> At a Glance
> – Disney+ will roll out vertical short-form video in the U.S. later this year
> – Clips may be original shorts, repurposed social posts, or scenes from shows and films
> – Move follows TikTok and Instagram Reels success and ESPN app test
> – Why it matters: Streamer courts mobile-first viewers who favor quick hits over long episodes
Disney is betting bite-size vertical clips can turn its flagship streamer into a daily habit.
The CES Reveal
During Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase at CES 2026, the company said the new feed will “evolve as it expands across news and entertainment and delivers a more personalized, dynamic experience.” The goal: make Disney+ a must-visit every day.
Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, told Deadline:
> “We’re obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors. So, it won’t be a kind of a disjointed, random experience.”
What Viewers Will See
Expect a mix of content:
- Original short-form exclusives
- Repurposed social clips
- Highlight scenes from TV shows and movies
- Blends of all three
Disney tested the format last year with a personalized vertical feed inside the ESPN app.
Following the Leaders
Netflix launched its own vertical clip scroll in 2025. Disney’s entry signals that legacy streamers now view TikTok-style video as table stakes for younger audiences who prefer phones and quick swipes.
| Streamer | Vertical Feed Launch | Target Demo |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 2025 | Mobile users |
| Disney+ | 2026 (planned) | Gen Z/Millennials |
Key Takeaways
- Disney+ short-form video arrives later this year in the U.S.
- Content pool spans originals, social clips, and catalog moments
- Strategy mirrors ESPN app pilot and Netflix’s 2025 rollout
- Vertical focus aims to hook viewers who shy away from full episodes
The magic kingdom is shrinking its stories to fit your phone-and betting that seconds-long swipes will keep subscribers coming back daily.
