Hajra Naz
After the runaway success of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, Disney is bringing short-form video to Disney+ in the U.S. later this year. The goal: increase daily engagement and turn Disney+ into a platform viewers check more than once a day.
The announcement was made during Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase at CES 2026, where the company outlined how the new format fits into its broader streaming strategy.
A More Personalized, Always-On Experience
In a blog post, Disney said the short-form experience will evolve, expanding across both entertainment and news. The company emphasized personalization, describing the feature as a more dynamic way to surface content and reinforce Disney+ as a “must-visit daily destination.”
According to Disney, the short videos may include:
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Original short-form content created specifically for Disney+
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Repurposed clips originally made for social media
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Short scenes pulled from TV shows and movies
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Or a mix of all three
Read More: Disney strikes deal with OpenAI to let Sora create AI videos with iconic characters
Designed for How People Already Watch
Disney executives say the focus is on making the experience feel natural, not bolted on.
“We’re obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors,” Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, told Deadline. “So it won’t feel disjointed or random.”
That approach mirrors Disney’s recent experiments elsewhere. Last year, the company rolled out a personalized vertical video feed in the ESPN app, signaling that short-form viewing is becoming a core part of its digital strategy.
Targeting Younger Viewers and Mobile Habits
By adding short-form video, Disney+ is targeting younger viewers. Many of them prefer fast, swipeable content on their phones. Long movies and full episodes often come later.
The shift also reflects changing viewing habits. More people now discover shows through clips, not traditional browsing menus.
Read More: Disney Plus could soon let users generate AI-powered videos, says Bob Iger
Streaming Platforms Follow the Short-Form Shift
Disney+ isn’t alone in testing vertical video. Netflix rolled out a similar feature last year. It lets users scroll through short clips from original shows and films to spark discovery.
As competition among streaming platforms heats up, short-form video is becoming a key battleground. Engagement, not just content size, may decide who captures viewers’ attention.
