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Understanding GA4: Interaction Hits vs. Event Hits

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What defines an Interaction Hit versus an Event Hit?

This might seem like a simple question – but it is vitally important when it comes to separating Google Analytics 4’s event-based data model from Universal Analytics’.

Behind GA4’s Event-Based Data Model

Universal Analytics (UA) recognizes seven separate hit types, i.e., types of trackable user interaction:

  • Page view
  • Event
  • Social
  • e-Commerce
  • User timing
  • Exception
  • App/Screen view

In UA, an Event represents a type of hit; in GA4, however, all hits are Events. This means that GA4’s event-based data model is fundamentally different: this goes far beyond adjustments in nomenclature.

Check out the major differences between GA4 vs GAU in our in depth comparison article.

For insights into the fundamental differences between hits in GA4 and Universal Analytics and to learn about the anatomy of a GA4 event in more detail, watch Holger Tempel’s latest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-b0nhdsKnI

Youtube Video

For insights into the real differences between hits in GA4 and Universal Analytics, and to learn about the anatomy of a GA4 event in more detail, watch Holger Tempel’s latest video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-b0nhdsKnI

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Holger Tempel

Holger Tempel

Holger is among the first Google Analytics partners worldwide since early 2005. Holger is considered one of the leading experts on digital analytics and is a renowned trainer who can simplify complex ideas into real-world practical examples with actionable insights.

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