The default configuration of the YouTube video widget does not enable tracking of views without forcing all videos to reload via a JavaScript API triggered in GTM.
This effectively means we can choose either:
1) Tracking video views but degrading customer experience and performance due to the flicker and reload
2) Having no flicker and standard load times but no tracking of video views.
I would be great if this was solved by the webflow team for non-developers. I've given more details here:
https://discourse.webflow.com/t/issues-tracking-youtube-video-views-via-gtm-using-ga4/233761
Matthew Oldham
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Hello @Matthew Oldham CostcoESS
Tracking YouTube video views using Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Tag Manager (GTM) without causing the videos to reload is indeed a common challenge. The goal is to balance the need for analytics with a seamless user experience. Here are some steps that can help you set up tracking without the need for video reload:
Use Built-in Video Tracking in GA4:
GA4 offers Enhanced Measurement features that automatically track certain types of video interactions. This might work for your YouTube videos without additional configuration.
Tip: Check if the Enhanced Measurement is enabled in your GA4 property and if it supports the type of interactions you want to track.
Customize GTM Configuration:
If the built-in tracking doesn’t meet your needs, you can customize the GTM setup to track video interactions without forcing a reload.
Tip: Create a YouTube Video Trigger and configure it to listen for video interactions without reloading the videos.
Implement Non-Disruptive Tag Firing:
Adjust the settings in your GTM tags to ensure they fire without disrupting the video playback.
Tip: Use non-blocking triggers and consider the timing of tag firing to minimize impact on the user experience.
Test and Debug:
After setting up your tags and triggers, use the GTM preview mode to test and debug the implementation.
Tip: Ensure that video views are being tracked as expected and that there’s no negative impact on video performance.
Consult Community Resources:
The web development and analytics community often shares solutions for common challenges like this.
Tip: Explore forums, blogs, and tutorials that discuss GA4 and GTM configurations for video tracking.
It’s important to note that while these steps can guide you in the right direction, the specific implementation may vary based on your website’s setup and the version of the YouTube widget you’re using. If you’re not comfortable with the technical aspects, it might be beneficial to consult with a developer or a GA4/GTM specialist.
As for the Webflow team addressing this for non-developers, it would indeed be helpful if they could provide a more straightforward solution. Until then, the above steps and community resources can be valuable in achieving your tracking goals without compromising the user experience.
Best Regards
Sonia Alvareo