Why Disney+ Is Adding Vertical Video — and What It Means for Streaming

Mobile phone displaying the Disney+ App

Disney+ is about to add vertical video. At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Disney announced that its flagship streaming service will soon introduce a TikTok-like vertical video feed — a big step toward making Disney+ more than just a place for long movies and series. The Verge

That’s right: later in 2026, Disney+ subscribers can expect a scrollable stream of vertical short-form videos right inside the app. Think of it as a blend of social media scrolling and classic Disney storytelling.

According to Disney’s product leaders, the vertical video feed will include:

  • Original short-form shows created specifically for the format
  • Repurposed clips from social platforms
  • Edited scenes from longer movies and series
  • A combination of all of the above wrapped into one stream of content Multiplayer

Erin Teague, Executive Vice President of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, described the idea as bringing “all the short-form Disney content you’d want in one unified app.” The Verge

This isn’t just movie trailers — Disney is exploring how to tailor the experience across categories like sports, news, and entertainment based on what you engage with most. The Verge

Vertical video is how younger audiences consume content today. Apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts perfected the format, turning casual scrolling into daily habit. Disney+ hopes to tap into that by bringing short, bite-sized clips into the heart of its platform. Europa Press

The move follows Disney’s experience with a similar feature in the ESPN app last year, called “Verts”, where short vertical clips helped boost engagement. StreamTV Insider

Disney isn’t alone here — other streaming giants like Netflix have been experimenting with short-form content as well — signaling a broader industry shift toward mobile-first video experiences. The Verge

This change signals a few important shifts:

  • More reasons to open the app daily — instead of just when you’re ready to watch a whole movie
  • Content discovery becomes faster and more interactive
  • The app feels more personalized, showing short clips based on what you like

In essence, Disney+ is trying to become a destination for entertainment throughout your day, not just for your evening watchlist. Yahoo Tech

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