Google Analytics 4 (GA4) introduces a new method for tracking sessions that diverges from the older Universal Analytics (UA). In GA4, sessions are classified based on the source and medium of visits, providing clarity in reports such as Acquisition overview and Engagement overview. While UA would trigger a new session based on numerous actions, GA4 simplifies this by counting a session only once per user visit, with a default timeout of 30 minutes. This change can lead to differences in session counts between the two analytics systems, emphasizing the need for adaptation in reporting.
Understanding how GA4 tracks sessions is essential for accurate website analytics. It uses a simplified method that impacts how reports and insights are generated.
Sessions in GA4 are categorized based on the source and medium details, a change from Universal Analytics, where multiple factors could trigger a new session.
Unlike Universal Analytics, where various triggers could create new sessions upon user return, GA4 simplifies this by ensuring a session triggers only once, enhancing data clarity.
GA4 maintains a 30-minute default inactivity timeout for sessions but simplifies the process, leading to discrepancies in session counts when compared to Universal Analytics.
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