Kids boost TV usage by 90% in June

Kids aged 2-17 have boosted total TV usage across all age groups by 2.2% in June, according to Nielsen’s latest Gauge report.

The media research media outfit said that overall TV usage saw an increase in June due to schools closing for the summer holidays and kids spending more time at home.

The report found that non-traditional TV options accounted for 90% of kids 2-17 increased usage, with kids aged 2-11 increased their TV time by 16.3%, while kids 12-17 spent 24.1% more time with TV compared with May.

Among kids 2-11, streaming accounted for 62% of the increase, and “other” usage accounted for 30%, primarily attributed to video game console usage.  There was an increased time which fairly evenly split at 43% and 46% for streaming and other, respectively among youths aged 2-17.

Tubi TV was the leading FAST service, as usage increased 12.1% to account for 1.4% of TV usage, with an increase of streaming across Disney+, Max, YouTube and Netflix.

While Netflix and YouTube had the highest share points of TV usage in streaming of over 8%, Disney+ benefited from increased kids viewing, as usage grew 11.9% to account for 2% of TV.

There was also a slight increase of TV usage in cable and news but Nielsen noted this was typical for the summer.

The company said, “Even with minimal new programming on broadcast and cable, the expanding array of streaming options and engaging content showcases the ongoing attraction of the TV—and everything it provides access to. That access may become critical for those who opt to seek refuge from the rising heat and wait out the dog days of summer indoors with all that our TVs can now deliver right to our living rooms.”