Recently, Google released detailed documentation outlining the differences between two data export methods in Google Analytics for BigQuery — daily export and fresh daily export. This is an important update for analysts who handle large datasets and need to understand how processing specifics can impact the accuracy of metrics and measurements.
Fresh daily export involves continuous data processing throughout the day. This method can result in partial event capture and potential discrepancies in metrics. For example, the event-per-user limit is enforced in real time, which might lead to some events being excluded immediately. Spam and event filters can also behave inconsistently since they are applied gradually.
Daily export, on the other hand, is processed once at the end of the day and includes all events with complete processing. This approach provides a comprehensive snapshot, including attribution results (e.g., Search Ads 360) and more accurate audience evaluations. All filters are applied after data collection, which helps reduce the presence of spam events.
Bottom line: Fresh daily gives quick data but may come with inconsistencies, whereas daily export offers more accurate and complete data for the day. The choice between the two depends on your analytical goals: speed or precision.
If you work with GA4 to BigQuery exports, be sure to check out my SQL cheat sheet.
