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Understanding GA4: Interaction Hits vs. Event Hits

Table of Contents

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.

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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Optimize your workflow. In our GA4 Migration Checklist, we’ll take you through the essentials of a quality Google Analytics 4 (GA4) implementation.

Further reading​

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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