What Is FAANG?

Full Definition

The term FAANG was popularized by CNBC's Jim Cramer in 2013 (originally FANG, with Apple added later) to refer to high-growth tech stocks. In the software engineering interview context, FAANG became shorthand for the tier of companies with the most competitive interview loops, the highest base + RSU compensation, and the most prestige on a resume. As of 2026, the term has expanded informally to MAANG (Meta replacing Facebook), MAANGM (adding Microsoft), and even MAANGOM (adding OpenAI), but FAANG remains the most recognized shorthand. From an interview-prep perspective, the companies under the FAANG umbrella share several traits: standardized loops with 4-6 rounds, heavy emphasis on algorithm problems (especially Meta and Google), system design rounds for senior+ candidates, behavioral rounds with company-specific frameworks (Amazon's Leadership Principles is the canonical example), and offer compensation that includes significant RSU equity. Candidates often prepare for FAANG interviews by drilling LeetCode-style problems and studying the company-specific loop expectations rather than treating them as a single unified target.