Meta cuts jobs to boost AI investment

Meta is cutting hundreds of jobs throughout its organization, according to publications like The New York Times, NBC News, and The Information. 

These layoffs affect employees in Meta's recruiting, social media, and sales sectors, as well as Reality Labs, the division responsible for the company’s smart glasses and VR headsets.

"Teams within Meta often go through restructuring or implement changes to be optimally positioned to hit their objectives," said Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton in an email statement to The Verge. 

"Where feasible, we are identifying alternative opportunities for employees whose roles may be affected."

Clayton did not provide specifics on the number of jobs affected. Meta employed around 79,000 people as of December 2025.

In recent months, Meta has been moving away from its "metaverse" branding, with the company expected to invest up to $135 billion as it moves forward with its AI data center expansion and secures a deal to incorporate Arm’s first CPU in them.

The company also reduced the Reality Labs staff by over 1,000 people in January, closed three VR studios, discontinued its metaverse platform aimed at businesses, and stopped adding new content to its VR fitness app Supernatural. 

In February, Meta announced plans to halt the VR version of its 3D social space Horizon Worlds but later reversed the plan, stating it will remain available for download "for the foreseeable future."