A tracking pixel is a tiny pixel graphic used to monitor website traffic, user activity and other online metrics.
Detailed Explanation
A tracking pixel is a 1×1 graphic that loads whenever you access a website or open an email. The pixel is so small that it’s barely visible to your naked eye.
These pixels are partially or entirely transparent to avoid drawing attention. Sometimes, they’ll blend into the site’s background color. That’s because web developers don’t intend for you to see it. Instead, they use pixels to analyze visitors’ online activity and behaviors.
So how does a tracking pixel work?
Picture this: A company launches a new marketing campaign and emails existing customers. Tracking pixels help the company know whether recipients open and interact with emails.
When users open their email, their web browser releases the tracking pixel’s code. The pixel sends a signal to the company’s central server and notifies the sender that the user opened the email. Depending on the code’s complexity, developers access further information – such as the user’s operating system and location, based on their IP address.