Heaptalk, Jakarta — While another new wave of layoffs occurred in multiple Google units, its video-streaming business line, YouTube, also joined the cut wave by planning to cut about 100 workforces. These moves come as the platform grapples with increasing competition, evolving user behaviors, and the imperative to foster more agile and streamlined operations.
Cited in the New York Times, In a note, YouTube’s Chief Business Officer, Mary Ellen Coe, voiced related to the layoff information to the company’s employees, “We have decided to eliminate some roles and say goodbye to some our teammates. Anyone in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region who is or may be impacted will be notified by the end of the day today,”
The New York Times also reported that laid-off employees have 60 days to discover new roles before their official dismissal. However, this matter does not necessarily mean a guaranteed position within the company.
As the company observed in the past few years, Coe stated that YouTube’s creator base is broadening and diversifying, from its most experienced creators to a new generation of casual creators posting on the platform. Moreover, she explained that Gen AI tools will further fuel new forms of creativity and bring even more creators to the platform.
“At the same time, our subscription businesses have momentum, powered by partnerships with music, sports, and media companies. However, as the business evolves, we have an even greater need to run the business effectively and fulfill our user’s needs,” added Coe.
As is known, YouTube struggled to re-stabilize its advertising slowdown last year due to its intense business competition from TikTok. As an effect, YouTube’s parent company, Google, is looking for strategic ways to cut business expenses. Last Thursday, Google terminated hundreds of workforces working on the hardware, voice-assistance, engineering, and hardware teams responsible for products like the Pixel phone, Fitbit watches, and Nest thermostat as part of cost-cutting measures.
The cuts come as this US-based company responsibly invests in its biggest priorities and the significant opportunities ahead. The company continues to make organizational changes, including role elimination globally.
“We are continuing to support any impacted employees as they look for new roles here at Google and beyond,” YouTube’s spokesperson said.