By India McCarty
Disney+ announced plans to integrate vertical videos to its service as it continues to compete with other streamers for viewers.
“We’ll look to evolve the experience over time,” Disney said of the company’s intent to add vertical videos, or “Verts,” to their platform, per Deadline.
Disney’s goal is to “explore its use in a variety of ways across categories, and content types, for a personalized and dynamic feed. That will include expanding across news and entertainment, turning Disney+ into a must-visit daily destination.”
Disney+ To Add Vertical Videos In Push To Boost Daily Engagement https://t.co/QhggqPRRGw
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 8, 2026
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In an interview with the outlet, Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, said “everything’s on the table” when it comes to how these videos will be used on Disney+.
Teague floated “Verts” that could include original short-form programs, repurposed social media clips or scenes from longer shows and movies.
“We’re obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors,” she added. “So, it won’t be a kind of a disjointed, random experience.”
Teague stressed that these videos won’t be teasers for long-form content on Disney+ but rather “snackable, short, bite-sized experiences” for viewers.
“The most important thing is to meet people where they are,” she explained. “This is what Gen Z and Gen Alpha are expecting. They are not necessarily thinking about sitting down, watching a long-form, two-and-a-half hour piece of content on their phones.”
Teague spoke about the plans for “Verts” onstage at the studio’s Global Tech & Data Showcase, telling attendees, “Think all the short-form Disney content you’d want in one unified app.”
“Over time, we’ll evolve the experience as we explore applications for a variety of formats, categories, and content types for a dynamic feed of just what you’re interested in — from Sports, News, and Entertainment — refreshed in real time based on your last visit,” she continued.
Disney+ isn’t the only streamer that’s getting into vertical videos. Last year, Netflix announced their plans to add a vertical video feature to their mobile app.
“In the coming weeks, we’ll be testing a vertical feed filled with clips of Netflix shows and movies to make discovery easy and fun,” a press release from the streaming service reads. “You’ll be able to tap to watch the whole show or movie immediately, add it to My List, or share with friends.”
As the battle over who will win the streaming wars continues, Disney’s plans for vertical videos show the studio is a serious competitor.
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