Copyright timesnownews
In a major internal restructuring to accelerate its artificial intelligence strategy, YouTube has announced a voluntary exit program for select US-based employees, while clarifying that no layoffs are planned. In a memo to staff, CEO Neal Mohan said the company is reorganizing its product teams into three new divisions — Viewer Products, Creator & Community Products, and Subscription Products — all of which will report directly to him. The restructuring takes effect November 5. “The next frontier for YouTube is AI, which has the potential to transform every part of the platform,” Mohan wrote, emphasizing the need for faster execution, focused investment, and deeper expertise as the company enters its next phase of growth. Voluntary Exit Program Announced While reiterating that the company does not plan layoffs as part of the restructuring, Mohan acknowledged that some employees may be ready for a new direction in their careers. To support that transition, YouTube will offer a Voluntary Exit Program to eligible US employees in Mohan’s direct-reporting organization. The package details will be shared separately with those who qualify. The move comes amid broader workforce changes across the tech industry, as companies realign resources toward AI-driven initiatives. New Structure and Leadership Assignments YouTube’s New Product Structure — Key Points Viewer Products Focus areas: Search & Discovery, Living Room experience, infrastructure, Trust & Safety Leader: Johanna Pillars led by: Emily, Jennie, WoojinCreator & Community Products Focus areas: GenAI tools for creators, Shorts, Live, community-building features Leaders: Amjad (Creator), Toni (EMCO) Interim head: Johanna (leader to be hired)Subscription Products Focus areas: YouTube Music & Premium, OTT subscriptions Leader: Christian Teams led by: T.Jay (Music), Will (Premium, Commerce, Nitrate) OTT division: New leader to be hiredAdditional Leadership Changes JT → New role as Head of UX UX organization moved under Scott Shopping continues under Travis Other direct reports staying the same: Aparna, Mary Ellen, Matt, ShacharRestructure Timeline Effective November 5, 2025 No layoffs tied to this change Voluntary Exit Program for eligible US employees in Neal Mohan’s org In addition, JT will oversee UX, and UX will now sit under Scott alongside engineering and shopping. Mohan noted that YouTube’s structure had not evolved in a decade despite massive platform growth — including $100B paid to the creator ecosystem, over 125 million Music + Premium subscribers, and 8 million YouTube TV subscribers. AI at the Core of YouTube’s Future Mohan’s memo underscores YouTube’s push to embed AI across user, creator, and subscription experiences, from discovery and content tools to streaming and monetization products. “We need to set ourselves up to make the most of this opportunity,” he wrote, calling it an “incredibly exciting time” for the platform. The reorganization reflects a broader shift across the tech sector, where AI investments are reshaping teams, roles, and spending priorities even without formal layoffs. With this move, YouTube joins other major tech platforms aligning their organizational design around AI-first growth. While the company emphasizes stability and long-term opportunity, the voluntary exit offer signals an adjustment phase as YouTube recalibrates talent and resources for the next decade of product innovation.
