YouTube Offers Voluntary Buyouts as It Restructures to Prioritize AI

YouTube is reorganizing its product teams and offering voluntary buyouts to some U.S.-based employees as it reshapes operations to focus more heavily on artificial intelligence. CEO Neal Mohan informed staff of the changes in an internal memo, describing the move as a strategic evolution toward “the next frontier for YouTube — AI.”

The platform emphasized that no roles are being eliminated as part of the restructuring. Instead, the reorganization consolidates key product divisions, with three major groups now reporting directly to Mohan.

Christian Oestlien, formerly vice president of product management, will oversee subscription services such as YouTube Premium, YouTube TV, and Music. Chief Product Officer Johanna Voolich will lead the viewer products team, responsible for the main YouTube app, discovery, and trust and safety.

The changes come as Google CEO Sundar Pichai urges teams across the company to boost efficiency and innovation through artificial intelligence. Tech firms worldwide are making similar adjustments as they pivot toward AI and navigate rising operational costs.

Earlier this week, Amazon announced plans to cut 14,000 corporate jobs while ramping up investment in AI projects, underscoring the industry-wide transformation taking place.