Meta job cuts hit WhatsApp, Instagram teams as tech layoffs drag on

The recent layoffs follow a pattern of restructuring that Meta has been pursuing for more than a year

In Short

• Meta lays off employees in WhatsApp, Instagram, Reality Labs
• Layoffs part of Meta's reorganisation for long-term goals
• Tech industry faces widespread layoffs post-pandemic

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has once again begun laying off employees across various divisions, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs. The layoffs were reported by The Verge and mark another chapter in the ongoing wave of job reductions that have been affecting the tech industry.

Some of the affected employees, such as Jane Manchun Wong, who was part of Meta’s Threads team and known for uncovering new app features, have openly shared their experiences of being laid off. Wong joined Meta in 2023 and was involved with developing its Threads platform.

Meta spokesperson Dave Arnold commented on the situation, explaining that these layoffs are part of the company's strategy to reorganise its resources to better align with its long-term goals.

"When a role is eliminated, we work hard to find other opportunities for impacted employees,” Arnold said.

The recent layoffs follow a pattern of restructuring that Meta has been pursuing for more than a year. Earlier this year, Meta’s Reality Labs division, which focusses on developing virtual and augmented reality products, was hit with job cuts. These moves have been part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s larger “year of efficiency” plan, aimed at making the company more streamlined and effective.

In November 2022, Meta initiated its first round of major layoffs, cutting around 11,000 jobs after the company’s workforce grew rapidly during the pandemic. At the time, Meta had misjudged the continued demand for digital services after lockdowns ended, which led to an over-expansion of its staff. When the anticipated growth did not materialise, the company found itself overstaffed and began the process of scaling back.

The layoffs resumed in 2023, when another 10,000 jobs were cut as part of Meta’s efficiency drive. These cuts targeted different parts of the company, including recruiting and technical roles. Zuckerberg described 2023 as Meta’s “year of efficiency,” focusing on streamlining operations, reducing redundancy, and shifting resources to priority areas such as the development of the metaverse and AI-driven technologies.

Meta is not alone in reducing its workforce. The broader tech industry has experienced a wave of layoffs over the past year, as companies adjust to the post-pandemic economic landscape.

Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have also announced layoffs, reflecting a wider trend in the tech sector.