Ticker: Disney strikes deal with TikTok; Video game giant goes private

August 6, 2026 - 16:51

Walt Disney Co. has struck a new deal with TikTok that will bring a wave of creator-made vertical videos to the Disney+ streaming platform. The partnership marks a notable shift for Disney, which has traditionally leaned on big-budget originals and library content, but now appears ready to embrace the short-form, mobile-first style that has defined TikTok's rise.

Under the agreement, TikTok creators will produce exclusive vertical videos for Disney+, with a focus on behind-the-scenes looks, fan theories, and original skits tied to Disney's major franchises. The content will live in a dedicated section of the app, designed to feel native to the TikTok experience rather than a forced transplant. Disney says the move is meant to capture younger viewers who are increasingly hard to reach through traditional streaming menus.

In a separate but related development, a major video game company has announced it will go private in a multi-billion dollar buyout. The deal, led by a consortium of investors, will take the firm off the public stock market, giving it more freedom to make long-term bets without quarterly earnings pressure. The company's CEO said the move will allow for faster innovation and deeper investment in new game engines and original intellectual property. Industry analysts see the privatization as part of a broader trend, where entertainment and gaming companies are consolidating to better compete with tech giants for audience attention and ad dollars.