> At a Glance
> – Disney+ will roll out vertical short-form clips later this year
> – Format tested first on ESPN as “Verts” and drove strong engagement
> – Clips will pull from originals, social media, and existing movies/shows
> – Why it matters: The move aims to make Disney+ a daily habit for younger viewers who favor TikTok-style video
Disney is borrowing from TikTok’s playbook to keep kids and teens inside its streaming wall. The company revealed at CES 2026 that bite-sized, phone-first videos are coming to Disney+ before 2027.
What the New Format Looks Like
Erin Teague, Disney’s executive vice president for product management, told Deadline the clips can be:
- Fresh originals shot in 9:16
- Highlights already blowing up on social media
- Re-edited moments from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and other library titles
Teague, a former YouTube exec, calls it a “bite-sized experience” designed to spark daily viewing habits.
ESPN’s Proven Test Case
Disney quietly launched vertical clips inside the ESPN app relaunch last year. The company now says those “Verts” outperformed expectations, clearing the path for a broader rollout.
| App | Vertical Clips Launch | Result |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | H2 2025 | Strong engagement cited |
| Disney+ | Late 2026 (planned) | Target: daily destination |
Disney’s official statement promises:
> “The experience will evolve as it expands across news and entertainment and delivers a more personalized, dynamic experience that reinforces Disney Plus as a must-visit daily destination.”
Key Takeaways
- Vertical clips land on Disney+ later this year
- Content will mix new shorts, viral grabs, and recycled library footage
- ESPN’s early success gave Disney confidence to scale the format
- Strategy targets mobile-first viewers hooked on quick-hit video
Streaming competition is fierce, and Disney hopes a TikTok-style feed keeps thumbs-and subscriptions-from straying.
