Disney+ is testing vertical video content, following a trend popularized by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This move is part of a broader shift in streaming, with platforms creating microseries and short-form content to engage viewers.
At CES in Las Vegas, Disney+ confirmed it will launch a dedicated section for vertical videos later this year. Erin Teague, EVP of product at Disney, said the content is “snackable” and designed to fit into users’ daily routines. The videos will include both short clips and original microseries, not just teasers for longer shows.
Netflix is also exploring vertical video, though more cautiously. The platform introduced short teasers in its app last year and plans to expand experimentation. Netflix aims to complement its main content without fully copying TikTok’s format.
These moves show that streaming services are adapting to changing viewing habits. Short, accessible content helps retain subscribers who are used to the fast-paced style of social media.
Analysts say vertical videos could reshape how streaming platforms design, produce, and distribute content. This trend may make services more interactive and flexible for daily viewing.
As Disney+ and Netflix embrace these changes, the competition is shifting from traditional rivals to social media apps, highlighting the influence of TikTok on the entertainment industry.
The adoption of vertical video also signals a new era in storytelling, where brief, engaging experiences coexist with longer, traditional shows.
