Disney+ Taps into Vertical Videos and AI to Woo Gen Alpha

Disney+ is stepping up its game to attract the youngest audience, Generation Alpha. This group is growing up with smartphones and short-form content. So, it makes sense that Disney+ is adding vertical videos, also called "verts", to its platform. These videos are designed for easy viewing on mobile devices.

The announcement came at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Disney+ wants to become a go-to destination for daily entertainment and news.

Why Vertical Videos?

Well, ESPN has already seen success with this format in its app. Disney+ aims to bring the best of its live products, like ESPN and ABC News, into a unified space.

"The importance of mobile-first experiences cannot be overstated. This will make Disney+ a daily habit for fans."

• Erin Teague, executive VP of product management

AI-Powered Tools

Artificial intelligence is another big focus for Disney+. The company showcased AI-powered ad-planning tools and an AI video-generation feature. These tools will help advertisers create spots more efficiently. While AI is a hot topic, it's not surprising to see Disney+ jumping on board.

Staying Competitive

The move to vertical videos and AI is part of Disney+'s strategy to stay competitive. Other streaming platforms are also vying for daily engagement. By embracing these trends, Disney+ hopes to keep its audience hooked. However, it remains to be seen how successful these changes will be. Only time will tell if Generation Alpha will embrace these new features.