Importing Existing Attribution Data FAQ

Learn how to import your organization's existing install attribution information into the Singular platform.

FAQ

What are attribution data imports?

When you switch from a different attribution provider to Singular, we offer you the unique option of importing your apps' existing user base.

This import allows Singular to mark these users as existing users and keep install numbers accurate. It helps you avoid an "organic spike" when switching to Singular while also protecting you from being billed twice for the same app install.

Note that you must import the historical data into your Singular account before any apps are live in Singular and used for campaigns. If you start running campaigns before you load historical data, there will be spikes in organic installs and the attribution source for some of the devices will be incorrect.

How are your existing users identified by Singular?

For Android devices, Singular uses the device's Google Advertising ID (GAID) or App Set ID (ASID).

For iOS devices, Singular uses the IDFV (iOS ID for Vendors).

You must provide these IDs to import data.

Singular does not use Custom User IDs for the import process (or for any attribution functionality), even if you share Custom User IDs with Singular. 

Note: If you have internal BI postbacks configured, these users you import will have "Imported Users" in the Network field. 

How does Singular ingest the data?

You need to prepare the data for import as follows:

  • Have a separate data file for each of your apps.
  • Have the files in Unix-encoded TSV (tab-separated) format or Unix-encoded CSV (comma-separated) format.
  • Name the files <date>_App-Name_installs.tsv or <date>_App-Name_installs.csv, where <date> is the date in which you provide the data file to Singular, in YYYYMMDD format. Example:  20170115_app-name_singular_installs.tsv

File Layout

Column Name Required? Description Example Value
app_name check.svg App name as visible in Singular’s Apps page My App
app_id check.svg App’s package name/bundle ID for Android/iOS respectively com.singular.app 
Notice: don't use the id1441750662 for iOS
os check.svg Android or iOS Android or iOS
idfa   iOS ID for Advertisers DFC5A647-9043-4699-B2A5-76F03A97064B
idfv check.svg iOS ID for Vendors 21DB6612-09B3-4ECC-84AC-B353B0AF1334
gaid check.svg Google Advertising ID 8ecd7512-2864-440c-93f3-a3cabe62525b
android_id   Android ID fc8d449516de0dfb
asid   App Set ID 38400000-8cf0-11bd-b23e-10b96e40000d
user_id   Custom User ID player_1234
device_maker   Only for Amazon devices Amazon