Snap to lay off 16% of workforce as it focuses on AI

Snap is reducing its workforce by about 16% globally as it looks to cut costs and enhance earnings by integrating AI. 

This decision affects approximately 1,000 positions, stated in a staff memo from Snap's CEO Evan Spiegel. Additionally, 300 vacant positions will no longer be available.

"These adjustments are crucial for unlocking Snap's long-term possibilities, and we recognise that the fast pace of progress in artificial intelligence allows us to cut down on repetitive tasks, speed up processes, and give better support to our users, collaborators, and advertisers," Spiegel mentioned in the memo, which appeared in the company’s 8-K filing. 

"We've already seen how small teams are using AI tools to achieve significant progress in numerous vital projects."

The adjustments are projected to generate savings of $500 million for Snap by the latter half of 2026. 

In December 2025, Snap had 5,261 full-time workers and is now part of the expanding group of tech firms that have disclosed significant staff reductions this year, including Meta, Amazon, Oracle, GoPro, and Jack Dorsey’s Block.

"Last autumn, I explained that Snap was at a pivotal moment, demanding a different working strategy that is swifter and more efficient, focusing on profitable expansion," Spiegel wrote. 

"In the past months, we have thoroughly evaluated the work necessary to best support our clientele and partners, making challenging decisions to prioritise investments we find most likely to yield long-term benefits."