Subscribers to Disney+ will soon see a new way to watch content on the platform. The company announced on Wednesday (January 7) during CES that vertical video playback will be rolled out to users over the course of this year.
The update is expected to introduce a dynamic, scrollable feed designed to make content discovery faster and more intuitive. While Disney confirmed the new format, it has not yet detailed how the vertical videos will be sourced.
The company has left open the possibility that the feed could feature short-form original productions, adapted clips from its existing film and television catalog, or content inspired by social media-style viewing habits.
Speaking to Deadline ahead of the official announcement, Erin Teague, Executive Vice President of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, stated that the move is intended to enhance the everyday use of the service. She noted that vertical videos are designed for quick and easily digestible viewing, making them well-suited to casual consumption.
Shift reflects changing viewing habits
The decision to support vertical video reflects broader changes in how audiences consume digital content. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have popularised the format, particularly among younger viewers who are accustomed to short, mobile-first videos.
Other major technology companies have taken similar steps. Meta recently announced plans for an Instagram app designed for televisions, bringing Reels to larger screens. Earlier, YouTube expanded its ecosystem by integrating YouTube Shorts in 2021, extending vertical video beyond mobile devices.
With the upcoming update, Disney+ appears to be positioning itself to better compete for attention in a landscape increasingly shaped by short-form, vertically oriented content, while testing how that format fits within a traditional subscription streaming service.
