The Segment Builder enables grouping contacts by engagement data for personalized experiences, scalable campaigns, and analytics tracking. It requires the AI-Powered ACE or Personalization by Segment Package. Segments pull data from registration fields, engagement activity, and external sources like 6sense or Marketo. This article covers how to create segments by defining rules with conditions and values and example use cases for personalization.
Note: The AI-Powered ACE or Personalization by Segment Package is required for Segment Builder.
Things to Know
- Segments are created in Segment Builder by defining rules or groups of rules. There are no limits to the number of rules or conditions within rules you can create.
- Segments will pull from registrants and attendees in each workspace and associated child workspaces.
- Segments can only be used for personalization if the segment is created in the same workspace as the experience you are looking to personalize.
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To get the most from Segment Builder, it's important to configure the same registration fields for each experience (webinars, Engagement Hubs, etc.). This ensures all the registrant data you wish to use is available in Segments.
- This includes any custom registration fields you create. For example, if Custom Field #1 is used for "area of interest" with a picklist value, it should always be used that way so that Custom Field #1 can be used in creating segments.
- Find more information on Registration Mapping.
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Custom fields can also be used as part of Segment Builder. Both standard and custom fields can be populated via ON24 registration forms or through external registration.
- When using external registration, you can send over data to any field, even if the data is not on your form but stored in an external contact record.
- This can help provide supplemental information like region, division, partner vs. non-partner, etc., which can then be used for creating segments for personalizing experiences.
Creating & Editing Segments
To start, open Segments under the Platform Tools menu. Then in the Segments tab on the side navigation bar, click Create Segment.
To edit an existing segment, click on the name of segment, make the necessary changes, then save.
You can also search for, copy, or delete a segment from this screen.
Segments and Rules can be reordered by dragging and dropping them into the desired order using the = icon.
For each segment (whether creating a new segment or editing an existing one), first you'll enter Segment Details on the Segment Overview page. Add the Segment Name and Segment Description to help you keep track of your segments.
Once the segment has been created, this section will also show who created it, when it was created, when it was last updated, and the number of contacts (results) in the segment.
By default, segmentation looks at the latest registration values stored across all events in your account. If you would like the segment data used in an event to pull only from that event, use the Event Specific Segment toggle.
When this toggle is on, the content rules are driven only by the registrant data from the event in which the segment is used. These segments will not pull data across all ON24 events.
Note: Event-specific segments can only use registrant data as rule sources and are treated as dynamic, meaning a contact listing will not be available in segment reporting.
To add a Rule to your segment, choose your Data Source from the dropdown. See a list of Data Source filtering options.
Available Data Sources include:
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Registration Fields
- Based on fields you built in your registration forms
- Data from Partner Referral and UTM parameters are also available. UTM parameters will pull from the last value stored.
- Data is pulled from any registration form in any product.
- The latest submitted value will be used.
- Based on fields you built in your registration forms
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Engagement Activity
- Uses data based on how viewers interact with your events, Engagement Hubs, Target Content Experiences, and Go Live events.
- You can also find data pulled from the Prospect Engagement Profile.
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Segments
- Create a segment that references rules from another segment, allowing you to build segments quickly without starting from scratch
- Note: Referencing a segment that already references other segments will trigger an error.
- Referenced segments cannot be deleted.
- Segments cannot reference themselves.
- Create a segment that references rules from another segment, allowing you to build segments quickly without starting from scratch
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6sense External Data
- You must have a license for 6sense to see these options.
- Find more information on 6sense in the Third Party Data tab.
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Marketo Program ID
- You must have Marketo to see these options.
- Find more information on using Marketo data in the Third Party Data tab.
Choose the Condition next. Conditions available in the dropdown are dependent on the Data Source chosen.
Depending on the Data Source you choose, you may also be required to choose a time frame.
Next, add a Value. The Value will either be text based or numerical (0-100) based on the Data Source chosen.
Additional Guidance for Adding Conditions and Values:
- You can use the is in list Condition to add multiple values (up to 50) in a single rule
- For example, you could select Country for Data Source, is in list for Condition, and add multiple countries under Value.
- Pro Tip: If adding multiple values, enter each value then press the 'Enter' key on your keyboard to easily continue adding additional values (up to 50).
- If you're using is as the Condition, the Value field will support wildcards, using an asterisk (*).
- For example, if you're creating a segment for contacts from ON24, use ON24* as the Value to include all variations of the company name.
- Multiple wildcards are supported.
Use the +OR button to add additional Values to a Rule. This allows you to include all variations of the Rule you want to catch. This is similar to using a wildcard in the Value, but using the +OR option allows you to use any condition necessary.
- For example, if your Data Source is the attendee's state, add an +OR option to include multiple ways of entering their state (California, CA, etc.)
Use the +AND button to add additional Rules to the segment.
- For example, you could add an additional Rule so your segment captures those that are in New York AND that have registered for your Engagement Hub in the last 30 days.
