Facebook wants to split its News Feed into two. What metrics would you look at to validate this decision?

Introduction

Splitting Facebook's News Feed into two represents a significant product decision that could reshape user experience and engagement on the platform. To validate this decision, we need a comprehensive set of metrics that capture both immediate impacts and long-term strategic outcomes. I'll follow a structured framework covering core metrics, supporting indicators, and risk factors while considering all key stakeholders.

Step 1

Product Context

Facebook's News Feed is the primary interface through which users interact with content on the platform. Splitting it into two feeds fundamentally alters this core experience. Let's break down the context:

Product Definition

The proposed change would create two distinct feeds:

1. A chronological feed of posts from friends and family
2. A curated feed of content from pages, groups, and suggested posts

Key Stakeholders

• Users: Seeking a more personalized and less overwhelming experience
• Advertisers: Concerned about reach and engagement
• Content Creators: Worried about visibility and audience growth
• Facebook: Balancing user satisfaction, engagement, and revenue

User Flow

Users would now choose between two feeds upon opening the app. The friends/family feed would display recent posts chronologically, while the curated feed would use algorithmic recommendations to show diverse content. Users can switch between feeds as desired.

Strategic Fit

This aligns with Facebook's stated goal of fostering more meaningful social interactions while still providing a discovery platform for broader content. It's a response to criticism about information overload and the impact of the algorithm on user well-being.

Competitive Landscape

Twitter offers a similar choice between chronological and algorithmic feeds. TikTok's "For You" page is purely algorithmic but highly engaging. Facebook's approach attempts to blend these models.

Product Lifecycle Stage

The News Feed is a mature product, but this change represents a significant evolution. It's essentially creating two new products from an existing one, so we'd consider this an early growth stage for the new feeds.