Disney+ Plans to Introduce Short-Form Videos in 2026
Following the rise of TikTok and Instagram Reels, short-form videos are coming to Disney+ in the U.S. later this year. As a result, the platform aims to increase daily engagement through quick, scrollable clips. The announcement came during a Tech + Data Showcase event at CES 2026, signaling a broader shift in viewing habits.
How the feature will evolve
According to a related blog post, the experience “will evolve as it expands across news and entertainment and delivers a more personalized, dynamic experience that reinforces Disney+ as a must-visit daily destination.” Additionally, the videos may include original short-form content, repurposed social clips, scenes from TV shows or movies, or a mix of these formats. Meanwhile, the approach builds on experimentation already underway across other apps.
“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 be a kind of a disjointed, random experience.”
Why vertical video matters
Previously, a personalized vertical video feed launched in the ESPN app, which set the stage for this expansion. By contrast, traditional long-form viewing is no longer the default for many younger users. Therefore, the new feature targets audiences who prefer fast, mobile-friendly clips over full episodes or movies. However, this move is not unprecedented, as another major streaming service introduced a similar vertical feed last year.
