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Google·Product Manager·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Senior

Senior
Jun 2026

Summary

PM strategy question for Google, framed around Reddit's monetization problem. Pretty open-ended, which I wasn't fully prepared for.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

You're a PM at Reddit. How would you build a strategy to monetize end consumers directly?

Pricing & MonetizationProduct StrategyProduct Sense & Ideation
Author's notes

I went straight to ads and subscriptions without really thinking about what makes Reddit different from other platforms.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying Reddit's unique value proposition—anonymous, interest-based communities—and segment users by engagement level to identify monetization opportunities. Then, propose a portfolio of direct-to-consumer monetization strategies (e.g., subscriptions, virtual goods, premium features) that align with user needs and Reddit's culture, and prioritize based on impact and feasibility.

Pro tip: Emphasize that any monetization must enhance, not degrade, the core user experience; Reddit's community trust is its most valuable asset, so avoid tactics that feel exploitative or spammy.

1. Understand Reddit's Unique Context

Analyze Reddit's core strengths (anonymous, interest-based communities, user-generated content) and constraints (ad-based revenue, user sensitivity to monetization). Identify what makes Reddit different from other social platforms.

2. Segment Users and Identify Monetization Opportunities

Segment users by engagement (lurkers, casual posters, power users, moderators) and needs. Map potential monetization opportunities to each segment, such as premium features for power users or one-time purchases for casual users.

3. Brainstorm Direct Monetization Strategies

Generate a range of direct-to-consumer monetization ideas: subscriptions (e.g., Reddit Premium with ad-free browsing, exclusive content), virtual goods (e.g., awards, custom avatars), transaction fees (e.g., marketplace for digital goods), and pay-per-view events (e.g., AMAs).

4. Prioritize and Validate

Evaluate ideas based on impact (revenue potential, user value), feasibility (technical, community acceptance), and alignment with Reddit's mission. Prioritize quick wins and long-term bets, and suggest validation methods like A/B testing or pilot programs.

5. Define Success Metrics and Rollout Plan

Outline key metrics (e.g., conversion rate, ARPU, user retention) and a phased rollout plan, starting with small experiments and scaling based on results. Consider risks and mitigation strategies.

Key Points to Mention

  • Reddit's unique value proposition: anonymous, interest-based communities and user-generated content.
  • User segmentation: lurkers, casual users, power users, moderators, and their willingness to pay.
  • Monetization ideas: Reddit Premium, virtual awards, custom avatars, exclusive AMAs, marketplace fees.
  • Balancing monetization with user experience: avoid alienating users with intrusive ads or paywalls.
  • Prioritization framework: impact vs. feasibility, alignment with Reddit's culture.
  • Success metrics: conversion rate, ARPU, retention, and community sentiment.

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