In the smartocto tools, traffic is categorized as either Direct traffic or Internal traffic. Direct traffic refers to instances where a story is accessed without an accompanying referrer. This situation can occur when a user opens a page through a link shared via SMS or app, or clicks on a redirect link that lacks tracking parameters.
Internal traffic signifies that the visits to a particular page originate from the same domain. In this case, there is no differentiation regarding the source within the domain. Whether a visitor arrives from the homepage or another story, all pageviews are attributed to the same referring domain.
Pageview level
It is important to note that the referrer changes with each pageview. For instance, if a visitor accesses domain.org directly, this visit is classified as Direct traffic. However, if the visitor then clicks on a story link from the homepage, that subsequent pageview will be categorized as Internal traffic, as it originates from within the same domain.