Fall has officially arrived, and with it comes one of the biggest shifts in social media we’ve seen in years. The White House just struck a landmark deal giving US companies control of TikTok’s coveted algorithm while Americans will hold six of seven board seats. Could this finally end the years-long tug-of-war over the platform that 170 million Americans can’t seem to put down?
Meanwhile, the streaming revolution continues to rewrite the playbook for user acquisition. CTV campaigns surged a whopping 56% last quarter as streaming captured 46% of U.S. TV viewing – double what cable managed to hold onto. With nearly half of marketers planning to add CTV to their UA strategy, it’s clear this channel is no longer just an experiment.
AI keeps flexing its muscles across the digital landscape. Google Gemini has climbed to the #1 spot on the App Store, overtaking ChatGPT with its “Nano Banana” model that’s been used half a billion times. And speaking of comebacks, Warner Bros is bringing Tom and Jerry to mobile through a new partnership with Steer Studios – proving once again that nostalgic IP remains a powerful draw in the crowded gaming space.
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DEEP DIVE
White House announces TikTok deal putting American firms in algorithm driver’s seat
The White House has announced a landmark deal that would give US companies control of TikTok’s coveted algorithm while Americans would hold six of seven board seats for the app’s US operations. This represents a significant shift in the years-long struggle over the platform’s future, as the algorithm—the secret sauce that serves content to TikTok’s 170 million American users—had been a major sticking point in negotiations with Chinese parent ByteDance.
Oracle, chaired by Trump ally Larry Ellison, would lead data and privacy operations for the app’s US presence, creating a powerful new American gatekeeper for the social media giant. President Trump, who delayed implementing a TikTok ban for the fourth time this week, claimed he and Chinese President Xi Jinping approved the arrangement during a “productive” call, though Beijing’s statements remained notably more ambiguous about final terms.
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NEWS
What’s happening in the industry
CTV campaigns surge 56% as streaming grabs record U.S. viewership
Jampp, a global app marketing platform, saw its CTV campaigns jump 56% QoQ in Q3 2025, cementing CTV’s role as a performance staple. Streaming captured 46% of U.S. TV viewing in June—double cable’s 23.4%—and 45% of marketers plan to add CTV to their UA mixes, as budgets continue to double, notes analyst Benjamin Waters.
Mexico proposes 8% tax on violent video games
The Mexican Ministry of Finance plans to impose an 8% tax on video games deemed “violent” as part of its 2026 budget. This initiative, supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, seeks to reduce demand for such games, which studies have linked to increased aggression and anxiety among teens.
Gemini climbs to No.1 on the App Store with Nano Banana AI image model
Google Gemini now boasts nearly 450 million monthly active users, a figure likely increased since July, with the “Nano Banana” model utilized over 500 million times. The app has surged to the top of the charts in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Germany, overtaking ChatGPT for the number one spot.
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Tom and Jerry are back! Steer Studios scores the Warner Bros license for a brand-new game
Steer Studios locks in a partnership with Warner Bros to develop the mobile game Tom and Jerry Blast, marking a significant milestone as its second title. The game aims to blend local talent with international expertise to deliver an innovative experience.
Google rolls out Gemini AI upgrade to Chrome browser
Google is upgrading Chrome with its Gemini AI model, allowing users to summarize complex information and perform tasks directly on websites. New features include an “agentic” assistant for tasks like booking appointments, voice commands, and enhanced security protections against fraud.
Posts that caught our attention
BUBBLES OF KNOWLEDGE
Top new articles in the field
📊 Analyst bulletin: Mobile game market review July & August 2025 →
🍄 Four decades of Mario: What the industry has learned →
🤔 The founder’s dilemma: Equity vs. UA financing →
📖 Why stories sell: The emotional trigger for mobile game players →
📱 How top apps like Duolingo drive engagement through innovation →
And that’s a wrap on this edition!
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Catch you next time,
The Bubbleye Team
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