Disney+ to bring TikTok-style vertical videos this year
The world of streaming services is constantly evolving, and Disney+ is no exception. At the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, Disney made a significant announcement that is set to change the way users consume content on its platform. The company revealed that it will be introducing vertical videos to Disney+ in the US this year, a feature that has been popularized by social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
For the uninitiated, vertical videos are short-form videos that are designed to be viewed in a vertical format, i.e., when the user holds their phone upright. This format has become increasingly popular on social media platforms, where users can scroll through a feed of short videos, often with music or other audio accompanying them. The success of TikTok, in particular, has shown that users love consuming content in this format, and Disney+ is now looking to bring this experience to its own platform.
The new vertical video feed on Disney+ will allow users to scroll through a feed of short vertical videos, similar to what they would find on TikTok or YouTube Shorts. However, the content on Disney+ will be more diverse, ranging from sports and news to entertainment. The company has promised that the feed will offer a personalized experience, with content curated based on the user’s interests and viewing history.
This move by Disney+ is a significant one, as it marks a departure from the traditional horizontal video format that has been the norm for streaming services. By embracing vertical videos, Disney+ is acknowledging the changing viewing habits of its users, who are increasingly consuming content on their mobile devices. The company is also recognizing the success of social media platforms like TikTok, which have shown that short-form, vertical content can be highly engaging and addictive.
The introduction of vertical videos on Disney+ is also a nod to the growing importance of mobile devices in the way we consume content. With more and more people using their smartphones to watch videos, it makes sense for streaming services to optimize their content for this format. By doing so, Disney+ is ensuring that its users can enjoy a seamless viewing experience, regardless of the device they are using.
But what kind of content can users expect to find on the new vertical video feed on Disney+? According to Disney, the feed will feature a wide range of content, including sports highlights, news clips, and entertainment programming. The company has also promised that the feed will be updated regularly, with new content added throughout the day.
One of the key benefits of the new vertical video feed on Disney+ is that it will offer a personalized experience for users. The feed will be curated based on the user’s interests and viewing history, ensuring that they see content that is relevant to them. This is a significant advantage over traditional social media platforms, where users are often bombarded with content that is not relevant to their interests.
Another benefit of the new vertical video feed is that it will provide users with a new way to discover content on Disney+. With the ability to scroll through a feed of short vertical videos, users will be able to discover new content that they may not have found otherwise. This is particularly significant for Disney+, which has a vast library of content that can be overwhelming for users to navigate.
In conclusion, the introduction of vertical videos on Disney+ is a significant development that is set to change the way users consume content on the platform. By embracing short-form, vertical content, Disney+ is acknowledging the changing viewing habits of its users and recognizing the success of social media platforms like TikTok. With a personalized feed of content that ranges from sports and news to entertainment, Disney+ is providing users with a new and innovative way to discover and enjoy content on the go.