Recent vs Total types: Understanding the difference
Recent types show individual actions (one person did something), while Total types show cumulative counts (many people did something). Recent creates urgency, Total shows popularity with numbers.
Navigation:
Key Differences
Aspect | Recent Types | Total Types |
|---|---|---|
Shows | Individual user actions | Cumulative counts |
Format | "Someone just viewed..." | "1,234 people viewed..." |
Feel | More personal, real-time | Shows popularity, social proof |
Best for | Creating urgency | Showing popularity with numbers |
Recent Types Explained
Recent Product Views:
- Shows one specific person viewing a product
- Example:
"👁️ Someone recently viewed iPhone 14" - Feel: More personal, real-time activity
- Best for: Creating urgency, showing activity
Recent Add to Cart:
- Shows one specific person adding to cart
- Example:
"🛒 Someone just added iPhone 14 to their cart" - Feel: More personal, real-time activity
- Best for: Creating urgency, showing activity
Total Types Explained
Total Product Views:
- Shows total number of people who viewed
- Example:
"👥 1,234 people viewed iPhone 14 recently" - Feel: Shows popularity, social proof with numbers
- Best for: Showing popularity, building trust with numbers
Total Add to Cart:
- Shows total number of add-to-cart events
- Example:
"🛒 89 people added iPhone 14 to cart recently" - Feel: Shows popularity, social proof with numbers
- Best for: Showing popularity, building trust with numbers
Which to Choose
Goal | Use This Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
Show real-time individual activity | Recent | More personal, creates urgency |
Show popularity with numbers | Total | Builds trust, shows social proof |
Create urgency | Recent | "Someone just..." feels immediate |
Build trust | Total | "1,234 people..." shows popularity |
Data Requirements
- Both need data collection after theme extension activation
- Recent needs enough traffic for individual events
- Total accumulates faster (counts all events)
- Low traffic: Total may show more notifications
Next Steps:
- Try both types and see which resonates with your audience
- Use Recent for urgency, Total for popularity
- See "Which notification type should I use?" for more guidance
Updated on: 03/01/2026
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