YouTube restructures for AI future, offers voluntary exit packages

YouTube is restructuring its product team around artificial intelligence development while offering voluntary exit packages to U.S. employees as part of the transition. The reorganization reflects CEO Neal Mohan’s belief that AI represents “the next frontier” for the video platform, potentially leading to workforce reductions as the company positions itself for an AI-centric future.

The big picture: YouTube’s pivot toward AI mirrors broader tech industry trends, with companies like Amazon recently announcing 14,000 corporate job cuts in anticipation of AI-driven changes.

How the restructuring works: YouTube is dividing its product team into three specialized groups to better focus on AI integration.

• Subscriptions Products will be headed by Christian Oestlien.
• Viewer Products will be led by Johanna Voolich, formerly YouTube’s chief product officer.
• Creator & Community Products division still needs a leader to be hired.

What you should know: The voluntary exit program offers severance packages to U.S.-based employees who choose to leave, though YouTube emphasizes no layoffs or role eliminations are currently planned.

• The program appears designed to reduce headcount organically rather than through forced cuts.
• YouTube’s approach contrasts with Amazon’s more aggressive 4% workforce reduction announced Tuesday.

Why this matters: The timing coincides with strong financial performance, as YouTube reported $10.26 billion in Q3 ad revenue—a 15% year-over-year increase that exceeded Wall Street forecasts.

What they’re saying: “Looking to the future, the next frontier for YouTube is AI, which has the potential to transform every part of the platform,” Mohan said in his internal memo. “We need to set ourselves up to make the most of this opportunity.”