HBO Max is reportedly getting a new Shorts Feed, which will use vertical videos to help subscribers find TV shows, movies and original content more quickly. The feature reportedly offers a mobile-friendly experience that allows users to preview titles with short video clips before deciding what to watch. The rumoured addition, which has yet to be officially confirmed by the company with all rollout details, highlights the growing influence of short form video across streaming services.

The HBO Max Shorts Feed is designed to make discovery easier and more engaging, with personalised recommendations in an easy-to-use vertical scroll format that’s familiar to users. As competition among streaming services heats up, features like this could help viewers spend less time searching and more time watching.

It’s easier to browse with vertical videos

According to reports, Shorts Feed provides fast vertical video previews of scenes from hit series, blockbuster movies, documentaries and HBO Originals.

Instead of reading lengthy descriptions or watching entire trailers, users can get a sense of a title by quickly scrolling through short clips. The idea here is to make content more discoverable, especially on smartphones where vertical video has become the default way to watch.

Discovery may be improved by personalised recommendations

Reports indicate that the Shorts Feed will reportedly use viewing history and user preferences to recommend content that matches individual interests.

Depending on their viewing habits, subscribers who watch a lot of drama, comedy, action or documentaries may receive different recommendations. Personalised suggestions may help to cut down time spent browsing and increase the chances of finding new films or series that fit each user’s taste.

Mobile-First Design Reflects Changing Viewing Behaviours

“Vertical video content is a reflection of the larger transformation of entertainment consumption.

Today, many users are discovering new content through mobile video before they move on to longer viewing sessions. HBO Max could also offer a similar browsing experience in its own app to make it easier for subscribers to jump from a clip they’re previewing to the full show.

Easier ways to get to the original series and movies

The said feature is expected to provide users with quick links to start watching after a brief preview.

Viewers may be able to tap from the Shorts Feed directly into the full movie or TV series, rather than having to go through a title manually. This more efficient experience could result in increased engagement on both new releases and catalogue content.

Discovery features continue to be added to streaming services

As they grow their libraries, streaming services are adding more to their features to help audiences find content.

Personalised recommendations, AI-driven search tools, curated collections and interactive previews have become key ways of helping subscribers find something to watch without being swamped by the thousands of titles on offer.

Sources

• Max Help Center – Official support articles, app updates and feature information.
• Warner Bros. Discovery – Official announcements, product updates and company news.
• Apple App Store – Max app update notes and version history.
• Google Play Store – Android app updates and features available.
• The Verge – Streaming service news, entertainment tech and app features.
• Variety – News coverage of the entertainment industry, media companies and streaming services.