Rutube Video Platform to Implement Major Layoffs in Anticipation of Gazprom Media Merger, Sources Say

Russia’s video platform Rutube is set to implement «immediate» and «significant» layoffs in anticipation of a merger with other media companies owned by Gazprom, according to a report by the business news outlet Frank Media, which cited anonymous sources familiar with the situation.

In June, Gazprom Media announced plans to consolidate Rutube with streaming service Premier and TikTok-like app Yappy under a unified Rutube brand, aiming for a launch in the first half of 2026.

A source informed Frank Media that “there were overlapping roles in these companies, and with the creation of one large platform, many positions have become redundant.”

While Gazprom Media mentioned it is exploring “various options for restructuring and optimization,” specifics regarding the number of layoffs have not been disclosed. Frank Media noted that “entire departments are being disbanded.”

Yappy, which was initially launched as Russia’s response to TikTok, reportedly has only about 30 out of its original 300 employees left.

According to a source, “The HR department stated that the company lacks the funds to sustain such a large workforce.”

In 2024, Gazprom Media and its subsidiaries reported a loss of 247 million rubles (approximately $3 million), whereas the parent company, Gazprom, announced revenues of 163.5 billion rubles (around $2 billion).