The possibilities of time use research approaches for the analysis of the use of media is the focus of this study. After describing previous studies of media analyses time use research is characterised and the particular suitability of its central surveying instruments stylised survey information and time use diaries is investigated for media use analyses. The various new surveying instruments will be newly systematized according to survey principles and survey features/attributes and illustrated by numerous product examples. The critical appraisal yields recommendations for a method mix of time use diaries and new technology based surveying instruments.