Disney+ is set to introduce support for vertical video viewing later this year as it looks to attract younger audiences and increase daily engagement on the platform.
The company announced the move at its Tech and Data Showcase during CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Disney said the decision follows the successful launch of the “Verts” vertical video feature on the ESPN app, which was introduced in 2025. The new format on Disney+ will roll out in the United States and is aimed at keeping pace with competitors while appealing to Gen Z and Gen Alpha users.
In an interview with Deadline, Erin Teague, Disney’s executive vice president of product management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, said the vertical feed could include original short-form programming, repurposed social clips, and edited scenes from longer films and series, or a mix of these formats. She said the goal is to create a personalised and dynamic feed spanning news and entertainment and to make Disney+ a daily destination for users.
Teague said vertical videos are well-suited to short, bite-sized viewing habits and clarified that Disney does not see them only as promotional tools for longer content. Instead, they are meant to enhance the overall experience of the platform.
Disney’s move brings it into direct competition with TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, while rival Netflix has also been testing similar features.