Amazon Prime Video laid off staff after AI training
Amazon Prime Video laid off 2,847 employees after they documented workflows for AI training, prompting discussion about AI replacing workers.
Amazon's layoffs are part of a larger trend of companies restructuring around AI, with other tech companies like Pinterest and Autodesk also announcing layoffs as they shift resources to AI development. In 2025 alone, over 120,000 tech workers lost their jobs due to the increasing adoption of automation and AI-driven systems. Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, stated that the company expects to need fewer employees in certain roles as they implement generative AI. He had launched a "Bureaucracy Mailbox" in September 2024, encouraging employees to report inefficiencies, which led to over 450 process changes. Jassy also aimed to increase the ratio of employees to managers by 15% by early 2025. While AI is a significant factor, some argue that the layoffs are also a correction for over-hiring during the pandemic. Despite the layoffs, Amazon is increasing its budget, with projected capital expenditures driven by AI data centers reaching $200 billion in 2026. The layoffs have affected various corporate teams, including Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. Some high-profile executives at Amazon MGM Studios were also impacted.
