Alternative metrics (often referred to as "altmetrics") are non-traditional bibliometrics proposed as an alternative or complement to more traditional citation-based metrics. Altmetrics include online citations to digital research or policy documents and usage-based indicators, such as views, downloads, comments, bookmarks, or mentions on social media.

Altmetrics offer an insight into who is reading your research, how it is being discussed online, and how it is being applied. Altmetrics are particularly useful in disciplines where citation-based metrics are of less significance and can even provide an early indication of social, economic, clinical or public policy impact.

Altmetrics can be used to illustrate the visibility and reach of your research. They can be used alongside traditional bibliometrics such as citation counts on CVs or personal websites, in grant applications or in academic promotions.

Like traditional bibliometrics Altmetrics should never be used in isolation but rather in context alongside a range of other relevant metrics. For more information visit our web page about the responsible use of research metrics.

There are two tools that aggregate alternative metrics from a wide range of social media platforms and online resources.

Altmetric

PlumX Metrics