Estimating the Number of Videos on YouTube: A Guide for Product Management Interviews
Preparing for interviews at FAANG companies requires familiarity with a wide range of questions that test not only technical skills but also problem-solving prowess. One such question you may encounter is related to big numbers and estimations, often providing insight into your analytical thinking. This blog post will guide you through effectively navigating the question of estimating the total number of videos on YouTube.
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
To structure your approach to this YouTube estimation question, utilize the Fermi Estimation framework. This framework breaks down complex, seemingly intractable problems into manageable chunks, making educated guesses about each part before combining them into an overall estimate.
- Define the goal: Understand that you’re not expected to provide an exact number but a logical approach to estimation.
- Breakdown the problem: Consider the factors contributing to video creation, such as the number of users, average videos per user, growth rate of videos, etc. Outline these factors.
- Estimate each factor: Make educated guesses for each part of the problem. For example, estimate the number of active users and average video uploads per user per year.
- Hypothetical examples: Suppose YouTube has 2 billion active users and each user uploads an average of 1 video per year. With YouTube operating for around 15 years, a rough estimate could be 2 billion x 1 video x 15 years.
- Facts checks: While you won’t have exact figures, use benchmarks. YouTube publishes general stats such as ‘hours of video uploaded every minute’. Use these to cross-check your calculations.
- Effective communication tips: Narrate your thought process clearly, justify assumptions, and be ready to adjust your approach based on interviewers’ prompts.
Conclusion
Estimating YouTube’s total video count demonstrates your ability to confront large-scale, ambiguous problems with a structured, logical approach. Practice breaking down complex questions using frameworks like Fermi Estimations and translating your thought processes into structured responses to excel in your product management interviews.