Observed Signal · Dec 22, 2025 · M&A · Source: ExchangeWire · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
TikTok Stays in U.S.; ChatGPT Surges in Mobile Spending
This digest covers three updates shaping the digital platforms and AdTech landscape. First, ByteDance's TikTok is set to remain operational in the United States under binding agreements with investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and the Emirati fund MGX; the 50/50 joint venture is expected to close around January 22. Second, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has reached USD 3 billion in global mobile consumer spend, with approximately USD 2.48 billion generated in 2025, a 408% year-on-year increase; OpenAI has also opened app submissions and introduced a directory described as an app store within ChatGPT’s tools. Third, ad-supported video-on-demand platforms are expanding catalogs, led by Tubi UK at +99%, with Rakuten TV Ireland at +43% and Pluto TV Canada at +27%, contributing to a 5% global VoD catalog growth in 2025.
TikTok's US operating joint venture; OpenAI ChatGPT mobile spend milestone; AVoD catalog growth indicate evolving platform dynamics in AdTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- ByteDance reached binding agreements to operate TikTok's US business; a 50/50 joint venture will be owned by investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX; closure expected January 22.
- ChatGPT global mobile consumer spend reached USD 3 billion; around USD 2.48 billion was generated in 2025; YoY increase of 408%.
- OpenAI opened app submissions for review and launched a directory described as an 'app store' within ChatGPT’s tools menu.
- Tubi UK catalog expanded by 99%.
- Global VoD catalog growth reached 5% in 2025.
Connected Companies & Entities
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TikTok Leads Apps; ChatGPT Surges in State of Mobile 2026
Sensor Tower's State of Mobile 2026 analyzes global mobile app usage, noting that generative AI is the fastest-growing category while social media remains the primary hub for reach, attention, and time spent. Global figures show 5.3 trillion hours spent in apps, with nearly half in social networks. In 2025, ChatGPT topped US iPhone app downloads per AppsFlyer, while TikTok led globally in downloads, in-app revenue, and usage duration. ChatGPT posted the largest growth across all three metrics (downloads +148%, in-app revenue +254%, usage time +426%). Mini-series formats such as DramaBox and ReelShort show strong momentum, and TikTok is testing PineDrama, a short-form serialized app. Monetization shifted in 2025 with consumer app spending surpassing mobile games; game downloads declined about 7%. Gender patterns persist: women dominate social/entertainment apps; men in the US increasingly use AI apps like ChatGPT. The report signals a shift toward AI-driven routines and sustained social-media engagement, with regulatory considerations for platforms like TikTok.
AdTech Shifts: TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix Lead Changes
Digest highlights include: TikTok has agreed to separate its US app from its global business, with the platform's recommendation algorithm licensed to US owners and trained exclusively on American user data, in an effort to address US security concerns. Google expands YouTube ads with Shoppable CTV formats, leveraging Display & Video 360 to deliver non-skippable 15-second ads that pull product data from Merchant Center feeds and support QR-code-driven purchases on Google TV. Netflix reports a surge in ad revenue, growing 2.5x year-over-year to surpass $1.5 billion in 2025, as its ads business scales alongside original streaming growth; the company's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. is noted as attracting industry attention. Together, the items illustrate ongoing regulatory, retail media, and monetization shifts driving the ad-tech landscape in 2026.
AI Stocks Sink as OpenAI Revenue Misses Reported Figure
Shares of Nvidia, Oracle, CoreWeave and other AI-related companies fell on Thursday after details emerged about OpenAI's revenue. OpenAI told investors it reached roughly $50 billion in annualized revenue at the end of September, lower than the widely reported $68 billion figure. A person familiar with the matter said the $68 billion figure included gross revenue from partners, making it more comparable to Anthropic. OpenAI also highlighted 77% total run rate growth in Q3 and 107% growth in enterprise business. The company is preparing for a potential IPO, with a valuation of $852 billion, and is in early talks to raise around $30 billion in new funding.
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