Disney+ Verts: New Short-Form Video Section Launches

Disney+ is expanding its mobile experience with a new section dedicated to short-form, vertical videos called Verts. Launching this week in the United States, Verts aims to offer a quick and engaging way for subscribers to discover content from Disney’s extensive library – spanning over a century of entertainment – and potentially beyond. The move positions Disney+ more directly against dominant short-video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, and follows a similar rollout by ESPN within its own app last year.

How Verts Works: A TikTok-Style Experience Within Disney+

Verts will appear in the navigation bar of the Disney+ mobile app, allowing users to swipe vertically through a curated feed of video clips. These clips will range from scenes from popular Disney films and television shows to repurposed social media content and potentially original short-form programming. The experience is designed to mimic the familiar interface of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, offering a rapid-paced and visually driven way to browse content. Disney notes that an “advanced recommendation algorithm” will personalize the feed based on user viewing history, suggesting clips tailored to individual preferences. For example, a user who frequently watches reality television might be shown clips from Taylor Swift’s concert film, while a fan of blockbuster movies could receive clips from the Star Wars franchise.

Within the Verts feed, users will find two buttons alongside each video: one to add the content to their watchlist and another to begin watching it immediately. This streamlined approach aims to reduce friction and encourage immediate engagement. Disney describes Verts as “the first scene of the first episode in a multi-season series,” suggesting a long-term commitment to developing the feature and expanding its capabilities.

Beyond Discovery: The Potential for Creator Content and New Formats

While initially focused on surfacing existing Disney content, the company has signaled ambitions to broaden the scope of Verts significantly. According to Disney, the platform will eventually explore opportunities to incorporate content from creators who celebrate Disney fandoms. The Hollywood Reporter notes this could include a variety of storytelling formats and content types beyond traditional trailers and clips. This move could open the door to user-generated content, fan-made videos, and other forms of creative expression within the Disney+ ecosystem. Disney is also considering other storytelling formats, such as microdramas or other short-form entertainment fare.

This expansion aligns with a broader trend in the streaming industry, where platforms are increasingly experimenting with short-form video to attract and retain viewers. Netflix, for example, has reportedly explored similar features, recognizing the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. The Walt Disney Company emphasizes that Verts will play a key role in the everyday experience on Disney+, driving discoverability and offering personalized experiences.

Implications for Content Consumption and the Disney+ Ecosystem

The introduction of Verts has the potential to significantly alter how users interact with the Disney+ platform. By offering a more casual and easily digestible form of content, Disney+ may be able to attract viewers who are hesitant to commit to full-length movies or television episodes. This could be particularly appealing to younger audiences who are accustomed to consuming content in short bursts. The feature also provides a new avenue for Disney to promote its vast catalog of content, potentially driving viewership to longer-form programming.

However, the success of Verts will depend on Disney’s ability to curate a compelling and engaging feed of videos. The recommendation algorithm will be crucial in ensuring that users are presented with content that is relevant to their interests. Disney will need to carefully balance the inclusion of existing content with the introduction of new, original short-form programming to keep the feed fresh and exciting.

Rollout and Future Development

Currently, the Verts section is available to Disney+ subscribers in the United States. Disney has not yet announced a timeline for international rollout, but it is likely that the feature will be expanded to other markets following a trial period in the US. The company first unveiled plans for Verts at its 2026 Global Tech & Data Showcase, indicating a strategic focus on leveraging technology to enhance the user experience.

Looking ahead, Disney has indicated that it plans to integrate its partnership with OpenAI into the Verts experience. While details remain limited, this suggests that the platform could eventually leverage OpenAI’s Sora technology to generate new and innovative video content. The companies are still working out the execution of this integration, but it represents a potentially significant step forward in the evolution of short-form video on Disney+.

Disney’s move into short-form vertical video reflects a broader shift in the media landscape, where attention spans are shrinking and mobile consumption is on the rise. Whether Verts will turn into a central pillar of the Disney+ experience remains to be seen, but it represents a bold attempt to adapt to changing consumer habits and compete in the increasingly crowded streaming market.