Taking cues from TikTok and Instagram Reels, Disney+ is set to introduce short-form vertical videos later this year, aiming to turn the streaming platform into a daily destination with personalised, quick-view content.
Disney+ is preparing to roll out a new short-form vertical video feature later this year, marking a significant shift in how the streaming platform engages with viewers. The move reflects Disney’s broader effort to adapt to changing viewing habits shaped by social media-style content consumption.
The upcoming feature will offer a mix of original short videos, curated clips from Disney’s extensive film and television library, and highlights from popular shows and movies. All content will be optimised for fast, mobile-friendly viewing, aligning with the vertical video formats popularised by platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels.
A push to become a daily destination
Disney executives revealed the initiative during the company’s Tech and Data showcase at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. According to the company, the goal is to encourage users to open Disney+ more frequently, rather than visiting only when watching full-length series or films.
Personalisation will play a central role in the experience, with the platform tailoring clips based on individual viewing preferences and engagement patterns. By surfacing relevant and timely content, Disney aims to keep users engaged throughout the day, even during short viewing sessions.
Building on ESPN’s early success
The vertical video feature builds on Disney’s earlier experimentation with short-form content through “Verts” on the ESPN app, which delivers personalised sports highlights. That experience has informed the broader rollout planned for Disney+, expanding the concept beyond sports to include entertainment, news and fan-focused content.
With this move, Disney is positioning Disney+ to compete more directly with social media platforms for viewer attention, while maintaining the premium branding of a subscription-based streaming service. The company believes the evolving format will strengthen user engagement and reinforce Disney+ as a regular, go-to destination for quick and immersive content.
The rollout will begin later this year, with further enhancements expected as the feature evolves across content categories and user experiences.
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