Click the X to remove a Value, or the trash can icon to remove a Rule. Use the arrows to reorder Rules.
When a workspace is enabled with AI-powered ACE Segment Builder, a default set of segments will be created as examples so you can easily get started based on ON24 registration data.
Pre-populated segments may be deleted, if desired.
The default segments included will be:
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Seniority - based on Title registration field
- Directors
- Vice Presidents
- C-Level
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Geographic Region - based on Country registration field
- Europe
- West Asia (Middle East)
- South Asia
- East Asia
- Africa
- Australia
- Central America
- South America
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Positive Response
- This pre-populated segment gives you a starting place for building a segment based on a custom registration field, and using the data to personalize based on getting a positive response
- If you want to use this pre-populated segment, you'll need to use Custom Field #10 on your registration form. Modify the field as needed, then update the pre-populated segment to match the modifications.
- See Example 2 below for more information on how this can work.
Contacts in Segments
Once a segment has been created, you can review the list of contacts who meet the criteria. Open the desired segment from your list of segments on the Segments tab, then click Contacts in Segment under Segment Details.
Click the refresh button to get the most current number of contacts.
Note: When using 6sense or Marketo, the contact count will not show, as the data is dynamic.
Reporting data for segments is visualized in Analytics, but to download the segment contact data you'll want to download it from the Segment Contacts list. In Segment Contacts, you can search for a contact, choose the registration fields you'd like to see in the chart, and export the list as an Excel file.
Using Third Party Sources
- You must have 6sense or Marketo in order to use this feature in Segments, but they do not need to be integrated with ON24.
- When using external data sources contact count will not show, as the data is dynamic.
- Once you're set up, you will be able to access the data when building Segments. Building your Segments will be same, no matter if you are using ON24 direct data, or information from a third party.
The Segment Builder allows you to enhance your personalization and audience targeting by leveraging account‑level intelligence from 6sense. With this integration, you can build smarter, data‑driven segments that deliver the most relevant content, calls to action, and experiences to your attendees.
What 6sense Adds to Segment Builder
Segment Builder can use four fields from 6sense to define segments.
6sense identifies anonymous buyers using IP‑based account matching, which means it can determine:
- “This visitor is from Acme Corporation.”
- “Acme is currently in the Decision stage.”
- “Acme has an Intent Score of 82.”
- And other account‑level signals.
6sense does not need an email address to make these determinations. All intelligence is derived from its IP‑based account identification engine.
Connecting 6sense to ON24
To enable 6sense data inside Segment Builder:
- Enter your 6sense token in the ON24 integration settings.
- Click Save.
You do not need ON24 Connect to integrate the two products.
Find more information on how to access your token in this 6sense article.
After saving your credentials a new Data Source called 6sense Scores becomes available in ON24 Segment Builder. If your 6sense instance uses multiple product configurations, you can also specify the Product Name.
6sense users will have these options under Data Source:
| Segment Data Source | Properties |
| Buying Stage |
Drop-Down A 6sense AI-derived in-market prediction of the likelihood to open an opportunity in the next 90 days for a particular product category. Values available to use in the Segment Builder - Purchase, Decision, Consideration, Awareness, or Target. |
| Intent Score |
Number The numerical intent score that is tied to a specific buying stage. Value to use in the Segment Builder - numerical range 0-100. |
| Profile Fit |
String Profile fit identifies accounts based on ideal customer profile (ICP) by looking at historical firmographic data within the CRM. Value to use in the Segment Builder - Strong, Moderate, or Weak. |
| Profile Score |
Number The numerical profile fit score that is tied to a specific profile fit. Value to use in the Segment Builder - numerical range 0-100. |
How ON24 and 6sense Work Together During a Webinar
Here’s what happens behind the scenes when a registrant joins a webinar:
1. Registration (ON24)
When an attendee registers, ON24 stores their profile information:
- First name
- Last name
- Company
This profile is tied to their webinar session when they log in.
2. Identification (6sense)
At the same time, 6sense sees the attendee’s IP address and maps it to an account (e.g., “Acme Corporation”).
3. Data Alignment (ON24 + 6sense)
ON24 then:
- Recognizes the attendee’s registration profile, including company name.
- Matches that company to the same account 6sense has identified.
- Pulls in the associated 6sense signals for that account.
4. Segment Evaluation
Segment Builder applies your rules to determine which segment the attendee belongs to:
- “Is Acme in the Consideration stage?” → Yes
- “Is Acme’s Intent Score above 70?” → Yes
If the account meets the criteria, the attendee is placed into that segment.
5. Personalized Experience
Based on the segment assignment, attendees may see personalized:
- Resources
- Surveys
- Calls to action
- Breakout rooms
- Certifications
Segmentation Happens at the Account Level, Not the Individual Level
This is essential to understand.
ON24 does not ask 6sense:
“Who is max@acme.com?”
