Disney lets TikTokers use Star Wars and Marvel clips in videos

Disney and TikTok struck a deal on August 5, 2026, that allows creators to use clips from Disney films and its subsidiaries in their videos. The agreement covers franchises including Star Wars, Toy Story and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The clips will also appear on Disney’s short-form video platform, Verts, and the programme will launch first in the United States before expanding to other countries.

Neither company disclosed financial terms. The deal follows the collapse of a $1 billion agreement between Disney and OpenAI, which would have permitted the use of Disney characters in AI-generated videos. That agreement was cancelled in March 2026 when OpenAI shut down its AI video generation tool Sora to focus on other business areas.

Disney chief marketing and brand officer Asad Ayaz said, “Today, fans are celebrating our stories in entirely new ways.”

In a joint statement, the companies noted that audience engagement on social media, including fan-made videos, plays an “increasingly important role” in entertainment. TikTok reported an average of 6.5 million daily posts related to film and TV in 2025.

The partnership aims to boost selected creators’ videos and provide access to exclusive events, addressing the frequent takedown of fan clips over copyright claims. Disney launched Verts in the United States in March 2026, with plans for global expansion.