Disney+ has begun rolling out a new vertical video discovery feature to subscribers in the United States, marking the latest attempt by a major streaming platform to borrow navigation habits from social media and short-form video apps.
The feature, branded Verts, appears as a new icon in the mobile navigation bar and opens a swipeable feed of scenes and moments from films and series on the service. Users can add titles to their watchlist or move directly into playback from the feed. Disney said the product is designed to help subscribers discover programming from its catalogue in a faster, more mobile-first format.
According to Disney, the initial rollout starts in the US on mobile devices, with international launches to follow. The company said internal testing showed vertical video increased mobile engagement, and added that it is now looking at ways to expand the format beyond content discovery into additional storytelling formats, new content types and more personalised experiences.
Verts was first flagged as part of Disney’s wider direct-to-consumer product roadmap, which has also included new discovery and personalisation tools across its streaming services.
