HBO Max Introduces Vertical Videos to Enhance Streaming Experience

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced a new feature for the HBO Max platform, introducing vertical videos under the name HBO Max Shorts. As revealed on July 28, 2026, this initiative aims to enhance user experience, similar to TikTok-style video feeds already adopted by other streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Peacock.

HBO Max Shorts will be accessible from the platform's bottom navigation menu, offering a variety of content such as trailers, clips, and bonus materials from the HBO Max library. The system provides personalized recommendations based on viewing history, allowing users to jump directly from a video to a series or movie, or save it for later viewing.

Utilizing an AI tool developed by Warner Bros. Discovery, human editors select vertical format content that highlights the most visually striking and exciting scenes. AI algorithms use scene-level metadata to sift through thousands of hours of content to find the most engaging parts, which editors then finalize.

The new feature will first be available to select iOS users in the United States, with plans to gradually expand to other markets and devices. In the future, HBO Max Shorts will also integrate sports content, and the system will be refined based on user interactions.

Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery is testing an 'experimental conversation-based search experience' on the HBO Max platform, allowing users to search for content using natural language queries. This feature will initially be available to Android users in the United States.

The goal of these innovations is to keep HBO Max competitive in the streaming market, where user experience and innovation are crucial for retaining viewers and attracting new subscribers.

Image source: The Verge

Sources:
HBO Max is putting on vertical shorts
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