Disney+ is preparing to take a major step beyond traditional streaming by launching short-form, vertical video content later this year. The move signals Disney’s growing interest in mobile-first viewing habits and reflects a broader industry shift toward bite-sized, scrollable entertainment popularized by platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
For years, Disney+ has been synonymous with long-form movies and episodic TV series built around blockbuster franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney Animation. While that model remains central to the platform, the company now appears eager to turn Disney+ into a more frequent, daily-use app rather than one users open only when they are ready to watch a full movie or episode.
The upcoming short-form feature is expected to live inside the Disney+ app as a vertically scrolling video feed optimized for smartphones. While Disney has not yet revealed full details, the content is likely to include a mix of curated clips, highlights, and original short-form videos drawn from its vast entertainment catalog. This could range from quick character moments and behind-the-scenes footage to promotional snippets and standalone short content designed specifically for vertical viewing.
Disney’s decision reflects changing audience behavior, particularly among younger viewers who increasingly consume entertainment in short bursts. Rather than committing to a 40-minute episode or a two-hour film, many users now prefer fast, engaging clips they can watch while scrolling on their phones. By embracing this format, Disney+ hopes to meet viewers where they already are, instead of losing attention to social media platforms that dominate mobile screen time.
The move also comes at a time when competition in the streaming industry is intensifying. With subscriber growth slowing across many platforms, services are searching for new ways to increase engagement and retention. Short-form videos offer a low-friction way to keep users active within an app, potentially encouraging them to spend more time browsing Disney+ content and eventually transition into longer viewing sessions.
Importantly, Disney+ is not alone in this shift. Other major streaming platforms have begun experimenting with short-form discovery tools, previews, and vertical video experiences to help users find content faster. What sets Disney apart, however, is the depth of its intellectual property. With decades of iconic characters and stories, Disney is uniquely positioned to repurpose existing content into engaging short-form experiences without starting from scratch.
Still, challenges remain. Disney must strike a careful balance between enhancing discovery and avoiding the perception that Disney+ is turning into just another social video app. The platform’s identity has long been rooted in premium, family-friendly storytelling, and maintaining that brand while adopting TikTok-style mechanics will require thoughtful execution.
If successful, Disney’s short-form video initiative could reshape how audiences interact with streaming services, blurring the line between traditional entertainment platforms and social media. As viewing habits continue to evolve, Disney+’s joining the short-form video era may prove to be a strategic move to stay relevant in an increasingly mobile-first digital landscape.
