).
-   **Create poll-based segments:** Build segments based on [poll results](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/13063183261335) to better understand and engage your audience.

---

## Watch and learn: How to create and use segments in beehiiv

[Embedded video](//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ouNSXx2NY90)

> **Disclaimer**
>
> The beehiiv platform has evolved since the filming of this video so parts of the user interface featured in the video will be slightly different than what you see in your account.

---

## beehiiv segment types

When creating your segments, you can choose from 3 types based on how subscribers are added and whether it updates over time.

-   **Static:** This type of segment forms a fixed group of subscribers based on the conditions you set at the time of creation. A static segment doesn't update on its own; instead it’ll remain unchanged until updated as stipulated.

-   **Dynamic:** A dynamic segment continually updates based on the conditions you set. It automatically refreshes daily, adding or removing subscribers as their activity or attributes change over time.

-   **Manual:** This option allows you to upload a list of subscribers manually. Unlike dynamic segments, manual segments are not automatically updated. They are based on a specific list of subscribers you choose to import and do not change over time.

---

## How to create a segment

1.  From the left panel dashboard, go to [**Audience > Segments.**](https://app.beehiiv.com/segments)  
      
    **![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528150551)**
2.  Click [**Create Segment**](https://app.beehiiv.com/segments/new) in the upper right corner.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528152087)
3.  A New Segment form will open. Provide a **Name** (required) and an optional **Description** for your segment.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528154007)
4.  Choose your segment type: **Static**, **Dynamic**, or **Manual**. (Descriptions of each are provided above.)  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544208535)

---

### Static and Dynamic Segments

1.  For a Static or Dynamic segment, select your choice and then click **Define Conditions**.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528159255)
2.  This is where you’ll customize your segment by specifying the conditions. You can refer to our [Segment Conditions Chart](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/14492964250007) for full details on available options.  
      
    Add as many conditions as needed, then click **Save segment** when done.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528161303)
3.  Once saved, you’ll be taken to the segment’s dashboard.

-   For dynamic segments, you'll see data immediately upon creation.
-   For static segments, data will start to aggregate after the segment runs.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544219543)

---

### Manual Segments

1.  For a manual segment, select **Manual**, then click **Add subscribers**.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528167319)
2.  You’ll be prompted to select an import method. Choose from a CSV file or copy and paste a list of email addresses.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528170263)
3.  If using a CSV file, click **Choose File** and upload the file from your device.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544225943)
4.  For copy and paste, input the email addresses into the provided text box.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528174999)
5.  If you'd like to send a welcome email to newly imported subscribers, check the **Send welcome email** box; doing so will automatically send your welcome email to any new subscribers from the list.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544229271)
    
    > **Reminder**
    >
    > All subscribers added to your segments must have provided explicit consent to receive emails from you, in order to be in compliance with our [**terms of use**](https://www.beehiiv.com/tou) and [**privacy policy**](https://www.beehiiv.com/privacy).
    
6.  After adding subscribers, click **Save segment**.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528178583)
7.  You will see a confirmation message verifying that the new subscribers have consented to receive your emails. Click **Import** to confirm.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544235543)
8.  Once saved, you’ll be brought to the new segment’s dashboard.  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544239383)

---

## Segments dashboard rundown

Each segment has its own dedicated dashboard, featuring an **Overview** tab and a **Configure** tab. From the segment dashboard, you can easily access **Quick Export** options and add subscribers directly to the segment.

### Overview Tab

The **Overview** **tab** provides at-a-glance metrics for the segment, including its **Open Rate**, **Click Through Rate** and a tally of **Unsubscribes**.

To export the segment details, simply click **Quick Export** and make a selection (options listed below). An email with a download link will be sent to you once the data is ready, or you can go to **Settings > Export Data >** [**Historical Exports**](https://app.beehiiv.com/settings/publication/export_data#history) to access your download link.  
  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544240535)  
Click the dropdown menu next to **Quick Export** to access additional tools for managing your segment:

-   **Quick Export**: Download data about this segment. You’ll receive an email with a download link once it’s ready, or you can access it via **Settings > Export Data >** [**Historical Exports**](https://app.beehiiv.com/settings/publication/export_data#history)**.**
-   **Full Export**: Download all data associated with this segment. Please note, this may take additional time to process.
-   **Unsubscribe**: Selecting this will remove the segment from your newsletter subscribers. You’ll receive an email with a download link for the data, or access it via **Settings > Export Data >** [**Historical Exports**](https://app.beehiiv.com/settings/publication/export_data#history).
-   **Delete**: Selecting this will permanently remove the segment’s subscribers and all associated data, while keeping the segment structure intact.
-   **Apply Tags to Subscribers**: Easily bulk apply [subscriber tags](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/22044432486295-how-to-create-and-use-subscriber-tags) to your segment.
-   **Add to Automation**: Manually enroll this segment in an [automation flow](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/20708616514711-how-to-add-individual-or-bulk-subscribers-into-an-automation).  
      
    ![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544244887)

> **Tech Note**
>
> If you need to delete subscribers in an inactive dynamic segment, you must first reactivate the segment. Navigate to the [**Segments**](https://app.beehiiv.com/segments) page, click the **3 dots menu next to the segment**, and select **Reactivate**.

### Configure Tab

The **Configure** **tab** offers tools to update the segment, add new subscribers, include the segment in automations, or delete the segment while retaining its subscribers on your list.

  
![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433528191127)

---

## Options on the segments page 

You can manage your segments using the **3 dots menu** next to any created segment. To access your segments, navigate to [**Audience > Segments**](https://app.beehiiv.com/segments). Here you can:

-   **Edit**: Modify all details of the segment. 
-   **Duplicate**: Create a copy of the segment.  
-   **Reactivate (dynamic segments only)**: If a dynamic segment becomes inactive (no users added or removed in 30 days), click **Reactivate** to enable it again.
-   **Recalculate (dynamic segments only)**: While dynamic segments update daily, clicking **Recalculate** triggers an immediate update.
-   **Apply tags to subscribers**: Easily bulk apply [subscriber tags](https://www.beehiiv.com/support/article/22044432486295-how-to-create-and-use-subscriber-tags) to all subscribers in the segment.
-   **Delete:** Remove the segment while keeping the subscribers in your main subscriber list.

---

## Frequently asked questions about segments in beehiiv 

**How often do segments update?**

The frequency of updates depends on the type of segment you're using:

-   **Static**: Subscribers are aggregated at the time of creation and the segment does **not** update automatically.
-   **Dynamic**: Updates daily as subscribers meet or no longer meet the segment conditions.
-   **Manual**: Based on a list of specific subscribers you manually import and does **not** update over time.

> **Tech Note**
>
> Dynamic segments update daily. To trigger an immediate update, navigate to the [**Segments**](https://app.beehiiv.com/segments) page then click the **3 dots menu next to the segment > Recalculate**.

**Why are my segments not loading?**

Occasionally, due to the growing number of users on the platform, segment processing times may be slower than usual. These delays should resolve automatically.

**What does it mean if my segment is inactive?**

Dynamic segments will remain active if any of the following happen in a 30-day period: 

-   The segment was manually re-calculated.
-   The conditions of the segment were updated.
-   A post was sent to the segment.
-   A subscriber was added to the segment via automation.

If none have occurred, then your segment will appear as inactive under **STATUS**.

![](https://beehiivhelp.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/29433544250263)

To reactivate your segment, navigate to the [**Segments**](https://app.beehiiv.com/segments) page then click the **3 dots menu next to the segment > Reactivate**.