Snap Inc. announced on April 15 changes that will affect around 1,000 team members, including approximately 16% of its full-time employees, and involve closing more than 300 open positions.
The decision is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and prioritize investments that support long-term growth. The company said these measures are expected to reduce Snap’s annualized cost base by over $500 million by the second half of 2026 and help set a clearer path toward net-income profitability.
Evan Spiegel, Chief Executive Officer at Snap Inc., addressed the staff in a note: “This is an incredibly difficult decision, and I am deeply sorry to the colleagues who will be leaving us. You have made important contributions to Snap, and we are committed to supporting you through this transition.” Spiegel also reflected on previous remarks describing Snap as facing a “crucible moment” requiring faster work methods focused on profitable growth.
Spiegel said advancements in artificial intelligence have enabled teams at Snap to cut down on repetitive tasks and improve efficiency across several initiatives such as Snapchat+, ad platform performance enhancements, and improvements in the company’s infrastructure. He added that small squads using AI tools have already made meaningful progress in these areas.
Impacted North America-based team members were asked to work from home for the day while notifications regarding next steps were sent out via email within an hour of the announcement. Employees outside the United States were told they would receive further information from leadership or human resources.
For U.S.-based departing staff, Snap said it will provide four months of severance pay along with healthcare coverage, equity vesting, and career transition support. Outside the U.S., support packages will follow local processes with efforts made to align with local norms.
