Disney+ is preparing a major shift in how users consume content, with the streaming platform confirming plans to roll out short-form video features later this year.
The announcement came during CES 2026, where Disney executives outlined a new mobile-first experience designed to increase daily engagement and attract younger audiences accustomed to vertical, scrollable video formats.
A TikTok-style feed inside Disney+
Disney+ will introduce a vertical video feed optimized for smartphones, similar in presentation to TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Instead of serving only as promotional trailers, the new clips will function as standalone entertainment experiences embedded directly into the app.
The company says the feature aims to make Disney+ a daily destination rather than a service users open only to watch full-length movies or episodic series.
What content will appear in the short-form feed
According to Disney, the short-form library will include a mix of original microcontent and curated highlights drawn from its vast catalog. This may range from character moments and behind-the-scenes clips to condensed scenes from popular shows and films.
Disney also signaled that the format could expand beyond entertainment. Sports highlights and real-time updates are under consideration, building on internal experiments already tested within ESPN’s vertical video initiatives.
Strategy driven by changing viewing habits
The move reflects broader shifts across the streaming industry, as platforms compete for attention against social media apps that dominate mobile screen time. Disney executives emphasized that younger viewers increasingly favor quick, swipeable content over traditional long-form viewing sessions.
Netflix and other rivals have already tested similar features, signaling a growing consensus that short-form discovery tools can drive retention and content discovery.
Rollout timeline and availability
Disney confirmed that the short-form video experience will launch in the United States sometime in 2026, though an exact release date has not been announced. The company described the rollout as an evolving product, with features and content categories expected to expand over time.
More details, including interface design and personalization options, are expected closer to launch, alongside broader updates to the Disney+ app experience.
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