How We Measure

We live in a world of information, and it’s growing more expansive every day. So to stay ahead in an increasingly complex world of data, intelligence, metrics and messages, it’s vital to have an accurate read on your consumers, which is precisely where our measurement capabilities come into play.

Nielsen is a world leader in consumer measurement, and we’ve got the panels, databases, methodologies and technology to back it up. These are the key tools we use to keep our fingers on the pulse of consumers around the world.

We’ve developed standards for measurement in every area in which we work. Some methods are driven by electronic meters that measure audience engagement, while our panelists help us identify the “why” as well as the “what” behind consumer behaviors. We’re also continually expanding our data by conducting millions of surveys each year that gauge worldwide consumer sentiment across myriad topics spanning the media landscape.

Across continents and industries, Nielsen measures activity and engagement across platforms—from TV screens to smartphones. More importantly, measurement in any specific area is just the beginning. With such a vast range of data at our fingertips, we can easily merge cross-industry intelligence to provide deeper insight into current markets—insight that sheds light on significant opportunities for growth. And this is Nielsen’s distinguishing attribute—the ability to illuminate deep consumer insights for faster, smarter, better decisions to help your business grow.

Ratings Academy explains the types of media consumers access, how we measure viewership, and how we derive ratings.