Integrating Google Tag Manager with Consent Mode in NextJS 15

Simplifying Analytics and Privacy Compliance in NextJS 15

For modern developers, integrating Google Tag Manager (GTM) and Consent Mode into NextJS 15 apps isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. But the reality? It’s far from straightforward.

Privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA require careful handling of consent states, while NextJS 15’s limitations add layers of complexity to embedding GTM scripts dynamically. The result? Many developers struggle to implement compliant analytics systems without compromising user experience or functionality.

Why This Guide?

This tutorial was built with one goal: to address the most common and frustrating challenges developers face when integrating GTM and Consent Mode into NextJS 15 projects.

Here’s what makes this guide different:

• NextJS’s Limitations: Tools like @next/third-parties don’t offer robust support for Consent Mode. Specifically, they lack solutions for managing default consent states before loading cached consent values—a critical gap we solve in this guide.

• Documentation Gaps: The official guides and third-party libraries provide fragmented examples, often failing to address how to fully integrate GTM, Consent Mode, and cookie banners into a seamless, scalable NextJS app.

• A Proven, Hands-On Approach: This isn’t theoretical. The solutions we present are battle-tested, combining best practices with extended functionality to ensure both analytics precision and privacy compliance.

What You’ll Gain

• Step-by-Step Implementation: Learn how to integrate GTM scripts, manage dynamic consent states, and set up analytics in a privacy-first web environment.
• TypeScript-First Utilities: Build reusable, strongly-typed functions to track user events and manage cookie preferences.
• Working Example Repository: Clone our project to see the complete implementation in action. Compare your work at each step, ensuring your setup aligns with best practices.

Access the Codebase

Start with the initial boilerplate and follow the phased approach detailed in the guide. Each branch demonstrates a critical step in the integration process.

# Clone the Repository
git clone https://github.com/spencermarx/aclarify-blog-example--gtm-with-consent-in-nextjs.git

# Navigate to the Project Directory
cd aclarify-blog-example--gtm-with-consent-in-nextjs

# Checkout the First Phase
git checkout phase/0-initial-boilerplate

# Install Dependencies and Run
npm install
npm run dev

With this repo, you’ll have a reliable reference point for every phase of the implementation.

Why Read This Guide?

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll:

• Master the complexities of embedding GTM scripts dynamically in NextJS 15 without performance trade-offs.
• Implement a cookie consent banner to handle privacy-first tracking and comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
• Gain confidence in testing and debugging with tools like Google Tag Assistant.
• Build a robust, scalable solution for managing analytics in modern NextJS projects.

Ready to tackle analytics integration while keeping privacy compliance in check?

➡️ Read the Full Guide and Explore the Repository on Aclarify’s Blog here ⬅️

About Aclarify: We empower developers to build modern, privacy-compliant solutions with cutting-edge tools like NextJS, Google Tag Manager, and Consent Mode. Join us to streamline your development process and achieve your goals.