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How to Set Up Scroll Depth Event Tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) via Google Tag Manager (GTM)

Writer's picture: Sotirios SeridisSotirios Seridis

One of the most interesting things you can track in Google Analytics is scroll depth. It allows you to track the different scroll levels as someone is moving down your website. It could provide you with some insights as to how your website is attracting (or not attracting) users to stay to the end and where people might have dropped off and use this information to improve your website's UI/UX. This guide will show you how to set up Scroll Depth Event Tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) via Google Tag Manager (GTM)!









How to Set Up Scroll Depth Event Tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) via Google Tag Manager (GTM)



Prerequisites

  1. Make sure Google Tag Manager is installed on all website pages

  2. Navigate to your Google Tag Manager > Variables

  3. Click "Configure"

  4. Turn on all "Scrolling" options



Create Scroll Depth Trigger

  1. Create a new Trigger

  2. Give it a descriptive name (for example Scroll Depth)

  3. Choose Choose trigger type: "Scroll Depth"

  4. Select "Vertical Scroll Depths"

  5. Under percentages, enter: 10, 25, 50, 75, 90 ➡️ This will allow us to track multiple scroll depths simultaneously You can modify the percentages to your specific requirements

  6. Save your trigger



Set Up a GA4 Event Tag

  1. Create new Tag

  2. Give your Tag a descriptive name (for example "Scroll Depth"

  3. Choose "Google Analytics" > "Google Analytics: GA4 Event"

  4. Select "GA4" configuration

  5. Paste your Measurement ID ➡️ Your Measurement ID can be found in your Google Analytics > Admin > Data Streams > select your Data Stream

  6. Under Event Name, type: scroll_{{Scroll Depth Threshold}}

  7. Click on Triggering

  8. Select the Scroll Depth Trigger you created (steps above)

  9. Save, Submit and Publish your container




Verify (Test) if your Scroll Depth Event works as expected

  1. Navigate to your Google Tag Manager Container

  2. Click the Preview button (top-right-hand-side)

  3. Paste your homepage's or any page's URL to connect to the Tag Assistant

  4. When your website opened and connects with the Tag Assistant, scroll all the way down the page

  5. Navigate to your Tag Assistant tag assistant tab and check the entries under "Tags fired". If everything works as expected you should see your GA4 Scroll Depth events






Frequently Asked Questions on Setting Up Scroll Depth Event Tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) via Google Tag Manager (GTM)



What is the different between the existing "scroll" event vs setting up custom scroll depth events?

The existing scroll event is relevant to all instances when users scrolled all the way to the bottom of the page. Custom scroll depth events allow you to track scrolling at different intervals (for example 10%, 25%, 50% etc.)




Can I track scroll depth on specific pages?


Yes! You can choose exactly where to track scrolling:

  • Individual pages

  • Specific sections

  • Product pages only

  • Blog posts only

  • Any combination you need


Simply add conditions to your GTM trigger settings to specify where you want tracking to work.




Where do I find scroll depth event data in GA4?

You can find scroll depth events under any GA4 report, simply open the dropdown menu under the "Event Count" column.

📝 Note: New data usually takes 24-48 hours to appear in reports.


What scroll depth percentages should I track?

Common scroll depth percentages to track are:

  • 10% - Shows if users scroll past the initial viewport

  • 25% - Indicates basic engagement

  • 50% - Shows moderate content consumption

  • 75% - Represents high engagement

  • 90% - Indicates nearly complete content consumption

Choose percentages based on:

  • Your content length

  • Important content placement

  • Call-to-action positions

  • Key message locations

How can I use scroll depth data to improve my website?

Use scroll depth insights to:

  • Optimize content length: If users rarely scroll past 50%, consider shortening content

  • Improve CTAs: Place important buttons where users commonly scroll to

  • Enhance layouts: Reorganize content based on scroll patterns

  • Fix drop-off points: Identify and improve sections where users stop scrolling

  • A/B test: Compare different layouts and content structures

  • Measure content quality: See which articles keep users scrolling longer






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