Disney+ is adding a new type of content in 2026, and it’s designed for people who won’t watch full-length movies

Disney+ announced plans to add vertical videos to its platform in 2026. The company revealed the news at CES, saying the new feature will bring short‑form content similar to TikTok and YouTube Shorts to the streaming service. These videos are designed for mobile viewing and aimed at younger audiences who prefer quick, bite-sized content over long movies.

According to Dexerto, the vertical feed could include original clips, highlights from Disney franchises, and other brief stories formatted for portrait screens. Disney executives said the experience will evolve over time and may blend entertainment, news, and sports content, giving users a scrollable feed that keeps them engaged every day instead of just during full-length shows or films.

Currently, Disney+ offers popular titles like Star Wars and The Incredibles, but the new vertical videos mark a shift toward social-style browsing inside the app. Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management at Disney, said about Gen Alpha, “Are not necessarily thinking about sitting down, watching a long-form, two-and-a-half-hour piece of content on their phones.” emphasizing the platform’s strategy to meet younger viewers where they already spend time.

Disney wants to compete with TikTok and YouTube Shorts

Disney hasn’t shared exactly when vertical videos will launch or what they’ll look like. However, the company confirmed these won’t just be trailers or clips from existing shows and movies. They’re planning to create original content specifically for this vertical format.

Teague said “everything’s on the table” when asked about content types. This could include brand-new short videos made just for mobile viewing. It might also feature highlights from popular shows cut into smaller clips. The move comes as Disney works to maintain its image amid recent tragic incidents at theme parks.

Disney stated they will “evolve the experience over time.” The goal is to create a personalized feed that works across different content types. This could turn Disney+ into a daily destination rather than just a place to watch occasional shows.

The company is also considering adding news and entertainment categories. This would give people more reasons to open the app every day instead of just for movie nights. Despite challenges the company faces, including concerning events at Disney World properties, Disney continues pushing forward with digital expansion.

Disney is clearly targeting TikTok’s massive audience. TikTok reportedly has over 1.5 billion monthly active users. However, research shows that constantly watching short videos can have negative effects on attention spans and mental health.