Disney is testing a major shift in how viewers browse its streaming library. The company launched a new vertical video feed on Disney+ this week called “Verts.” The feature mirrors the short-form scrolling experience made popular by TikTok and Instagram Reels, marking a clear attempt to capture younger audiences who prefer bite-sized content on mobile devices.
Subscribers can now tap a new icon in the Disney+ app and swipe through short clips from movies and series. Each video is tailored by an algorithm that tracks viewing habits and interests. Viewers can add titles to their watchlist or jump straight into a film or episode. The company says the new setup makes it faster to find something to watch, replacing the need to scroll through endless menus.
“This is just the start of what will be an ongoing evolution,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. The company suggested that future updates could include short content from creators, fan communities, and other storytelling formats designed to personalize the viewing experience.
The move comes after Disney previewed “Verts” at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company had already tested the system last year on the ESPN app with positive results. U.S. users are getting access first, with a global rollout planned later this year. Disney executives say the goal is to make Disney+ a daily destination, not just a site for weekend binge-watching.
The timing also aligns with Disney’s growing investment in artificial intelligence. In January, the company announced a $1 billion partnership with OpenAI to use its intellectual property inside AI tools like Sora. That collaboration will allow fans to create and share short videos featuring Disney-owned characters, a concept that could eventually tie directly into the “Verts” feed. Industry observers believe this blend of AI-driven creativity and short-form discovery could help Disney build a more engaged and younger subscriber base.
Analysts note that the strategy reflects both opportunity and risk. The company is betting that TikTok’s style of video browsing can boost engagement on a subscription platform that has struggled with slowing growth. Whether traditional Disney fans will embrace the shift remains to be seen, but it signals that the entertainment giant is not ignoring how social media is shaping modern viewing habits.
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Maria Haertz
Originally from upstate New York, Maria made Tennessee her home in 2002. She is happiest in good company, whether watching a movie, traveling, hiking, dancing to live music with friends, or surfing in the sunshine. The geekiest "cat lady" you've ever met.
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