YouTube Employees Offered Buyout Plans As AI Takes Priority: All You Need To Know

Google-owned popular online video sharing platform YouTube is making one of its biggest changes in years. CEO Neal Mohan has announced a voluntary exit plan for employees as the company restructures to focus on artificial intelligence. This could be the biggest shake-up of YouTube’s product division in nearly a decade.In a memo to employees, Mohan said YouTube’s next big leap will come from embracing AI across all parts of the platforms -- from content discovery to creation tools. While no layoffs are being forced, the buyout plan allows employees in specific roles to voluntarily exit as YouTube reorients its teams for an AI-driven roadmap.“Looking to the future, the next frontier for YouTube is AI,” Mohan was quoted as saying. Under the new

structure, YouTube’s product organisation will now be divided into three core divisions, each with a dedicated focus and leadership team.Viewer Products: Headed by Johanna Voolich, this group will manage the main YouTube app, Search and Discovery, Living Room, YouTube Kids, Learning, and Trust & Safety. Its mission: to grow YouTube’s presence on TVs and maintain its commitment to responsibility.Subscriptions: Led by Christian Oestlien, this division will oversee YouTube Premium, Music, TV, and Primetime Channels, a fast-growing business that now serves over 125 million paid users.Creator & Community Products: Focused on empowering creators through new tools, Shorts, and generative AI features. Voolich will manage this division temporarily until a new head is appointed.Eligible US employees under Mohan will be offered severance packages, though the company hasn’t disclosed details. The reorganisation officially takes effect on November 5, 2025.The restructuring reflects a broader trend across Big Tech, with companies like Amazon, Meta and Microsoft also realigning their workforces to prioritise AI innovation.