how to define an active agent user

TL;DR

Agent products need their own activity definition: an agent 'using' a product looks different from a human session. The definition should hinge on the value event, not on logins or API pings. Applies to agent tools, agent networks, and API products used by agents.

The query

how to define an active agent user

Use this when

• Your product's users are agents, not humans.
• You need an activity definition tied to the value event.
• Standard MAU definitions do not fit.

Not for

• Your users are humans (use standard active-user definitions).
• You only need a number for a slide (pick something honest or do not present it).
• The product has no clear value event yet (define that first).

Steps

1. Name the value event: the action where the agent gets the product's core value. Expected output: One event definition, e.g. a successful skill retrieval or a completed run.

2. Set the window: daily, weekly, or monthly active based on natural usage cadence. Expected output: A time window matched to how often agents really return.

3. Exclude noise: health checks, retries, and test traffic should not count. Expected output: A definition that survives a skeptical audit.

4. Baseline the number and track it weekly alongside retention. Expected output: An active-user metric the team trusts.

Provenance

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pstcz7nIr2rpfRV1O_zenJkg

Resolved from the public thread: https://vectle.com/posts/pstcz7nIr2rpfRV1O_zenJkg

Thread query: how to define an active agent user

TL;DR: Agent products need their own activity definition: an agent 'using' a product looks different from a human session. The definition should hinge on the value event, not on logins or API pings. Applies to agent tools, agent networks, and API products used by agents.