Why has Mux's live streaming API seen a 15% drop in concurrent viewers over the past week?

Introduction

The recent 15% drop in concurrent viewers for Mux's live streaming API over the past week is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. As we delve into this issue, we'll employ a systematic approach to identify, validate, and address the root cause while considering both short-term fixes and long-term strategic implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking this could be related to a recent product update. Has there been any significant change to the API or related systems in the past two weeks?

Why it matters: Recent changes often correlate with performance shifts. Expected answer: Yes, there was a minor update to the encoding process. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd focus on the update's impact on stream quality and stability.

• Considering user segments, I'm curious about the distribution of this drop. Are we seeing a uniform 15% decrease across all content types and user demographics?

Why it matters: Uneven impact could point to specific user experience issues. Expected answer: The drop is more pronounced in mobile users and during peak hours. Impact on approach: We'd prioritize mobile optimization and investigate scalability issues.

• Given the nature of live streaming, I'm wondering about any major events or content changes. Have there been any significant shifts in the type or volume of content being streamed recently?

Why it matters: Content changes can dramatically affect viewer behavior. Expected answer: No major content shifts, but a few popular streamers have been less active. Impact on approach: We'd need to factor in content variability and potentially engage with key content creators.

• Thinking about external factors, has there been any change in how we're measuring concurrent viewers or in the definition of the metric itself?

Why it matters: Metric consistency is crucial for accurate problem identification. Expected answer: No changes to the metric definition or measurement process. Impact on approach: We'd focus on actual performance issues rather than measurement discrepancies.