Disney+ to Launch Instagram-Style Vertical Videos at CES 2026

At CES 2026, Disney announced a major update for Disney+, revealing plans to introduce short-form vertical videos similar to Instagram Reels and TikTok. The move signals Disney’s push to make its streaming platform more personalised, dynamic, and mobile-friendly, while encouraging users to open the app more frequently.

CES 2026: Disney+ Introduces Short-Form Vertical Videos

Disney has confirmed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 that it will bring short-form vertical video content to the Disney+ app. According to the company, this new video experience will evolve over time and expand across multiple categories, including entertainment and news.

The goal is to transform Disney+ into a platform users engage with daily, rather than one they visit only when searching for a specific movie or series.

Disney’s Vision: A More Dynamic and Personalised App

Disney stated that the new feature is designed to make Disney+ feel more interactive and personalised, moving beyond traditional long-form streaming.

Rather than opening the app solely for scheduled viewing, users may now scroll through quick, snackable content, aligning with modern mobile viewing habits.

What Kind of Vertical Videos Will Disney+ Offer?

Multiple Formats Under Consideration

As reported by TechCrunch, Disney revealed that the short-form content could appear in several formats, including:

• Original short-form videos created exclusively for Disney+

• Repurposed clips from social media platforms

• Short scenes or highlights from existing Disney TV shows and movies

• Hybrid videos combining content from multiple sources

These formats are designed to support short viewing sessions, making Disney+ more appealing for users with limited time.

Designed to Feel Native, Not Disruptive

Disney emphasised that the vertical video experience will be deeply integrated into the Disney+ interface.

Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, said:

“We’re obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors.”

The company stressed that the feature should not feel random or disconnected from the rest of the app’s ecosystem.

US Rollout Planned for This Year

Disney confirmed that vertical video will arrive on Disney+ in the US this year. While global rollout timelines were not announced, the US launch is expected to serve as a testing ground for broader expansion.

Lessons From ESPN’s Vertical Video Experiment

A Proven Concept Within Disney’s Ecosystem

This is not Disney’s first attempt at vertical short-form video. In 2025, the company introduced a personalised vertical video feed in the ESPN app.

That initiative likely provided valuable insights into:

• User engagement patterns

• Scroll-based content discovery

• Mobile-first viewing behaviour

Those learnings are now being applied to Disney+.

How Disney+ Is Responding to Netflix and Social Media Trends

Streaming Platforms Embrace Social-Style Features

Disney’s move follows a broader industry trend:

• Netflix introduced a vertical video feed last year, allowing users to scroll through short clips from its shows and movies

• Social-media-style discovery features are increasingly being used to boost engagement, especially on smartphones

By adding vertical videos, Disney+ aims to stay competitive in a market where attention spans are shrinking and mobile usage is rising.

Why This Matters for the Streaming Industry

The introduction of Instagram-style videos highlights a shift in how streaming services operate:

• From search-based viewing → discovery-based engagement

• From long sessions → frequent, short visits

• From TV-first platforms → mobile-first experiences

Disney+ is positioning itself not just as a content library, but as a daily entertainment destination.