Saliency Maps vs. Click Heatmaps: What’s the Difference?

Published September 2025 by Glimpze Insights

Two Tools, Different Questions

Saliency maps predict where users’ eyes are likely drawn on first impression. They work on static assets (mockups, ads, packaging) before anything ships. Click heatmaps show where users clicked after a page is live. Use saliency when you want to iterate fast without traffic; use clicks when validating live behavior.

When to Use Saliency

• Pre‑launch layout and messaging checks
• Ad/creative selection before spend
• Packaging and OOH where clicks aren’t measured

When to Use Click Heatmaps

• Diagnosing confusing navigation or dead zones
• Validating changes with real traffic
• Optimizing link density and interaction targets

Best Results: Use Both

Start with saliency to place the right things in the right hotspots. Then confirm with click heatmaps to see if attention translated into actions.