Mode Mobile Scales EarnOS Ecosystem with Acquisition of NGL App

Mode Mobile Acquires Anonymous Messaging App NGL Amid Regulatory Transition

In a significant consolidation within the attention economy, Mode Mobile, the startup behind the "EarnPhone," has officially acquired the anonymous messaging platform NGL (Not Gonna Lie). The deal, announced on December 18, 2025, marks a strategic pivot for both companies as they look to integrate high-engagement social features with rewards-based hardware and software ecosystems.

The social anonymous app NGL rose to prominence as a viral sensation on Instagram, allowing users to receive anonymous questions from their followers via a specialized link. At its peak, the app boasted over 200 million downloads and maintained a massive footprint among Gen Z users. 

However, the acquisition follows a period of intense legal scrutiny. In mid 2024, NGL faced a landmark settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of deceptive marketing and failure to protect minors, resulting in a $5 million fine and a permanent ban on marketing to users under the age of 18.

For Mode Mobile, the acquisition is a calculated move to scale its EarnOS platform. Mode’s business model centers on "EarnPhone" devices smartphones that allow users to earn financial rewards by engaging with ads, music, and games. By folding NGL’s 125 million monthly active users into its ecosystem, Mode Mobile gains a high frequency engagement tool that can be leveraged to drive data-driven rewards and ad revenue.

The leadership structure of NGL will undergo an immediate overhaul following the merger. Co-founders Raj Vir and João Figueiredo have announced their departure from day-to-day operations, though they will remain in advisory roles to facilitate a smooth technical handover. The remaining NGL engineering and product teams are expected to join Mode Mobile’s headquarters, focusing on rebranding the app to align with Mode's adult centric demographic requirements.

Industry analysts suggest that this acquisition represents a "safe harbor" for NGL. Following the FTC's strict mandates, the app struggled to maintain its growth trajectory while restricted from its primary teen audience. Under Mode Mobile’s umbrella, NGL will likely transition into a strictly 18+ social utility, focusing on "monetizing attention" rather than the controversial "AI-generated fake messages" that previously triggered regulatory ire.

Strategically, the merger signals a shift in the "Social+Fintech" space. As privacy regulations make it harder for standalone apps to monetize through traditional tracking, hardware integrated ecosystems like Mode Mobile offer an alternative by rewarding users directly for their data and time. NGL’s anonymous feedback loops provide a perfect mechanism for the constant notifications and user check-ins that Mode Mobile requires to keep its "Earn" mechanics active.

Moving forward, the primary challenge for Mode Mobile will be cleaning up NGL’s brand reputation while maintaining its viral appeal. If successful, the integration could set a precedent for how struggling social media platforms can find new life within the "Earn-to-Play" hardware market.