As you already know, the session default channel group is the default way Google Analytics groups the incoming traffic on a website. Google Analytics has set a certain set of criteria to group this traffic which we cannot manipulate, following the rules on this link. But, you might want to organize your channel grouping in a different way than Google's default grouping. You can do this by creating custom channel groups, a channel grouping based on exactly how you want your traffic to be grouped. We can create essentially an entirely new session default channel grouping / dimension. This guide will show you how to create custom channel groups in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)!
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Looking for help or support on Google Analytics 4?
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In case you prefer to watch a video, here's a tutorial you can find on XYZ Lab's Youtube Channel!
Topics Covered:
Step 1️: Navigate to Admin
Step 2️: Navigate to Data Settings
Step 3️: Select Channel Groups
Step 4️: Click on the "Create new channel group" button
Step 5️: Give your new channel group a name (new dimension)
Step 6️: Click on the "Add new channel" button
We can keep the pre-existing channels and add a new custom channel.
Step 7️: Name your new channel and define your channel conditions
Let's say we want to create a new channel: Instagram Organic. We will set the conditions as to when the source matches exactly to instagram and medium matches exactly to referral.
Step 8️: Save your new channel - repeat as many times as necessary to define your own channel groups
Step 9️: Save your Channel Group
You'll be able to find the New Channel Grouping along with the default channel group.
You will also be able to select your new channel group (dimension) under your Traffic or User Acquisition Reports.
