Pinterest to Lay Off Up to 15% of Workforce as It Shifts Resources to AI

Pinterest said Tuesday that it will cut fewer than 15% of its workforce as part of a broader effort to reduce office space and shift more resources toward artificial intelligence initiatives. In a regulatory filing, the company said it expects the layoffs to be completed by late September.

According to the filing, Pinterest plans to “reallocate resources to AI-focused roles and teams that drive AI adoption and execution,” while also “prioritizing AI-powered products and capabilities” across the business.

Pinterest reported having 4,666 full-time employees at the end of 2024, suggesting the workforce reduction will affect roughly 700 employees.

The decision reflects a broader trend across the tech industry, as companies accelerate investments in AI while cutting costs elsewhere. Pinterest has been steadily expanding its AI efforts in recent months, including the launch of Pinterest Assistant, an AI companion designed to help users with shopping advice and recommendations. The company has also begun testing AI-powered personalised boards.

During Pinterest’s most recent earnings call, CEO Bill Ready highlighted the role of open-source AI models in helping the company manage expenses while scaling its AI capabilities.

Pinterest said it expects the restructuring to result in pre-tax charges of approximately $35 million to $45 million, primarily related to employee severance and other costs.