Disney+ to Launch Short-Form Video Feed in the U.S. This Year

Disney plans to introduce short-form video content on Disney+ in the United States later this year, aiming to increase daily engagement by leveraging viewing habits shaped by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

The announcement was made during Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase at CES 2026. In a blog post, Disney said the new experience is expected to evolve, expanding across news and entertainment while offering a more personalised and dynamic format designed to make Disney+ a destination users visit every day.

According to comments shared with Deadline, the short-form videos could include a mix of original content, repurposed social media clips, highlights or scenes from TV shows and movies, or a combination of all three.

“We’re obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors,” said Erin Teague, executive vice president of product management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. She added that the feature is being designed to feel cohesive within the platform rather than like a disconnected add-on.

The move follows Disney’s launch of a personalised vertical video feed in the ESPN app last year, signalling a broader strategy to embrace mobile-first viewing formats across its streaming services.

By adding short-form video to Disney+, the company aims to attract younger audiences who increasingly favour quick, snackable content on their phones over traditional long-form programming such as full-length TV episodes and films.

Disney+ will not be the first streaming service to experiment with vertical video. Netflix rolled out a similar feature last year, allowing users to scroll through short clips from its original shows and movies.

The initiative highlights how major streaming platforms are adapting their interfaces and content strategies to compete for attention in an increasingly short-form video-driven landscape.