ADisney+ is preparing to take a page from the social media playbook by introducing short-form, vertical

 ADisney+ is preparing to take a page from the social media playbook by introducing short-form, vertical videos later this year, signalling a strategic shift in how the platform wants audiences to engage with its content. Rather than being opened only for movies or binge-worthy series, Disney+ is aiming to become something users check multiple times a day.

The new feature will focus on quick, swipe-friendly videos designed primarily for mobile viewing. These will include original bite-sized content, carefully selected moments from Disney’s vast catalogue, and standout scenes or highlights from popular films and shows. The emphasis is on speed, ease, and instant entertainment—mirroring consumption habits shaped by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Designed for frequent engagement, not long sessions

Unveiled during Disney’s Tech and Data showcase at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the initiative reflects the company’s intent to increase daily engagement. Disney executives explained that the goal is to capture attention during short breaks, commutes, or casual scrolling moments, not just during dedicated watch sessions.

Advanced personalisation will power the experience, with algorithms surfacing clips tailored to each user’s tastes, viewing history, and interaction patterns. By continuously refreshing relevant content, Disney+ hopes to remain present throughout the day rather than competing only during prime-time viewing.

Inspired by ESPN’s vertical video experiment

The concept builds on Disney’s earlier success with “Verts” on the ESPN app, which delivers personalised sports clips and highlights. That experiment demonstrated strong engagement, encouraging Disney to expand the format beyond sports into entertainment, storytelling, and fan-driven moments across its flagship streaming service.

By blending social-style viewing with its premium subscription ecosystem, Disney is positioning Disney+ in a new competitive space—one that goes beyond traditional streaming rivals and edges closer to social platforms, without abandoning its curated, brand-safe identity.

The rollout is expected to begin later this year, with Disney planning to refine and expand the feature across genres and user experiences as viewing habits continue to evolve.

By Advik Gupta