How to Create Custom Channel Groups Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

As you already know, the session default channel group is the default way Google Analytics groups the incoming traffic. Google Analyticsis using a set of criteria to group this traffic into channel groups. You might want to organize your channel groups in a different way than Google's default channel group. 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 an entirely new session default channel group. This guide will show you how to create custom channel groups in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)!

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How to Create Custom Channel Groups Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

1. Login to your Google Analytics account

2. Navigate to Admin

3. Navigate to Channel Groups, under Data Display

4. Click on the "Create new channel group" button

5. Give your new channel group a name

6. Click on the "Add new channel" button

7. Name your new channel and define your channel conditions
   

   ⚒️ Example: Let's say we want to create a new channel: Instagram Organic when the source matches exactly to "instagram" and medium matches exactly to "referral" 🔄 Repeat the above proceess as many times as necessary to create your own channels within the new channel group. 📝 Note: You can keep the pre-existing channels and add new custom channels at will. You can have a maximum of 25 channels

   
   

🔎 You'll be able to find and select your New Channel Group along with the default channel group under the Traffic Acquisition or User Acquisition Reports.

Frequently Asked Questions on Creating Custom Channel Groups Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Can I modify existing Custom Channel Groups?

Yes! Here's how:

To Edit:

1. Go to Admin → Custom Definitions

2. Click ">" next to channel

3. Make changes

4. Save
   

To Delete:

1. Click ">" next to group

2. Select "Delete"

3. Confirm deletion

Can I use Custom Channel Groups with segments?

Yes! Use them by:

• Selecting "Session default channel group"

• Choosing "First user default channel group"

• Applying to various GA4 reports

• Creating custom segments

What are the benefits of using Custom Channel Groups?

Here are the key benefits of using Custom Channel Groups in Google Analytics 4 (GA4):

• Improved Traffic Categorization: Custom channel groups allow you to create your own rules-based traffic categories that are tailored to your business needs.

• Customized Reporting and Analysis: With custom channel groups, you can generate reports and insights that are specifically aligned with your marketing strategies and KPIs.

• Reduced "Unassigned" Traffic: By creating custom channel rules, you can minimize the amount of traffic that gets classified as "Unassigned" in GA4.

What are the limits on Custom Channel Groups in GA4?

There are a few limitations on custom channel groups in GA4:

1. You can only create 2 custom channel groups (5 with GA4 360).

2. Each custom channel group can have a maximum of 25 channels.

3. You cannot modify the existing default channel group, you can only create new custom ones.