Sharply higher summer TV and streaming viewing -- partly due to many young viewers now out of school -- resulted in a strong 2.1% gain in June versus May -- as well as a record 40.3% share for streaming in total day viewing among persons age two years and up, according to Nielsen.
Streaming platforms posted the highest share level for any TV platform category (broadcast, cable, and streaming) since Nielsen began measuring its combined TV and streaming viewing on a monthly basis beginning in May 2021.
Streaming grew 6% from the May share level, with platforms getting a “disproportionate bump” from young viewers 2-17 -- including a 16% increase in kids 2-11 viewing, per Nielsen.
Looking at individual streaming platforms, YouTube set another record with a best ever 9.9% share of overall TV. Netflix was right behind, gaining 12% to an 8.4% share of overall TV -- just one-tenth of a percentage point off its best share result ever.
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Three other streamers also gained double-digit percentage hikes: Disney+ and Tubi TV each up 15% to a 1.8 share, while Max was 11% higher to 1.4%. Of those gains (including Netflix) Nielsen says, 20% or more came from young viewers.
Looking more broadly, legacy, linear TV platforms lost ground versus May -- with broadcast down 8% (to a 20.5% share) and cable off 4% (to 27.2%).
Broadcast did see a boost from the “CNN Presidential Debate,” the NBA Finals, and the NHL Stanley Cup Finals.
Cable saw gains from the Presidential Debate as well as from scripted drama and feature films, even amidst declines in sports due to the end of the NBA and NHL seasons.