Disney is bringing a short-form, vertical video feed to Disney+, as the streamer looks to make the service a more frequent “daily destination” on mobile. The feature was unveiled at Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase for advertisers during CES 2026.
The company says the experience will evolve as it expands across news and entertainment, with a more personalised feed that adapts to viewer behaviour.
“We want to bring the best of what makes our live products great, from ESPN to ABC News to Hulu Plus Live TV, all into this unified environment,” said Erin Teague, executive VP of product management. “We’re also thinking about mobile-first experiences. We know that mobile is an incredible opportunity to turn Disney+ into a true daily destination for fans, so that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
Disney has indicated the vertical videos will include a mix of original short-form content, repurposed social clips and scenes edited from longer-form shows and films, packaged for swipeable viewing.
Multiple reports suggest the vertical feed is expected to launch in the United States later in 2026.
The initiative follows Disney’s move into vertical video on the sports side. ESPN added a “Verts” tab to its app in August 2025, positioning a swipeable, personalised vertical video experience in the core navigation and feeding it with an upgraded personalisation system.
By surfacing clips inside the Disney+ app, the company is effectively adding a new discovery layer that can funnel viewers into full episodes, films and live content hubs. Announcing the product in an advertiser-facing setting also underlines the potential to create additional promotional inventory and, longer term, new ad placements within Disney+’s ad-supported environment.
Source: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2026/01/09/disney-plans-vertical-video-feed-for-us-rollout-in-2026/
