Analytics Session Accounting Changes

Google Analytics has had a change in session tracking.

What has changed?
Previously, Google Analytics ended the session in the following cases:

• More than 30 minutes elapsed between pageviews by one visitor
• At the end of the day
• The visitor closed the browser

If one of these events occurs, then the next page view by the visitor will begin a new session.

In the new model, Google Analytics ends the session in the following cases:

• More than 30 minutes elapsed between pageviews by one visitor
• At the end of the day
• The visitor has changed any of the values ​​of the traffic source. The traffic source information includes the following metrics: utm_source, utm_medium, utm_term, utm_content, utm_id, utm_campaign, and gclid .

As before, in the event of any of the listed events, a new session begins for the visitor.

How will this affect Google Analytics data?
This change will only affect data from August 11, 2011, all past data will remain unchanged.
The session will now provide more accurate attendance information. This will be especially useful if you use the Multi-Channel Funnels tool .

GA Official Blog News: Update to Sessions in Google Analytics