TL;DR
Disney announced at CES 2026 that Disney+ will introduce short-form, vertical video content in the U.S. later this year to drive daily engagement. The company says the feed will be personalized and may use original clips, repurposed social content, and scenes from its shows and films.
What happened
At its Tech + Data Showcase during CES 2026, Disney revealed plans to add short-form video to Disney+ in the United States before the end of the year. Company communications describe the new experience as a personalized, vertical feed that will expand across news and entertainment and aim to make Disney+ a more frequently visited destination. Sources speaking to Deadline said the clips could be freshly produced short-form pieces, social posts adapted for the platform, excerpts from movies and TV episodes, or mixes of those formats. Erin Teague, Disney Entertainment and ESPN’s EVP of Product Management, said the team is thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that align with core user behaviors so the feature feels native rather than jarring. The launch follows last year’s rollout of a personalized vertical feed in the ESPN app and a vertical feed experiment by Netflix.
Why it matters
- Short-form feeds are intended to increase daily active use and engagement on streaming platforms.
- The format targets younger viewers who prefer quick, phone-friendly clips over long-form viewing.
- Disney can reuse existing catalog scenes or create new short pieces, potentially lowering content costs.
- The move aligns Disney+ with competitors that have already tested vertical, scrollable feeds.
Key facts
- Announcement made at Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase at CES 2026.
- Disney+ short-form feed is planned to roll out in the U.S. this year.
- Disney described the experience as personalized and spanning news and entertainment.
- Deadline reported potential clip types: original short-form, repurposed social posts, and scenes from TV/movies.
- Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, emphasized native integration to user behaviors.
- The ESPN app added a personalized vertical video feed last year.
- Netflix launched a vertical clip feed last year as well.
- Goal stated: reinforce Disney+ as a daily, must-visit destination.
What to watch next
- Types of clips and programming mix (original shorts, social clips, scenes) — confirmed in the source.
- Exact rollout schedule, device availability and international expansion — not confirmed in the source.
- Whether the feed will include ads, paid promotion, or be tied to subscription tiers — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Short-form video: A brief video format, typically under a few minutes, optimized for quick consumption on mobile devices.
- Vertical video: Video produced in a portrait aspect ratio suited to smartphone screens and full-screen mobile playback.
- Personalized feed: A stream of content tailored to an individual user's preferences and viewing history using algorithms.
- Streaming service: A platform that delivers video or audio content over the internet on demand or via curated feeds.
Reader FAQ
When will Disney+ short-form videos arrive?
Disney said the feature will launch in the U.S. this year.
What kinds of clips will appear in the feed?
Disney and Deadline indicate clips could include original short-form pieces, repurposed social content, and scenes from TV shows or movies.
Will the feature be available outside the U.S. at launch?
not confirmed in the source
Will the short-form feed include advertising or different subscription tiers?
not confirmed in the source
IN BRIEF Posted: 9:59 AM PST · January 8, 2026 IMAGE CREDITS: SOPA IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES Aisha Malik Disney+ is launching short-form videos this year Following the success of…
Sources
- Disney+ is launching short-form videos this year
- Disney+ Adding Vertical Videos In Push To Boost Daily …
- Disney+ announces vertical video is coming to the app soon
- Disney+ is launching vertical videos this year
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