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. But why the shift to 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. Erin Teague, executive VP of product management, emphasized the importance of mobile-first experiences. She believes this will make Disney+ a daily habit for fans.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. 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.