TV usage falls by 5.1%, while streaming stays strong

The total usage of TV declined by 5.1% in February, following a fall in viewership across broadcast, cable and streaming during the month.

According to Nielsen’s monthly total TV and streaming snapshot The Gauge, the decline in February is in line with seasonal and historical norms.

Despite streaming platforms being favoured by viewers, streaming viewing levels were down 0.9% from January—the smallest decline across categories. However, streaming gained 1.5 share points to account for 34.3% of TV usage.

In the streaming category, Tubi TV achieved a 1% share of TV usage, it joins Pluto TV as the second FAST platform to be broken out from the other streaming category. Viewing on YouTube was up by 2.5% reaching 7.9% share of TV usage, with Netflix closely followed behind at 7.3%.

Hulu reached a 3.3% and Amazon Prime Video produced a 3% share of TV usage. Meanwhile, streaming levels were low on on HBO Max, Disney and Peacock failing to reach more than 2% share.

On top of this, usage across broadcast and cable was down 9.2% and 5.7%, respectively. Sports viewing on broadcast was down 64.7%, with only the Super Bowl to rely on after the NFL playoffs concluded in January.