Mastering BuzzSumo Custom Metrics Filters: A Beginner’s Guide

By Azon Vault On May 3, 2026

Introduction

Ever wondered how to slice through endless data on BuzzSumo and surface only the insights that truly matter? The answer lies in custom metrics filters. In this guide we break down what they are, why they’re essential, and how to set them up step‑by‑step—no prior analytics experience required.

What Are Custom Metrics Filters?

BuzzSumo’s standard reports give you raw numbers like total shares, backlinks, or engagement rate. Custom metrics filters let you combine those data points into a single, tailored metric that reflects your unique goals—whether it’s measuring “viral potential” or “brand sentiment impact.”

Why Use Custom Metrics?

Focus on what matters: Filter out noise and concentrate on the KPIs that drive your strategy.
Save time: One‑click dashboards replace manual spreadsheet calculations.
Better decision‑making: Compare content performance on a level playing field.

Step‑by‑Step Setup

1. Access the Filters Panel

Log into BuzzSumo, navigate to Content Explorer, and click the Filters button on the right‑hand sidebar.

2. Choose Base Metrics

Select the foundational metrics you want to include—e.g., Facebook Shares, Twitter Retweets, and Backlinks. These become the building blocks of your custom metric.

3. Apply Weightings

Assign a numerical weight to each metric reflecting its relative importance. For a “viral score” you might weight social shares higher than backlinks:

 Viral Score = (Facebook Shares * 0.4) + (Twitter Retweets * 0.3) + (Backlinks * 0.3)

Enter the weighting values in the Custom Metric Builder dialog.

4. Add Conditional Filters

Refine results further by adding conditions such as:

Publish date within the last 90 days
Domain authority > 30
Language = English

These filters ensure you compare like‑for‑like content.

5. Save & Name Your Metric

Give the metric a clear name (e.g., “Quarterly Viral Score”) and click Save. It now appears in the Saved Filters dropdown for instant reuse.

Tips for Effective Custom Metrics

Start simple: Begin with 2–3 metrics, test, then iterate.
Validate against goals: Align weightings with your marketing objectives.
Document assumptions: Keep a short note on why each weight was chosen.

FAQ

Can I edit a saved custom metric? Yes—open the metric from the Saved Filters list, adjust weights or conditions, and re‑save.
Do custom metrics affect my data limits? No, they use the same underlying data; only the calculations change.
Is it possible to export custom metric results? Absolutely. After applying the filter, click the Export CSV button.

Conclusion

Custom metrics filters transform raw BuzzSumo data into actionable insights that align perfectly with your content strategy. By following the steps above, you’ll cut through the noise, save hours of analysis, and make smarter, data‑driven decisions.

Ready to level up your content research?

Start building your first custom metric today and watch your reporting efficiency soar. Sign up for a free BuzzSumo trial and unlock the full power of custom analytics.