Warner Bros. Discovery is introducing a new feature called ‘HBO Max Shorts’ to a select group of iPhone users in the United States. This feature presents a vertical, scrollable feed of brief clips showcasing memorable scenes from the HBO Max library, aiming to enhance content discovery.
The ‘Shorts’ feature utilizes an in-house artificial intelligence tool that analyzes scene-level metadata across the platform’s extensive catalog. This AI suggests compelling, high-impact scenes, which are then reviewed and finalized by human editors to ensure they effectively represent the content. The selected clips are formatted for vertical playback to provide a seamless viewing experience.
Personalization is a key aspect of ‘Shorts.’ The feed is tailored to individual users based on their viewing history, offering content that aligns with their preferences. If a particular clip captures a user’s interest, they have the option to start watching the full title immediately or add it to their watchlist directly from the feed.
Currently, ‘Shorts’ is being tested with a limited number of iPhone users in the U.S. However, Warner Bros. Discovery has indicated plans to expand the feature to additional devices and markets in the future.
This move by HBO Max reflects a broader trend among streaming services to incorporate vertical video formats, a style popularized by social media platforms like TikTok. For instance, in May 2026, Amazon’s Prime Video introduced a similar feature called ‘Clips,’ offering a vertical video feed to help users discover new content. Similarly, Netflix revamped its iPhone app to include a vertical video feed named ‘Clips,’ aligning with the growing preference for short-form, vertical content among mobile users.
By adopting the vertical video format, HBO Max aims to engage users more effectively, especially those accustomed to consuming content in this style on social media. This strategy not only enhances content discovery but also positions HBO Max competitively in the evolving streaming landscape.
As streaming platforms continue to innovate, the integration of AI-driven, personalized content discovery tools like ‘Shorts’ could become a standard feature, catering to the dynamic preferences of modern viewers.
