📱 Netflix Goes Vertical
Just a discovery tool or a move into micro-dramas? | Streaming in Short – W19
This week, we cover Netflix move into vertical shorts, a new AI Film and Ad Festival in Dubai, and what U.S. tariffs could mean for the streaming industry.
📱 GLOBAL GIANTS: Netflix tries out vertical shorts
👉 Netflix is testing a vertical feed on its mobile App to help users discover content more easily. This update is part of a bigger revamp, with new TV and mobile experiences focused on better discovery using design and AI.
This move reminds me the recent launch of Shahid Shorts.
💡 For now, it’s just clips, but could this evolve into original micro-dramas, like what we see in China?
🤖 AI: A new festival in Dubai blending Film & Ad
👉 The AI Film & Ad Festival brought together creators from LA and beyond, including Luma AI founder Amit Jain, to explore how AI is changing production.
💡 It was very different from the skepticism I heard at MIPCOM last year about AI. In Dubai, the mood was open, curious, and full of creative energy.
Next stop: the AI Film Fest Amsterdam on June 27 at the Eye Filmmuseum.
📉 Potential U.S. tariffs on foreign films impact media stocks
What happened?
This week, U.S. media stocks dropped after President Donald Trump said he wants to put a 100% tariff on movies made outside the U.S.
Big streaming and entertainment companies like Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount all saw their stock prices fall. The announcement surprised the industry and made investors nervous.
Why it matters?
If these tariffs are put in place, they could make it much more expensive to produce films overseas, something many studios do to save money.
It could also slow down how quickly international content reaches streaming platforms.
🧐 In short, this move could raise costs, limit content variety, and create tension between U.S. studios and their global partners.
🏰 USA: Disney streaming division turns profitable
Disney+ and Hulu made a combined $336M in profit last quarter, up 615% from just $47M a year ago. They also added 2.5 million new subscribers, reaching a total of 180.7M.
The company also shared exciting news: a new Disney theme park is coming to Abu Dhabi, but it won’t open for another six years.
🎬 CREATORS: Building their own studios
While Hollywood is cutting back, YouTubers like Dhar Mann, Alan Chikin Chow, and Dude Perfect are doing the opposite: building massive studios and creating high-quality shows.
They now have real sets, big teams, and even former execs from Disney and MTV joining their companies.
🍏 APPLE: A big win for streamers
A U.S. court just forced Apple to allow apps like Netflix and Disney+ to offer cheaper, direct sign-ups, cutting out Apple’s 30% fee.
It’s a major shift in power. Apple’s App Store rules have cost streamers millions over the years, but that may finally be changing.
⚽️ MENA: TOD 2.0: Major platform revamp in MENA
TOD, the streaming service from beIN Media Group, just launched a major update called “TOD 2.0.”
It’s their biggest upgrade ever, with a fresh design, faster performance, and new features for sports fans like live stats, replays, and a smoother viewing experience. Get the full breakdown our Monday MENA Insights.
🇮🇳 INDIA: JioStar will invest $3.6 billion into content in 2025
The announcement came during the first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, where the company shared its big plans for India’s fast-growing media market.
Catch the full recap from WAVES 2025 in our Streaming in India newsletter from
🧒 KIDS: Sharjah Animation Conference
The panel on The Future of Kids Content & AI was honest and inspiring. Speakers from Kids AI, Creatures Animation Studio, and Studio TF1 talked about the real problems they face with AI.
They all agreed that AI is here to stay, but said it’s important to use it in a way that protects creativity and respects their teams.
📡 TECH: CABSAT is back next week
This year’s edition looks exciting. The Content Congress will cover hot topics like micro-dramas, next-gen sports broadcasting, and how tech is changing the sports and fan experience.
I’m also seeing more side events pop up, from Comcast, iQIYI, OTTRed, Business France, and of course the BroadcastPro Manufacturer Awards. Is CABSAT becoming the IBC of the Middle East? It’s starting to feel that way.
🎥 CANNES: The Festival returns on May 13th
The 78th Cannes Film Festival starts next week, from May 13 to 24, 2025. At the opening ceremony, Robert De Niro will receive an honorary Palme d’Or for his lifetime achievements.
Want to follow the action?
will be reporting on culture and parties along the Croisette in the 2nd Annual Cannes Newsletter by The Ankler x Screen International.
🪲 The Eternaut from Bruno Stagnaro with Ricardo Darín, Carla Peterson and César Troncoso (Netflix, 6 episodes): After a devastating toxic snowfall kills millions, Juan Salvo and a group of survivors in Buenos Aires must resist an invisible threat from another world.
🏍️ Long Way Home from David Alexanian and Russ Malkin, with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman (Apple TV+, 10 episodes): Best friends Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman are back going from Ewan's home in Scotland to Charley's in England. They'll take the scenic route, of course, through 17 European countries on cranky old bikes.
12 years ago, on May 10, 2013, The Great Gatsby was released in cinemas, with Leonardo DiCaprio. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film brought the 1920s back to life with amazing visuals and a modern soundtrack. Based on the famous book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, it was a big success at the box office.
Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend!
We’ll be back Monday with our MENA insights.
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