Using the Vimeo player allows you to take advantage of advanced analytics that are logged through the player. When the Vimeo player is not used (ex. using direct file links to play hosted videos in other players), advanced analytics tracking is not available through Vimeo.
As of August 7, 2024, Vimeo analytics logging will separate the count of impressions and views from the Vimeo player and videos played on external non-Vimeo players. This means that if you distribute Vimeo videos through non-Vimeo players, you may see a decrease in total views and impressions in analytics on your Video Page and the Analytics Dashboard.
Though views and impressions sums will not show external data, external impressions will available in Analytics reports to analyze and download in October 2024.