BURBANK, Calif. – Disney and TikTok will bring a curated selection of fan-created short videos to Disney+, opening the streaming service’s vertical-video feed to participating creators.
The companies said Wednesday that the program will begin as a U.S. pilot in the coming months, with plans to expand to other markets. Creators who opt in will be able to use approved assets connected to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, FX and other properties. Selected videos will appear both on TikTok and in Verts, the vertical-video section of the Disney+ mobile app.
TikTok will give participating creators access to assets tied to hundreds of Disney films and series, according to the companies’ announcement. Disney said the collection on Disney+ will be refreshed regularly.
The agreement also creates a jointly run Disney Creator Ambassador Program. The companies said selected creators could receive additional visibility, access to events, professional development opportunities and other rewards.
Disney introduced Verts to U.S. Disney+ subscribers in March as a mobile-first discovery feed built from scenes and moments in its existing catalog. At the time, the company said it expected the format eventually to include creator content and other kinds of short-form storytelling.
The TikTok deal turns that plan into a distribution pipeline. It also puts fan-made media inside the same paid service that carries Disney’s professionally produced films and shows, giving the company a new way to connect online fandom with viewing and discovery on Disney+.