The various embodiments described herein include methods and systems for determining user engagement with media content. In one aspect, a method is performed at a server system. The method includes: (1) receiving, from a first device configured to control presentation of media content, media content identification information for media content presented during a time period; (2) receiving mobile device usage information from a second device in proximity to the first device, the second device associated with a user and the usage information corresponding to mobile device usage of the user during the time period; (3) based on the usage information and the identification information, determining a level of engagement of the user with the presented media content; and (4) if the level of engagement meets one or more predefined criterion, recommending additional media content to the user and/or targeting advertisements at the user based on the presented media content.