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Meta·Data Scientist·Technical Phone Screen·Senior

Senior
Jul 2026

Summary

Meta DS interview with a product analytics question about Story consumption differences between Instagram and Facebook. One question, fairly open-ended, the kind where you can go a lot of directions and that's both the appeal and the problem.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Instagram users consume more Stories than Facebook users. How would you investigate why?

Product Analytics & MetricsRoot Cause AnalysisA/B Testing & Experimentation
Author's notes

My first instinct was to jump straight to A/B tests but that's kind of backwards since you're diagnosing a gap that already exists, not testing a change.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

First, clarify the metric and validate the observation by checking definitions and data sources. Then, systematically explore potential causes across user, product, and content dimensions, using data to test hypotheses and isolate the root cause.

Pro tip: Frame the investigation as a structured root cause analysis, and emphasize the importance of understanding the 'why' behind the metric before jumping to solutions. Show awareness of confounding factors and the need for controlled comparisons.

1. Clarify the metric and validate the observation

Define what 'consume Stories' means (e.g., views, time spent, completion rate) and ensure the comparison is apples-to-apples. Check data sources and query logic to rule out measurement errors.

2. Segment and compare user bases

Break down the metric by user demographics, geography, device, and engagement levels to see if differences persist within segments. Compare the composition of Instagram vs. Facebook user bases.

3. Analyze product and content differences

Examine how Stories are presented and consumed on each platform: UI/UX, algorithm, content types, creator ecosystem, and social graph. Look for features that might drive higher consumption on Instagram.

4. Test hypotheses with experiments or quasi-experiments

Where possible, design A/B tests or use natural experiments to isolate causal factors. For example, test if changing the Facebook Stories UI to match Instagram's increases consumption.

5. Synthesize findings and recommend actions

Summarize the key drivers, quantify their impact, and propose actionable next steps. Prioritize based on potential impact and feasibility.

Key Points to Mention

  • Define the metric precisely: views, time spent, completion rate, etc.
  • Check for data quality issues and ensure consistent measurement across platforms.
  • Segment users by demographics, geography, device, and engagement to uncover heterogeneity.
  • Consider product differences: UI/UX, algorithm, content format, and social features.
  • Use A/B testing or quasi-experimental methods to establish causality.
  • Acknowledge potential confounders like user base differences and platform maturity.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.