UPDATE: Disney is set to transform the Disney+ experience with the introduction of TikTok-style vertical videos, aimed at capturing the attention of younger audiences. The announcement was made during the company’s **Tech + Data Showcase** at **CES** in **Las Vegas** on **Wednesday**, with plans to roll out this innovative feature in the U.S. later this year.
The move comes as streaming services increasingly focus on enhancing user engagement. Disney aims to create a dynamic platform where viewers can enjoy short-form, vertical content that appeals to the ever-shortening attention spans of today’s youth. “This is what Gen Z and Gen Alpha are expecting,” said **Erin Teague**, Executive Vice President of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. She highlighted that younger viewers are less inclined to engage with lengthy content on their mobile devices.
Disney’s initiative follows the earlier success of its **“Verts”** feature on the **ESPN** app, which showcases short sports highlights and analysis. The company emphasizes that this new vertical video content will not merely serve as previews for longer shows or movies. Instead, it will enhance the overall Disney+ experience. Teague stated, “Over the next year, we’re introducing vertical video experiences on Disney+. Think all the short-form Disney content you’d want in one unified app.”
With this strategy, Disney aims to drive daily engagement across the platform. The competitive landscape of streaming has shifted, with increased reliance on advertising revenue, making user retention and frequent visits critical for profitability. Short-form video has proven to be effective in capturing viewer interest, a strategy perfected by TikTok since its global launch in **2017**.
Disney is not alone in this pursuit; other streaming platforms like **Netflix** have also begun testing similar vertical video features. However, Disney’s approach focuses on creating a tailored experience that evolves based on user preferences, offering content across categories such as sports, news, and entertainment in real-time.
The urgency of this initiative highlights Disney’s commitment to staying relevant in a fast-paced digital landscape. As more competitors seek to adopt similar strategies, the pressure is on for Disney+ to deliver an engaging and customizable viewing experience that resonates with younger audiences.
As the rollout date approaches, viewers can expect to see a significant shift in how they interact with Disney+. The company’s innovative approach aims to make Disney+ a daily destination for entertainment, capturing the essence of modern viewing habits. Stay tuned for more updates as Disney prepares to unveil this exciting new feature later in **2023**.
