What does 'real-time data' in Google Analytics show?

Real-time data in Google Analytics provides immediate insights into user interactions as they occur on your website or app. This capability allows marketers and analysts to see what is happening right now, including the number of users currently on the site, the pages they are visiting, the actions they are taking, and their geographic locations.

This near-instantaneous data is crucial for making prompt decisions, such as monitoring the effectiveness of a current marketing campaign or a live event. Understanding user behavior in real time helps in addressing any issues immediately and capitalizing on trends as they emerge.

The other options describe data reporting methods that provide historical or aggregated insights rather than immediate feedback. For example, weekly or monthly data helps identify longer-term trends but does not convey what's happening in the moment. Daily updates may also help with accuracy but are not considered real-time data, as they involve a time lag. Thus, the essence of real-time data is its immediacy, allowing for quick responses to user interactions.