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Disney Brings TikTok Fan Content To Disney+

Disney is partnering with TikTok to bring fan-created videos directly into the Disney+ app, as streaming platforms increasingly compete with social media for audience attention.

The initiative will launch as a pilot programme in the United States over the coming months before expanding to additional markets.

Under the agreement, TikTok videos featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and other franchises will appear in “Verts,” Disney+’s short-form video feed introduced earlier this year. The partnership expands the platform’s library of short-form content while giving fan creators greater visibility within Disney’s streaming ecosystem.

Creators Become Part Of Disney’s Strategy

The collaboration also marks the launch of the Disney Creator Ambassador Program, which will give selected TikTok creators access to Disney’s content library, exclusive events, rewards and career opportunities.

The move reflects Disney’s growing focus on the creator economy after earlier plans to expand short-form content through a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI. That initiative, which included a reported $1 billion investment tied to Sora, was abandoned after OpenAI shut down the video-generation platform in March.

Other streaming services, including Tubi and Peacock, have also partnered with TikTok creators to develop original content, highlighting a broader shift toward integrating social media talent into streaming platforms.

Strong Streaming Results

The announcement coincides with Disney’s third-quarter earnings. The company reported that operating income from its subscription video-on-demand business more than doubled to $712 million, up from $329 million a year earlier.

Disney also announced a restructuring of its operations, moving its consumer products business from the Experiences division to Studios.

Meridiam Takes Control Of Great Sea Interconnector

French infrastructure investment firm Meridiam has acquired a majority stake in the Great Sea Interconnector, taking over control of the project from Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (Admie).

The deal places Meridiam, which manages infrastructure assets worth around €19.9 billion, at the helm of the project linking the electricity grids of Cyprus, Greece and Israel. Former Cypriot Energy Minister George Papanastasiou welcomed the move, saying the involvement of a financially strong investor could improve the project’s prospects and support efforts by Cyprus and Greece to secure financing from the European Investment Bank.

“It is very good news. This is a fund which is viable joining a project which was looking for financiers,” Papanastasiou said.

Fresh Momentum For A Delayed Project

Admie took over the project in October 2023 after replacing Cyprus-based EuroAsia Interconnector Ltd. Progress has been slower than expected, although Nexans completed an underwater cable trial earlier this year.

The European Commission has backed the interconnector as a strategic project that would end Cyprus’ energy isolation, strengthen grid stability and help lower electricity prices. Brussels has already allocated €658 million in grant funding.

Funding Challenges Persist

Despite that support, the project has faced financial and political setbacks. Cyprus withheld previously agreed annual €25 million payments to Admie, citing limited progress and disagreements over the financing model.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is also investigating the allocation of EU grants following allegations that a politically exposed person influenced the funding process. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has denied any wrongdoing.

Meridiam’s entry as the controlling shareholder is expected to strengthen investor confidence as the project seeks additional financing and moves toward implementation.

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