There are about 1 million inactive Netflix users. What would you do about them?

Thank you for providing the context and question. I'll address the problem of inactive Netflix users from the perspective of a seasoned VP of Product interviewing for a senior product leadership role. I'll structure my response according to the guidelines you've provided.

Introduction

The challenge at hand is addressing approximately 1 million inactive Netflix users. This scenario presents a significant opportunity for user re-engagement and potential revenue recovery. I'll outline a comprehensive strategy to tackle this issue, focusing on user segmentation, reactivation tactics, and long-term retention measures.

Here's how I'll approach this problem:

1. Ask clarifying questions
2. Diagnose the current growth problem
3. Analyze competitors and market trends
4. Segment users and create personas
5. Identify growth levers and form hypotheses
6. Develop retention and engagement strategies
7. Define metrics for success

Let's begin with some clarifying questions to ensure we have a complete understanding of the situation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• How do we define "inactive" users? Is it based on login frequency, content consumption, or subscription status?

Why it matters: This definition will help us target the right user segment and tailor our reactivation strategies. Hypothetical answer: Users who haven't streamed content in the last 90 days but still have an active subscription. Impact: This would focus our efforts on recent drop-offs rather than long-term churned users.

• What's the current churn rate for these inactive users compared to active users?

Why it matters: This helps us understand the urgency of the situation and potential revenue impact. Hypothetical answer: Inactive users have a 30% higher churn rate than active users. Impact: This suggests a significant opportunity to improve retention and revenue by reactivating these users.

• Do we have data on why these users became inactive (e.g., surveys, exit interviews)?

Why it matters: Understanding the root causes will inform our reactivation strategies. Hypothetical answer: We have limited data, mostly from cancellation surveys. Impact: We may need to conduct additional research to gain deeper insights into inactivity reasons.

• What's our target for reactivating these users? Are we aiming for a specific percentage or timeline?

Why it matters: This helps set clear goals for our growth strategy. Hypothetical answer: The goal is to reactivate 30% of inactive users within 6 months. Impact: This gives us a concrete benchmark to measure the success of our initiatives.

• Are there any content licensing or geographic restrictions that might be contributing to user inactivity?

Why it matters: This could reveal systemic issues affecting user engagement. Hypothetical answer: Some regions have experienced a reduction in available content due to licensing changes. Impact: We may need to tailor our strategies based on regional content availability.