Disney Taps TikTok Creators to Bring Star Wars and Marvel Magic to Vertical Video
Disney has struck a deal with TikTok to allow creators to use iconic characters and memorable scenes from its back catalogue. The move is seen as an acknowledgment of the influence fan-made content now has in the entertainment industry.
The agreement, which marks Disney's latest attempt to sanction the use of its characters by a third party, will see a select group of creators given access to 'an expansive collection of thoughtfully curated' content featuring characters and stories from across Disney's brands, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
This is part of a larger trend of short-form video platforms like TikTok becoming increasingly influential in the entertainment industry. As a result, big entertainment companies have had to become more relaxed about the use of their intellectual property.
The deal was announced as Disney revealed that the success of Toy Story 5 had helped it beat earnings forecasts. The company's shares jumped 4.6% in premarket trading after revenues to its parks and experiences were up 10% from a year ago, helped by a 4% increase in visits to its theme parks.