Disney+ Feels Like Social Media Scrolling on Your Phone

Disney+ is shaking things up by introducing vertical videos, taking a cue from social media platforms. This exciting update is set to launch later this year in the US, giving users a new way to engage with content on the streaming service.

The decision to add vertical videos was revealed during Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase at CES 2026, with a focus on encouraging users to open the app daily, not just when a new show premieres. Disney has dabbled in short vertical content before with Verts on the ESPN app, using it to gauge user interaction and feedback. This early experimentation paved the way for the upcoming vertical video feature on Disney+.

Disney is aiming to offer a diverse range of content through vertical videos, including original short-form programming. While specific details are still under wraps, Disney executive Erin Teague hinted at the possibility of micro-dramas and other engaging formats to keep viewers immersed in the app.

Vertical videos are seen as a way to cater to the habits of mobile users, especially younger audiences like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who prefer shorter, easily digestible content on their smartphones. By aligning with how people consume media on their devices, Disney hopes to make the viewing experience seamless and intuitive for all users.

Notably, Disney+ is not alone in this endeavor, as Netflix has also been exploring vertical video feeds to streamline the viewing experience and guide viewers towards more content. Furthermore, Disney’s strategic use of AI-generated clips from OpenAI’s Sora could further enhance the personalized experience on Disney+.

By incorporating vertical videos and blending streaming with social-style browsing, Disney+ is poised to offer a dynamic platform that competes not only with other streaming services like Netflix but also with social media platforms that influence how we discover and consume entertainment. Stay tuned for more updates as Disney+ continues to evolve and innovate in the realm of streaming entertainment.