Disney+ Is Betting Big on Short-Form Video—Here’s Why
Disney+ is entering the short-form video arena in 2026, directly targeting younger audiences who increasingly prefer bite-sized entertainment over traditional movies and TV shows. Announced during Disney’s Tech + Data Showcase at CES 2026, the new feature will roll out in the U.S. later this year, blending original content, repurposed social clips, and curated scenes from Disney’s vast library. With Gen Z spending hours daily on TikTok and Instagram Reels, Disney sees an urgent need to evolve—or risk fading from daily digital routines.
Why Short-Form Video Matters for Streaming Giants
The rise of vertical, snackable video isn’t just a trend—it’s a behavioral shift. Platforms like TikTok have retrained how users consume media: quickly, vertically, and on mobile. For Disney+, which has long relied on blockbuster films and hour-long series, this move represents a strategic pivot toward habit-driven engagement. “We’re obviously thinking about integrating vertical video in ways that are native to core user behaviors,” said Erin Teague, EVP of Product Management for Disney Entertainment and ESPN. The goal? Make Disney+ a must-visit destination every day, not just on movie nights.
What Will Disney+ Short-Form Videos Actually Look Like?
Don’t expect a TikTok clone with Mickey Mouse filters. Disney promises a “cohesive, dynamic experience” that feels integrated—not tacked on. Content could include behind-the-scenes moments from Marvel shoots, 60-second highlights from The Mandalorian, animated shorts from Pixar, or even real-time updates from live sports via ESPN. The emphasis is on personalization: algorithms will tailor your feed based on viewing history, favorite franchises, and engagement patterns. Think of it as your own Disney-themed Reels feed—curated, magical, and mobile-first.
Building on ESPN’s Vertical Video Success
This isn’t Disney’s first foray into short-form vertical feeds. In 2025, ESPN launched a personalized vertical video experience within its app, delivering game highlights, athlete interviews, and breaking news in a scrollable format. The feature boosted daily active users and watch time—key metrics Disney now wants to replicate across its entertainment empire. By leveraging ESPN’s tech and learnings, Disney+ aims to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other streamers’ attempts at social-style content.
A Direct Play for Gen Z’s Attention Span
Gen Z spends an average of 90 minutes daily on short-form video platforms—but under 20 minutes on traditional streaming apps, according to recent media analytics. Disney+ knows it must meet this audience where they already are: thumbs scrolling, attention fleeting, expectations high. Short-form content lowers the barrier to entry—no need to commit to a two-hour movie when you can watch a 30-second clip of Baby Yoda doing something adorable. If Disney can turn those micro-moments into daily habits, it secures long-term loyalty in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
How This Changes the Streaming Game
Disney+ isn’t alone in testing short-form video—Netflix quietly rolled out a vertical feed in select markets last year. But Disney’s approach may have a unique edge: unparalleled IP depth. With franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney Animation, it can remix existing content into endless new formats without heavy new production costs. A single Loki episode could yield dozens of engaging clips—funny lines, theory breakdowns, costume deep dives—each tailored to spark shares, saves, or follow-up full-episode views.
Personalization Is the Secret Sauce
What separates a successful short-form feed from a cluttered mess? Smart personalization. Disney’s backend systems will analyze your watch history, preferred genres, and even time-of-day behavior to serve relevant clips. Love Marvel? Expect superhero lore snippets every morning. Obsessed with Encanto? Get sing-along moments during afternoon lulls. This isn’t random repurposing—it’s strategic storytelling optimized for mobile attention spans, designed to keep users scrolling Disney+ instead of switching apps.
No More “Disjointed” Experiences
Critics might worry that short-form video could dilute Disney’s premium brand—but executives are adamant this won’t be a haphazard add-on. “It won’t be a kind of disjointed, random experience,” Teague emphasized. Every clip will align with Disney’s visual standards and narrative quality. Even user-generated-style content (if introduced later) will adhere to strict creative guidelines. The aim is seamlessness: whether you’re watching a full Frozen sequel or a 45-second Olaf blooper, it should all feel unmistakably Disney.
The Bigger Picture: Retaining Subscribers in a Crowded Market
With over 200 streaming services vying for attention—and rising churn rates—Disney must innovate beyond content libraries. Daily engagement drives retention, and short-form video is a proven engine for habitual use. If users open Disney+ multiple times a day for quick hits of joy or fandom, they’re less likely to cancel when budgets tighten. This move isn’t just about views—it’s about survival in the subscription economy’s next phase.
What to Expect at Launch
While exact launch timing hasn’t been revealed, Disney confirmed the U.S. rollout will happen “later this year.” Early access may go to premium subscribers or select user segments for testing. The feature will live directly within the Disney+ app—no separate download required—making adoption frictionless. Expect a soft launch with limited content, expanding rapidly based on user feedback and engagement data.
A New Chapter for the House of Mouse
For a company built on animated shorts over a century ago, Disney’s return to bite-sized storytelling feels almost poetic. From Steamboat Willie to TikTok-style clips, the core mission remains: capture imagination in minutes, not just hours. In 2026, Disney+ short-form videos could bridge generations—keeping toddlers giggling, teens theorizing, and adults nostalgic—all within a single, scrollable feed. If executed well, this might just be the magic spark that keeps Disney+ glowing in an increasingly competitive streaming world.
