What channels are included in the default Channels report?

The default Channels report in Google Analytics is designed to categorize incoming traffic based on the source of that traffic. This report simplifies the analysis of traffic by grouping it into predefined channel categories that reflect common marketing channels.

Organic Search is a critical channel included in this report as it captures traffic that originates from search engines, which is instrumental for understanding the effectiveness of SEO strategies. This channel provides insights into how well a website is performing in search engine results, which can inform content strategy and optimization efforts.

The other options, such as Device and Direct, may relate to traffic but are not specific channels in the same way. Device, for example, focuses on how users access the site (desktop vs. mobile), which is more of a technical categorization than a traffic source. Similarly, Direct traffic refers to visitors who arrive at a website without a referral, but it does not include the range of other defined channels that the default report captures, like Social, Referral, or Paid Search.

Thus, the default Channels report is primarily centered around well-defined marketing channels, and Organic Search is one of the essential components in evaluating website traffic.