Disney+ is entering the short form video space with a new feature that mirrors the TikTok Style Doomscrolling, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. Announced during Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase at CES 2026, the streaming giant revealed plans to roll out vertical video feeds later this year, beginning in the United States.
A Shift in Streaming Strategy
This marks a major change in Disney+’s approach. Traditionally known for long form storytelling through blockbuster films, series, and documentaries, the platform now aims to become a daily entertainment destination. By introducing bite sized, scrollable clips, Disney hopes to encourage users to open the app regularly rather than only when new shows or movies are released.
What the Vertical Feed Will Offer
The vertical feed will feature a mix of original short form content, highlights from Disney’s extensive library, and promotional snippets tied to upcoming releases. Much like TikTok’s algorithm, Disney+ will personalize the feed to match user interests, ensuring viewers are served a steady stream of engaging clips.
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Lessons Learned From ESPN
This isn’t Disney’s first experiment with short form video. ESPN, which is owned by Disney, previously tested vertical clips called Verts on its app. The strong engagement results from that experiment paved the way for Disney+ to adopt a similar model, leveraging its global reach and iconic content library.
Competing With Social Media Platforms
Industry analysts note that Disney+’s move reflects a broader trend in streaming, where platforms are competing not only with each other but also with social media apps for daily attention spans. TikTok and Instagram Reels have reshaped how audiences consume entertainment, and Disney+ is positioning itself to capture that same behavior by blending premium storytelling with quick, scrollable clips.
Balancing Brand Identity and Engagement
While some critics argue that TikTok Style doomscrolling mechanics could dilute Disney+’s premium brand identity, others see it as a smart strategy to attract Gen Z and younger millennials. The vertical feed is expected to roll out gradually, with Disney closely monitoring user engagement before expanding globally.
The Bigger Picture
Disney’s embrace of TikTok style Doomscrolling underscores a new reality: streaming services are no longer just competing for subscribers—they’re competing for minutes of attention in a crowded digital landscape.
