Updated September 2026

What Is a Tracking Pixel? How Pixels Record Events

A tracking pixel traditionally refers to a tiny image request or, more broadly today, browser-side code that sends event information to an analytics or advertising platform.

What a pixel can observe

Depending on implementation, browser code can send page views, purchases, leads, product actions, campaign context, and other event data.

Pixels depend on the browser

Browser execution, consent, ad blockers, network conditions, and script errors can affect what gets sent.

Pixels are one layer of measurement

A pixel can record events without providing a complete cross-channel attribution system.

Server-side signals can complement pixels

Some modern setups send supported events through both browser and server pathways with deduplication.