Have you recently noticed a new parameter, “igsh,” appearing in the URLs of Instagram posts and ads? If you’ve clicked on an Instagram link and examined the URL, this tracking parameter is now being automatically appended to outbound links.
While Instagram has yet to release any official statement regarding the “igsh” parameter, its sudden presence has raised curiosity among users and marketers alike.
What Is IGSH?
Similar to Facebook’s “fbclid” and Google’s “gclid,” the “igsh” parameter (which could stand for Instagram Share) seems to function as a click identifier.
Just as “gclid” allows Google to track interactions between Google Ads and Analytics, “igsh” appears to track clicks and user interactions across Instagram’s platform.
This new tracking mechanism helps Instagram collect valuable data about user behavior, ad effectiveness, and overall engagement with shared content.
It might be related to the platform’s desire to provide deeper insights for advertisers and businesses that rely heavily on Instagram for their marketing campaigns.
Why Has Instagram Introduced IGSH?
The introduction of “igsh” seems to align with Instagram’s efforts to boost analytics capabilities, especially for brands and advertisers.
With “igsh,” Instagram can track outbound clicks and provide advertisers with more accurate reporting on how their posts and ads are performing.
It also potentially allows for cross-platform tracking, helping businesses understand how traffic is moving between Instagram and external sites.
Similarities Between IGSH and Other Parameters
The “igsh” parameter operates similarly to how other platforms, like Facebook and Google, use tracking IDs to monitor user behavior. Facebook introduced “fbclid” to track interactions through its network, and Google has long used “gclid” for data exchange between Ads and Analytics.
Now, Instagram appears to be following suit with its own version, ensuring that the platform remains competitive in the advertising analytics space.
How IGSH Impacts URLs
Much like Facebook’s “fbclid,” the addition of the “igsh” parameter alters the URL of outbound links from Instagram. This may result in the same URL being counted as different links in web analytics tools if the “igsh” parameter is not properly filtered out.
For website owners, it can cause slight disruptions in tracking, as each visit might be treated as a separate event, depending on how your analytics software handles URL parameters.
It’s also worth noting that the parameter could be crucial for linking Instagram’s internal metrics with external analytics, enabling businesses to get a clearer picture of how Instagram is contributing to overall web traffic.
How to Remove IGSH from URLs
For those looking to remove the “igsh” parameter from their analytics reports, the process is straightforward, similar to handling other tracking parameters.
You can exclude it from Google Analytics by adding “igsh” to the list of URL parameters that should not be tracked. This can be done by navigating to “View Settings” in your Google Analytics account and entering “igsh” in the “Exclude URL Query Parameters” section.
This will ensure that future reports do not include the “igsh” parameter, making your data more accurate and consistent.
Potential Concerns and Insights
While some users may find these tracking parameters invasive, they offer value to businesses that rely on Instagram to drive traffic and sales.
The “igsh” parameter provides more precise data on which posts and ads are engaging users, helping companies refine their marketing strategies.
However, transparency from Instagram regarding this new feature would help users understand its purpose better.
For now, businesses should adapt their analytics practices to manage this new development and ensure their data remains as accurate as possible.