TikTok, the widely popular social media platform owned by ByteDance, has recently embarked on a significant round of layoffs, sending shockwaves through its workforce. Reports from Business Insider indicate that the layoffs commenced last week, targeting various departments such as operations and marketing. What makes these layoffs particularly surprising is that they seemingly came out of the blue, catching many employees off guard. This is especially notable given that employees had previously been advised to continue their work as usual, despite the mounting political pressure and the looming specter of a potential ban on TikTok in the US.
The rumblings of impending layoffs first surfaced last month when reports emerged suggesting that TikTok was considering dismantling its global operations teams, responsible for crucial functions like user support, communications, content management, and marketing. While TikTok did not officially confirm these reports, the signs were clear that significant changes were on the horizon. Recent events indicate that these changes have indeed materialized, leaving affected employees feeling unsettled and blindsided by the abruptness of the layoffs.
In interviews with Business Insider, some employees described feeling completely taken aback by the sudden turn of events. One employee, speaking anonymously, lamented, “I was just getting into a groove with my team on a project I was really excited about. They blindsided us.” Another former employee characterized the layoffs as “an abrupt end to a very chaotic ride,” highlighting the unexpected nature of the job cuts.
The decision to downsize TikTok’s workforce was initially leaked to The Information, and it was subsequently confirmed by company executives Adam Presser and Zenia Mucha in a memo to staff on May 22. Since then, reports suggest that approximately 150 employees have been affected by the layoffs, with impacts felt across various countries, including the US, the UK, Brazil, and France. Former employees, communicating with others affected by the cuts, have corroborated these reports.
Interestingly, TikTok’s recent layoffs come at a time of heightened regulatory scrutiny and uncertainty surrounding the platform’s future in the US. Earlier this year, Congress passed a bill presenting ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, with two options: either divest and sell TikTok to a US-based entity or face an outright ban in the country. President Biden subsequently signed the bill into law on April 24, setting a clear timeline for ByteDance to divest from TikTok within nine months, with the possibility of a 90-day extension. However, TikTok has chosen to challenge the legislation through legal means, arguing that it infringes upon First Amendment rights. The ensuing legal battle is ongoing, with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit expediting oral arguments for September. Experts anticipate protracted legal proceedings, possibly culminating in a review by the US Supreme Court.
In this turbulent landscape, TikTok’s workforce finds itself navigating uncertain waters, grappling with the repercussions of layoffs while simultaneously bracing for the outcome of the legal battle that will determine the platform’s fate in one of its most significant markets.