Instead, ON24 asks:
“What are the intent, buying stage, or ICP fit signals for Acme Corporation?”
Those account‑level signals are then applied to any attendee associated with that company, regardless of their individual identity.
ON24 can connect to client Marketo instances to create ON24 Segments from Marketo program members.
Marketo programs can be populated with people from smart lists via smart campaigns. The Marketo smart lists can include all the applicable filter criteria for segmentation with Marketo.
The Marketo programs can then be associated with ON24 segments, so that Marketo segmentation via smart lists can flow through ON24 Segments for personalization.
To add Marketo API Credentials:
- Configure a Marketo API‑Only user with the following Access API permissions:
- Read‑Only Activity
- Read‑Only Campaign
- Read‑Only Person
- Use the API‑Only user to create a Custom LaunchPoint Service in Marketo. This service will generate the Client ID and Client Secret.
- Add Marketo API Credentials in your integration settings. Enter the Client ID, Client Secret and your Web Services Identity URL, then click Save.
Note: Any version of the Marketo Identity URL is accepted as long as it includes the correct root domain.
Once these credentials are added, the Marketo Program ID option will become available within the ON24 Segment Builder.
The Value for the Program ID can be pulled from the URL when you are in the Marketo program. See this article from Marketo on how to reference the Program ID from a URL.
| Segment Data Source | Properties |
| Marketo: Program ID |
String Includes any Marketo people who are members of the specific program and who also exist within the client ON24 workspace (anyone who has registered for any ON24 event). Value to use in the Segment Builder - Equals |
Examples & Resources
You can use segments to build out these ON24 features:
Webcast Elite Audience Console
- Related Content Tool
- Take Survey Tool
- Earn Certification Tool
- Take Action by Segment Tool
- Breakout Rooms Tool
Engagement Hub
Target
The examples below demonstrate how you can use an ON24-powered registration form to create segments, then use those segments to personalize your audience experience in the above areas.
In this example, we've built a segment based on registrant business goals.
First, we added a custom registration field to our registration form and updated the field to reflect business goals.
Choose the Data Source option that matches the registration field used to create the question. In this example, we used Custom Field #10 to create our question. The Condition will be contains, and the Value will be based on one of the choices from the registration field.
In this example, we would create three different segments, one for efficiency, one for growth, and one for customer experience, so we could capture segments of our audience based on their answer to this question.
These three segments will then be used to configure personalization tools. Here, we've set up the Take Action by Segment tool for each of the three segments, so the correct version of the tool appears to attendees based on their answer on the registration form.
In this example, we'll build a segment based on a yes/no question and personalize experiences based on a positive response. This example uses the pre-populated Positive Response segment, but can be created as its own segment if necessary.
Using a custom registration field, we built the question "Are you currently evaluating providers?" and added answer options of Yes and No.
Next we'll create the segment. Choose Custom Field #10 as the Data Source. The Value we'll use is Yes.
Finally, we'll personalize the Related Content tool using our evaluation segment. Those that answered Yes to the "Are you currently evaluating providers?" question will see the additional content.
Pro Tip: In this example, attendees who have answered Yes to this question in any of the events in your account will see this additional content. If you want the content to only show for those who answered Yes in this event, use the Event Specific Segment toggle when creating the segment.
For this example, we're going to build and use a segment based on a pre-populated field in the registration form.
We've added the Title field to our registration form, then we'll create a segment for those that choose Manager.
Once the segment is created, we'll use it to personalize a category in the Engagement Hub. Only those that choose Manager when registering will see this category.
For this example, we're building a segment capturing contacts in specific countries using the "is in list" Condition within a Rule.
You can use the "is in list" Condition to add multiple values (up to 50) in a single rule.
To capture contacts in United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy, we'll select Country for Data Source, is in list for Condition, and add United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy under Value.
Using the "is in list" Condition allows you to easily add multiple values, instead of adding each value individually with +OR (Country is United Kingdom, OR Country is France, OR Country is Germany, OR Country is Italy).
Additional Resources
Check out these ON24 blogs for more tips.
Reporting
The Segments Report allows you to track analytics of certain types of users and how they interact with your content.
To access the Segments Report, go to the Analytics tab at the top of your account and click Segments on the left menu. This report is viewable only, to download the leads from the Segments go to the Segments section, available in your Platform tools drop-down.
The first chart that shows is the Segment Report, showing the number of leads in a segment over time. Each segment is represented by a different color line.
The second section of the Segments tab shows a table with data called Segments. Each row shows the name of the Segment, the number of leads, the average engagement score, and the average content viewed in minutes.
When there is data in a Segment, the name of each Segment in the first row is a clickable link. This link brings you to the Segment Detail report for that Segment. The Segment Detail report shows:
- A chart with leads over time
- A table with the leads in the Segment, including Name, Email, Company, Content Viewed, and Total Engagement Time
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