Tracking video views from Reddit ads is most reliable when you combine the Reddit Ads Pixel with on-page video engagement tracking and robust analytics. Set up the Reddit Pixel on your landing pages, define video-view events, and attribute those events to Reddit campaigns in your analytics and the Reddit dashboard. Use UTM parameters for clear attribution and verify with test traffic.
- Quick setup overview
- 1) Install the Reddit Ads Pixel
- 2) Define video engagement events
- 3) Track on the landing page with analytics
- 4) Attribute Reddit traffic clearly
- 5) Configure Reddit Ads reporting
- Practical steps and workflows
- Step-by-step implementation
- Example event formats
- Testing and validation
- Measurement and reporting tips
- Key metrics to track
- Attribution considerations
- Common pitfalls and fixes
- Best practices by scenario
- Brand awareness video campaigns
- Performance-focused campaigns
- Long-form video campaigns
- Security and privacy notes
Quick setup overview
1) Install the Reddit Ads Pixel
- Place the Pixel code on all landing pages that host your video.
- Verify the Pixel is firing in the browser console or Pixel helper tool.
2) Define video engagement events
- Create events for common milestones: 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% video viewed.
- Send event data with parameters: video_id, duration, percent_viewed.
3) Track on the landing page with analytics
- In Google Analytics 4 (GA4) or another analytics tool, trigger events when video milestones occur.
- Capture view duration and completion time for each visitor.
4) Attribute Reddit traffic clearly
- Append UTM parameters to your Reddit ad URLs: source=reddit, medium=cpc, campaign name, and content/ad id.
- Use the same GA4 property to correlate Reddit traffic with video events.
5) Configure Reddit Ads reporting
- Enable conversions or custom events that map to your video-view milestones.
- Match conversion events in Reddit to your GA4 events if possible.
Practical steps and workflows
Step-by-step implementation
- Install Reddit Pixel on all pages with video players.
- Set up events for 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% video views in your tag manager or code.
- Pass event parameters: video_id, video_length, view_percent, and timestamp.
- Link Reddit campaigns to GA4 using UTM tags: source=reddit, medium=cpc, campaign, content.
- Test with a controlled Reddit ad or test URL to confirm events fire correctly.
- Review reports in Reddit Ads and GA4 for cross-validation of video milestones.
Example event formats
- RedditPixel.track('video_view', {video_id: 'vid_123', percent_viewed: 25, duration_sec: 12});
- GA4 event: event_name: video_view, parameters: video_id, percent_viewed, duration_sec, page_path.
Testing and validation
- Use browser DevTools to simulate video milestones and verify Pixel events fire.
- Enable Pixel debugging in Reddit Ads to confirm data flow.
- Check GA4 DebugView or real-time reports during test traffic.
Measurement and reporting tips
Key metrics to track
- Video view rate by asset (percent viewed vs. impressions).
- View-through conversions attributed to Reddit campaigns.
- Cost per video view and cost per milestone completion.
- Engagement depth: average percent viewed, median view duration.
Attribution considerations
- Attribution window: choose a window that matches your funnel (e.g., 7/14 days).
- Cross-channel impact: consider brand lift or assisted conversions if applicable.
- Privacy and blockers: account for ad blockers and consent prompts.
Common pitfalls and fixes
- Mismatch between Reddit Pixel events and GA4 events — align event names and parameters.
- Missing UTM parameters — ensure URLs always include source/medium/campaign.
- Delayed or blocked event firing — implement server-side tracking as a fallback.
- Cross-domain tracking gaps — ensure proper cross-domain consent and configuration.
Best practices by scenario
Brand awareness video campaigns
- Track 25% and 50% views to gauge early interest.
- Correlate with landing-page dwell time for signal strength.
Performance-focused campaigns
- Prioritize 75% and 100% views as mid-to-bottom funnel signals.
- Use ROAS or CPA baselines tied to video milestones.
Long-form video campaigns
- Split tests by video length to see how length affects completion rates.
- Monitor completion rate by audience segment (interest, subreddits, demographics).
Security and privacy notes
- Respect user consent and privacy laws when tracking video engagement.
- Do not store sensitive personal data in event payloads.
- Regularly review data retention and consent settings in your analytics platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I track video views from Reddit ads?
Install the Reddit Ads Pixel on landing pages, define video view events, and attribute those events to Reddit campaigns using UTM parameters and analytics reports.
What events should I track for video ads?
Track milestones such as 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% video views, with parameters like video_id, percent_viewed, and duration.
Which tools assist with tracking video views from Reddit ads?
Reddit Ads Pixel for on-page events, Google Analytics 4 or another analytics platform for event data, and the Reddit ads dashboard for campaign-level metrics.
How do I attribute Reddit video views to a specific campaign?
Use UTM parameters on Reddit ad URLs (source=reddit, medium=cpc, campaign, content) and map those to GA4 or your analytics reports.
What are common pitfalls when tracking Reddit video views?
Missing or inconsistent event data, misconfigured UTM tags, ad blockers blocking pixel requests, and cross-domain tracking gaps.
How can I test that video view tracking works correctly?
Run a controlled Reddit ad or test URL, verify Pixel events fire in the browser, and check GA4 DebugView or real-time reports for the same events.
How should I report Reddit video view metrics?
Report view milestones, completion rates, view-through conversions, and cost per milestone, aligning with campaign name and asset IDs.
Can I track video views without the Reddit Pixel?
Yes, using on-page video analytics and GA4 events, but Pixel data provides Reddit-specific attribution and reporting in the Ads dashboard.