Disney+ is unveiling its latest feature, Verts, a short-form video feed now available to U.S. users via the mobile app. This innovative addition, first introduced in January, draws inspiration from popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, showcasing captivating scenes from Disney+'s extensive library of films and television series.
With the aim of enhancing user engagement and catering to a mobile-centric audience, Verts is set to revolutionize how viewers discover content on the platform. Users can seamlessly navigate the new feature through an icon positioned in the app's navigation bar, allowing them to swipe through clips, add shows to their watchlist, or dive directly into full-length films and series.
"With the latest streaming hits and an incredible catalog spanning more than 100 years of storytelling, we're making it easier for fans to discover what to watch next," Disney stated in a recent blog post. "Verts offers a fun, fast way to explore that catalog right from the moment users open the app. It brings the magic of Disney's storytelling into a format that feels modern, engaging, and tailor-made for how fans already enjoy discovering video on mobile devices."
Initially, Verts will feature clips from existing Disney+ content, but the company has plans to expand this to include user-generated content that resonates with its fanbase, along with diverse storytelling formats and personalized experiences.
Early tests conducted in August indicated that Verts significantly boosted user engagement on both Disney+ and ESPN. This success is largely attributed to an advanced recommendation algorithm designed to personalize content for each viewer, a feature that echoes the effective strategies behind TikTok's popularity.
Disney+ joins other streaming services in exploring vertical video formats; Netflix also launched a similar vertical feed last year, enabling users to scroll through clips from its original programming. By embracing short-form video content, both Disney+ and Netflix are strategically targeting a younger demographic that prefers quick viewing experiences on mobile devices over traditional long-form content.
As this trend continues, the introduction of features like Verts could reshape the streaming landscape, encouraging platforms to innovate further and adapt to the evolving preferences of modern viewers.
