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 will separate the count of impressions and views from the Vimeo player and videos distributed on third-party players. Previously, impressions from third-party players were counted in the Impressions metric, and view counts from third-party players were approximated based on impressions.
Now, you will see a new metric called Third-party impressions in your Analytics Reports, which is the total count of impressions from videos loaded in third-party players using direct file links. Impressions and Views will only count analytics from the Vimeo player as of August 7, 2024.
Third-party impressions is available in Analytics reports to view and download, as well as in the Analytics API.