# Netflix layoffs won't fix its real problem

> Wall Street is unmoved by Netflix's six percent workforce cut because the streamer faces a deeper challenge: competing with free platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
- Title: Netflix layoffs won't fix its real problem · Business Insider
- Summary: Wall Street is unmoved by Netflix's six percent workforce cut because the streamer faces a deeper challenge: competing with free platforms like YouTube and…
- Keywords: netflix, layoffs, streaming, youtube, tiktok, competition, business, technology, won't, fix, real, problem
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/layoffs-wont-solve-netflix-growth-and-engagement-problems-2026-10
- Author: Peter Kafka
- Published: 2026-10-14T15:52:52.154+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: netflix, layoffs, streaming, youtube, tiktok, competition, business, technology
## Netflix has been here before
In two thousand twenty-two, Netflix lost subscribers after years of rapid growth. It cut staff, launched an ad model it had previously rejected, and pivoted to live sports.
## But the old playbook is exhausted
Netflix has already done ads and live sports. A video games push produced little. Meanwhile, subscriber growth is slowing and existing users find the service less engaging than before.
## The real enemy isn't other streamers
Netflix's actual competition is YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. These platforms offer unlimited free content that costs them nothing or nothing upfront, in an endless stream of clips.
## Netflix is trying to compete anyway
YouTube has video podcasts, so Netflix is now doing that too. But Wall Street remains unconvinced. Netflix stock is down forty-three percent over the last year.
## Layoffs won't solve the core problem
Netflix announced it is laying off six percent of its workforce. Cutting costs can improve margins, but it does not help the company grow or compete with Big Tech platforms.
## Key takeaway

Netflix laid off six percent of its workforce, but Wall Street remains skeptical because the company's real competition is free platforms like YouTube and TikTok, not other paid streamers.