Google has laid off approximately 75 employees—about 25% of its Google TV and Android TV team—as part of a broader shift to prioritize artificial intelligence (AI) and YouTube-centric strategies.
The layoffs, confirmed on June 24, 2025, coincide with a 10% budget cut in the company’s smart TV initiatives and reflect a recalibration of resources within Google’s Platforms and Devices division.
Despite the cuts, Google maintains that it remains committed to its TV ecosystem, which powers over 270 million active devices globally, including smart TVs from brands like TCL, Hisense, and its own Chromecast products.
Google Budget Cuts and Layoffs: A Shift in Priorities
The layoffs stem from a $50 million reduction in the smart TV team’s budget, which previously stood at under $500 million.
The affected employees span roles in engineering, product development, and support, primarily based in the United States.
This marks yet another wave of job cuts within Google’s hardware and software divisions, following similar actions across Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest teams earlier this year.
A Google spokesperson stated, “We continue to invest in Google TV with new user experiences including the upcoming integration of Gemini.”
AI and YouTube Take Center Stage
The restructuring is part of Google’s broader strategy to pivot toward AI-driven innovation and enhance YouTube’s role as a premium streaming platform.
The company plans to integrate its Gemini AI assistant into the Google TV platform later this year, aiming to make televisions smarter, more voice-responsive, and better integrated with smart home ecosystems.
Simultaneously, Google is redesigning YouTube to resemble platforms like Netflix and Disney+, with a stronger emphasis on paid content and premium experiences.
YouTube generated over $50 billion in ad and subscription revenue in the 12 months ending September 2024, making it a cornerstone of Google’s media strategy.
Leadership Changes and Global Workforce Rebalancing
The strategic overhaul has also triggered leadership transitions, including the hiring of former Disney executive Justin Connolly to oversee partnerships.
Internally, YouTube VP Christian Oestlien is reportedly a top contender to replace outgoing Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe.
While trimming roles in the U.S., Google plans to expand hiring in international markets, particularly India, to maintain overall headcount.
This move reflects a growing trend among tech giants to leverage India’s talent pool for engineering and product development, especially in high-growth areas like AI and cloud services3.
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