In today's Digest, we cover how TikTok stays in the US and how CHATGPT has reached a mobile spending milestone. Also, we discuss how AVoD platforms lead to catalogue expansion.

TikTok stays in the States

TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, has struck binding agreements with US and global investors to operate its business in America, CEO Shou Zi Chew told staff on Thursday. Under the deal, which is expected to close on 22 January, half of the new joint venture will be owned by investors including Oracle, Silver Lake, and Emirati fund MGX. The move puts an end to years of US government pressure over national security concerns.

ChatGPT hits mobile spending milestone

ChatGPT has reached USD$3bn (£2.2bn) in global mobile consumer spend, according to new estimates from Appfigures. The majority - around USD$2.48bn (£1.85bn) - was generated in 2025, marking a 408% year-on-year increase. OpenAI has also opened app submissions for review and launched a new directory, quickly dubbed an "app store", within ChatGPT’s tools menu.

AVoD platforms lead catalogue expansion

Free, ad-supported video-on-demand (AVoD) services outpaced subscription platforms for global catalogue growth this year, according to Ampere Analysis. Tubi led the charge, with its UK offering expanding by 99%. Other strong performers included Rakuten TV Ireland (+43%) and Pluto TV Canada (+27%), helping AVoD services drive global VoD catalogue growth to 5% in 2025.