Google Analytics 360 adds custom dimension syncing for subproperties

Google Analytics 360 has introduced a new property syncing capability that enables automatic synchronization of custom dimensions and custom metrics between source properties and their subproperties. The feature, announced on June 2, 2025—just six days ago—represents a significant enhancement to Google's enterprise analytics platform for organizations managing multiple property configurations.

According to Google's official documentation, the syncing functionality is "available only to Google Analytics 360 accounts that are linked to a Google Marketing Platform organization with an active 360 order." The system requires that only a Google Analytics 360 property can serve as the source property for a subproperty, maintaining the platform's enterprise-tier restrictions.

The technical implementation operates through a unidirectional synchronization model. After syncing is enabled, according to Google, "the subproperty can only use the dimensions and metrics already defined in the source, and can't edit, remove, or create new ones." This approach ensures consistency across related properties while preventing configuration drift that could compromise data integrity across an organization's analytics infrastructure.

Updates from the source property automatically propagate to synchronized subproperties without manual intervention. However, the system includes safeguards for organizations that need flexibility. According to the documentation, "when unsynced, the subproperty retains a copy and can edit these custom dimensions and custom metrics," providing a pathway for properties that require independent configuration management.

The synchronization process involves specific timing considerations that organizations must factor into their implementation planning. Initial syncing operations can require up to 48 hours to complete, according to Google's specifications. During this period, the system displays a "Syncing..." status indicator in the source property's Administrative panel under Subproperty management. Once the process completes successfully, the status updates to "Synced," indicating full operational readiness.

Google has implemented restrictions on when syncing can be enabled to prevent conflicts with existing configurations. The system only allows syncing for newly created subproperties or existing subproperties that contain no custom dimensions or custom metrics. For subproperties with existing custom configurations, administrators must delete all existing custom dimensions and metrics before enabling synchronization functionality.

The feature excludes roll-up properties from the synchronization system. According to Google's documentation, "syncing isn't available for roll-up properties," maintaining a clear distinction between different property types within the Analytics 360 ecosystem. This limitation affects organizations using roll-up properties for cross-domain or cross-brand analytics consolidation.

Implementation requires specific administrative permissions within the Google Analytics 360 platform. Users must hold Editor-level access or higher on the Analytics account to create subproperties. Additionally, the source property must be classified as an ordinary property rather than another subproperty or roll-up property. These restrictions ensure proper hierarchical relationships within the analytics structure.

The configuration process involves multiple steps that organizations must follow precisely. During subproperty creation, administrators select a 360 source property, define the subproperty name, establish timezone and currency settings, and acknowledge additional costs associated with property creation. The system then requires filter configuration to determine which event data from the source property appears in the subproperty, followed by enabling the synchronization toggle for custom dimensions and metrics.

Organizations can monitor synchronization status through the administrative interface, which displays three distinct states. A "Synced" status indicates complete synchronization, while "Syncing..." shows ongoing synchronization processes. The "Not synced" status appears for subproperties available for synchronization that currently contain no existing custom dimensions or metrics.

The system provides flexibility for changing synchronization relationships after initial configuration. Administrators can unsync previously synchronized subproperties through the three-dot menu interface in Subproperty management. According to Google, after unsyncing, "the subproperty will retain a copy of all custom dimensions and custom metrics and will be able to edit that copy." This capability allows organizations to transition from centralized to distributed configuration management when business requirements change.

For existing subproperties that haven't been synchronized, administrators can enable syncing through the same administrative interface, provided the subproperty contains no existing custom dimensions or metrics. This restriction prevents conflicts between existing configurations and incoming synchronized settings from the source property.

The timing of this announcement aligns with Google's continued investment in enterprise analytics capabilities. Organizations using Google Analytics 360 often manage complex multi-property setups across various business units, geographical regions, or brand portfolios. The synchronization feature addresses a common challenge in maintaining consistent measurement frameworks across these distributed analytics implementations.

Why This Matters

This development significantly impacts marketing organizations operating sophisticated analytics infrastructures. Many enterprise marketing teams manage multiple Google Analytics properties across different business units, geographic markets, or brand portfolios. Previously, maintaining consistent custom dimension and metric configurations across these properties required manual coordination and frequent auditing to prevent configuration drift.

The synchronization feature addresses operational efficiency challenges that marketing teams frequently encounter when scaling analytics implementations. Teams can now establish standardized measurement frameworks at the source property level and automatically propagate these configurations to related subproperties. This automation reduces the administrative overhead associated with maintaining multiple property configurations while ensuring measurement consistency across organizational analytics implementations.

Marketing teams operating in regulated industries or those requiring strict data governance protocols will find particular value in this capability. The unidirectional synchronization model prevents unauthorized modifications to standardized measurement configurations while providing visibility into synchronization status across the property hierarchy.

Timeline

• June 2, 2025: Google announces property syncing feature for Google Analytics 360
• June 8, 2025: Feature available to Google Analytics 360 accounts linked to Google Marketing Platform organizations
• Implementation timeline: Initial syncing processes require up to 48 hours for completion
• Access requirements: Editor-level permissions or higher required for subproperty creation and management

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• June 2, 2025: Google Analytics 360 announces property syncing feature for custom dimensions and metrics between source properties and subproperties
• June 8, 2025: Property syncing feature becomes available to eligible Google Analytics 360 accounts