Alternative metrics are commonly known by the abbreviated form of 'altmetrics'. While traditional metrics provide a purely numerical representation of how often research has been cited in scholarly literature, altmetrics can provide insights into what is being said about research in non-scholarly forums, such as social media, news stories, and policy documents. Altmetrics can also show how research has been used by practitioners and policymakers to create public policy and solve real-world problems.

What are 'altmetrics'? (4:00 min) by Altmetric.com (YouTube)

1. Showcase societal impact beyond academia
   Research funders and institutions increasingly seek evidence of how research benefits society. Altmetrics help demonstrate this by capturing engagement across government policy documents, news articles, blogs, clinical guidelines, and expert recommendations.

2. Strengthen applications for grants and promotions
   Altmetrics offer a broader view of your research’s influence, complementing traditional citation metrics and helping you present a more complete picture of impact in your applications.

3. Engage with public and professional conversations
   Discover who’s discussing your research—both within and beyond academia. Joining these conversations can lead to new collaborations, professional relationships, and exposure to fresh ideas. It’s also a great way to share your own insights and work.

4. Identify research trends and gaps
   Altmetrics reveal what topics are gaining attention and where knowledge gaps exist. This can help you shape research questions that address current needs and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

5. Explore diverse research outputs
   Beyond journal articles, altmetrics track engagement with blog posts, policy papers, datasets, media coverage, and more—giving visibility to a wider range of scholarly contributions.

6. Receive timely feedback on research impact
   While traditional metrics take time to accumulate, altmetrics provide a near-instant snapshot of how your work is being received and discussed, offering early insights into its reach and relevance.