Disney+ Plans to Introduce Vertical Videos in 2026 to Attract Younger Audiences
January 9, 2026
Disney+ is set to roll out vertical videos on its platform in 2026, aiming to attract younger viewers with shorter attention spans. Currently home to major franchises like Star Wars and The Incredibles, the platform is looking to expand into the realm of short-form content, possibly including clips from popular TikTok creators.
Announcing the Change at CES 2026
On January 7, 2026, during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Disney+ revealed plans to implement vertical videos later this year. This update will introduce a new content format optimized for mobile devices, complementing the existing lineup of traditional movies and series.
Targeting Younger Generations
Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management, explained to Deadline that Generation Z and Alpha are less interested in long-form content on their phones. Instead, they prefer quick, easily digestible videos. To cater to this shift, Disney+ is exploring a wide array of short-form content, not just trailers or film clips.
Competing in the Short-Form Space
Disney+ aims to rival platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts by exploring vertical videos across various categories. "Everything’s on the table," said Teague, indicating plans to include dedicated short videos tailored for mobile viewing and highlight reels from larger productions.
Evolving the Viewing Experience
Disney+ intends to develop a personalized, dynamic feed of short content and experiment with new formats over time. The goal is to turn Disney+ into a daily destination for diverse entertainment, including news and lifestyle content, expanding beyond traditional streaming.
Capturing the TikTok Audience
With over 1.5 billion monthly active users, TikTok's influence is undeniable. Disney+’s move into vertical videos appears aimed at capturing a similar audience, although there are concerns about the downsides of bite-sized content, such as reduced attention spans and engagement quality.
Note: The timeline and specific features of the vertical video rollout are still being developed.