Disney+ to Launch TikTok‑Style Vertical Video Feed, Targeting a Daily‑Visit Destination for Users

Breaking: disney+ bets on TikTok-style vertical videos at CES to reshape the feed

Disney is testing a bold shift for Disney+ by introducing vertical, mobile-first videos as part of its CES presentation. The initiative aims to turn Disney+ into a daily destination through a personalized, dynamic short-form feed that evolves over time.

Officials described the plan as adaptable across categories and content types, emphasizing a native experience tailored to how users scroll and consume on phones, rather than a disjointed cluster of clips.

what could appear in the vertical format?

Executives signaled that the vertical format will include social clips, re-edited scenes from existing shows and films, and new short-form content. The overarching objective is to keep disney+ front and center in users’ daily routines, beyond customary trailers and previews.

Erin Teague, Disney’s executive vice president, stressed that the integration will be designed to fit core user behaviors and won’t feel like a random, patchwork feed.

Vertical video has already become a staple on multiple platforms. Disney’s move mirrors a broader industry trend, with Netflix and ESPN experimenting with vertical formats on mobile and in-app environments. Disney+’s strategy builds on ESPN’s Vert feature and echoes the momentum seen with YouTube shorts and other short-form experiments.

Disney has previously rolled vertical videos into the ESPN mobile app, so expanding into Disney+ aligns with the company’s cross‑brand push toward bite-sized, easily shareable content. the company cautions that rollout details remain under consideration as it experiments with how best to present vertical videos across devices.

Key facts at a glance

Platform	Disney+
Format	Vertical, short-form clips; social clips; refashioned scenes
Context	CES advertising event; expansion of vertical video trend
Executive quote	“Everything’s on the table.”; feed will be native to user behavior
Related initiatives	ESPN Vert; Netflix vertical tests; YouTube Shorts

Why this matters for viewers and the streaming landscape

The vertical-video push aligns with how many people engage with content during short moments of downtime, especially on phones. If Disney+ can deliver a seamless, native experience, the service could sustain higher daily engagement and broaden discovery through clips that feel native rather than promotional teasers.

As streaming platforms contend for attention, Disney’s approach could influence competitors to rethink discovery feeds for mobile-first consumption. Short-form content, paired with strong original programming, may become a differentiator in the crowded streaming market.

What’s your take on Disney+’s vertical-video plan? Should streaming services prioritize short clips over long-form storytelling, or strike a balance between both?

Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as Disney tests and refines this new format.

What is Disney+’s new TikTok-inspired vertical video feed and how does it work?

Disney+ Pivots to Daily Engagement with TikTok-Inspired Video feed

Disney+ is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond its conventional long-form content strategy to embrace short-form video with the launch of a TikTok-style vertical video feed. This strategic shift aims to position Disney+ as a daily habit for users, increasing engagement and solidifying its position in the competitive streaming landscape. The move acknowledges a fundamental shift in how audiences, especially younger demographics, consume entertainment.

The Rise of Short-Form Video & Its Impact on Streaming

the success of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts has demonstrated the immense popularity of bite-sized video content. Users are increasingly drawn to quick, easily digestible entertainment that fits seamlessly into their busy lives. Streaming services are now recognizing the need to adapt to this trend to maintain relevance and attract new subscribers.

This isn’t simply about replicating tiktok’s format; it’s about understanding why it works. Short-form video excels at:

* Discovery: Algorithms quickly surface content tailored to individual preferences.

* Shareability: Easy to share clips drive viral trends and organic growth.

* Accessibility: Lower production barriers encourage user-generated content and diverse voices.

* Habit Formation: The endless scroll fosters frequent,repeated visits.

What to Expect from Disney+’s new Feed

Disney+’s new vertical video feed will feature a curated selection of content drawn from its extensive library,including:

* Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Exclusive glimpses into the making of Disney,Pixar,Marvel,Star Wars,and national Geographic productions.

* Character Spotlights: Dedicated content focusing on beloved characters and their stories.

* Creative Challenges & Trends: Opportunities for users to participate in Disney-themed challenges and trends.

* Short-Form Original Content: New, original videos specifically created for the vertical feed.

* “Did You Know?” Facts & Trivia: Engaging snippets of facts about Disney properties.

* Remixes & compilations: Creative edits and compilations of existing footage.

The feed will be integrated directly into the Disney+ app, accessible alongside the existing library of movies and series. Expect a highly personalized experience driven by refined algorithms that learn user preferences over time.

Targeting Daily Active Users: A Key Strategy

Disney+’s primary goal with this update is to increase Daily Active Users (DAU). Traditionally, streaming services have focused on Monthly Active Users (MAU) as a key metric. However, DAU is a stronger indicator of user engagement and long-term retention.

By offering a constant stream of fresh, engaging short-form content, Disney+ hopes to become a daily destination for entertainment, much like social media platforms. This shift could have significant implications for subscription renewals and overall revenue.

How This Impacts Content Creators & Disney’s IP

The new feed presents both opportunities and challenges for Disney’s content creators.

* New Avenues for Storytelling: Short-form video allows for experimentation with different narrative styles and character development.

* Increased Visibility for Existing Content: Clips from popular movies and series can be repurposed to attract new viewers.

* Potential for Fan-Generated Content: Disney may explore ways to incorporate user-generated content into the feed, fostering a stronger sense of community.

* Maintaining Brand Consistency: ensuring that short-form content aligns with Disney’s brand values and quality standards will be crucial.

Disney’s intellectual property (IP) is a massive asset in this endeavor. The company’s iconic characters and franchises provide a wealth of material for creating compelling short-form videos.

The Swisscom Partnership & Account Creation

For subscribers accessing Disney+ through providers like Swisscom,the initial setup remains consistent. As outlined in Swisscom’s community support https://community.swisscom.ch/d/863278-disney,users will need to create a dedicated Disney+ account after their initial subscription. This process typically involves a link on the confirmation page or a QR code for easy registration. This streamlined process ensures a smooth transition to accessing the full Disney+ experience, including the new vertical video feed.

The competitive Landscape: Streaming Wars Heat Up

Disney+’s move into short-form video is a direct response to the evolving streaming landscape. Netflix has experimented with similar features, and other platforms are likely to follow suit.

Hear’s how Disney+ stacks up against its competitors:

Platform	Short-Form Strategy	Strengths	Weaknesses
TikTok	Native platform, algorithm-driven	Massive user base, viral potential	Limited long-form content
Instagram Reels	Integrated into existing platform	High engagement, visual focus	Can be overshadowed by other content
YouTube Shorts	Integrated into existing platform	Wide reach, monetization options	Competition with long-form videos
Netflix	Experimenting with short-form clips	Extensive content library	Still finding its footing

| Disney+ | Dedicated vertical feed