Pinterest to cut nearly 15% of workforce in AI-driven restructuring

Joy Agwunobi

Pinterest has unveiled a major restructuring plan that will see the visual discovery platform lay off nearly 15 percent of its global workforce, as it sharpens its strategic focus on artificial intelligence and automation.

The plan, disclosed in a regulatory filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), was approved by Pinterest’s board and includes a reduction in staff strength, downsizing of office space, and a reallocation of resources toward AI-led initiatives. The company expects to complete the layoffs by late September.

As of the end of 2024, Pinterest employed 4,666 full-time workers globally. A reduction of just under 15 percent would translate to about 700 affected roles, although the final number may be slightly lower depending on implementation.

Pinterest framed the move as a strategic pivot rather than a cost-cutting exercise, noting that resources are being redirected toward AI-focused roles and teams responsible for deploying and scaling artificial intelligence across its products. The company said it is prioritising the development of AI-powered capabilities that enhance discovery, personalisation, and shopping experiences on the platform.

The restructuring comes as Pinterest accelerates the rollout of AI features. In recent months, the company introduced Pinterest Assistant, an AI-powered companion designed to offer shopping guidance and personalised recommendations through natural language conversations. It has also been testing AI-generated personalised boards aimed at helping users discover and organise content more efficiently.

Speaking during the company’s most recent earnings call, Bill Ready, Pinterest’s chief executive officer, highlighted the advantages of open-source AI models, saying they allow the company to innovate faster while keeping development costs under control compared to proprietary systems.

Financially, the restructuring is expected to result in pre-tax charges of between $35 million and $45 million, largely related to severance payments, employee benefits, and other associated expenses. Pinterest has not disclosed which teams, functions, or geographic regions will be most affected.

Pinterest’s decision mirrors a broader trend across the global technology sector, where companies are reshaping their workforces to prioritise artificial intelligence amid economic uncertainty and growing investor pressure to demonstrate returns on AI investments. Tech giants including Meta, Google, and Amazon have all undertaken similar reorganisations in recent years.