GA4 Update: “Cost Data Import” is Now “Campaign Data Import”

Heads Up, GA4 Users: ‘Cost Data Import’ Is Now ‘Campaign Data Import’ (No Action Needed!)

Google has introduced a terminology update inside Google Analytics 4 (GA4). The feature previously called Cost data import has officially been renamed to Campaign data import.

The important part: nothing functionally has changed. The feature works the same way, uses the same schema, and continues to populate the same GA4 reports. No setup changes or reconfiguration are required.

Why Rename It? A More Accurate Definition

The original name implied that the feature was only for uploading advertising cost. In reality, GA4 uses this import to bring in campaign-level marketing metrics from platforms such as:

TikTok Ads
Meta Ads (Facebook & Instagram)
LinkedIn Ads
Microsoft Ads
Snapchat Ads

The new name better reflects its true purpose: combining external advertising performance with GA4 behavioral and revenue tracking for full attribution and ROI measurement.

Mandatory Merge Keys: The 3 Rules of Matching Data

GA4 merges your imported file with on-site behavior using three key identifiers. If these do not match your campaign UTM structure, data will not link.

Required GA4 Header	Function / Source Match	Format Mandate
ga:date	Date of cost attribution	YYYYMMDD format
ga:source	Matches `utm_source`	Example: `tiktok`
ga:medium	Matches `utm_medium`	Example: `cpc`
ga:adCost	Total spend for that date/source/medium	Decimal: `150.55`
ga:impressions	Imported impressions count	Integer: `65000`
ga:clicks	Imported clicks count	Integer: `420`

Pro Tip: If your UTMs do not match the CSV import values exactly, GA4 will show zero cost data.

File Format Example (Minimum Required Fields)

ga:date,ga:source,ga:medium,ga:adCost,ga:impressions,ga:clicks
20241120,tiktok,cpc,150.55,65000,420
20241121,tiktok,cpc,145.00,62100,398

Update Timing & Frequency

Processing time: ≈ 24 hours
Recommended upload cadence: daily or weekly
Overwrite rule: GA4 replaces earlier records using ga:date as key

What Hasn’t Changed

The schema
The import workflow
The reporting location: Advertising → Acquisition → Cost Analysis

What Has Changed

Only the name inside GA4: Campaign Data Import

Final Thoughts

This update improves clarity and aligns better with how marketers use GA4 today — merging external campaign performance with on-site behavior for complete ROI visibility.

If you're merging advertising data from non-Google platforms, just look for the updated option: Campaign Data Import.

GA4 Update: “Cost Data Import” Is Now “Campaign Data Import” — Here’s What You Need to Know