Starting today, the ABC News app has added vertical video, known as “verts,” to its lineup of offerings. This will offer new users of the app a new way to discover breaking news, coverage, and analysis through Verts. This is the first phase of vertical video that is coming to the platform. This new dynamic feed on the ABC News app delivers the newest and most essential news for users. It’s also just the beginning of the ongoing evolution for Verts from ABC.
This new mobile-first experience will include the following, Disney shared:
Verts on ABC News
Vertical video across Disney’s core products allows viewers a new way to get up-to-date, straightforward context and analysis of top stories throughout the day. This can all be done with just a swipe of a screen.
The new Verts icon can now be found on the ABC News app at the bottom of the navigation bar. There is a vertical video feed that features news reports that are sourced from ABC News’s linear, streaming, and ABC Owned Television programs. There will also be original content added by ABC News anchors, correspondents, analysts, and featured voices.
Disney says that Verts will allow audiences to have access to “fast, factual news in a new, interactive way the moment they open the ABC News app, delivering timely updates in a format built for how viewers already enjoy discovering video on mobile.”
Engagement
Verts debuted on ESPN in August of 2025. Since then, it has become the primary driver of short-form video consumption for the app. To date, more than 26 million users have used Verts on mobile devices. They have produced over 1.8 million minutes spent in the ESPN App. Verts also now drive 65% of user-initiated short-form video starts. This is more than ESPN’s legacy video player. Disney+ is also seeing an increase in engagement depth with Verts. Around 43% of mobile Disney+ users have already interacted with Verts on Disney’s flagship streaming service.
The Future for Verts
The launch of Verts on the ABC News app is just the starting point. Viewers will soon also be able to see Verts on ABCNews.com across mobile and web. The current launch for the app was built with user utility, personalization, and scale in mind. Moving forward, the tech team is looking for new ways to expand beyond the news of the day for users.
Ultimately, Disney plans to have Vert play a key role in viewers’ everyday experience with the ABC News app. While it starts with being able to dive deeper into stories across ABC News’ linear, streaming, and digital portfolio, there is much more planned. This includes customized viewing experiences, adding more correspondent content, additional formats, and new content types. All of this with the goal of creating more unique and personalized experiences for users.
What do you think of Verts on the ABC News app? Have you tried it yet? If so, how were they? If not, are you going to? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
