ESPN rolls out new app features

ESPN unveils a redesigned app with a vertical video feed and AI powered personalization ahead of a 29.99 per month streaming service.

ESPN tests TikTok style feed and AI voices in new app

ESPN has shown off a revamped app ahead of its live sports streaming service. The update introduces a TikTok style vertical video feed called verts and a new SC For You feature that uses AI generated voices to deliver daily SportsCenter recaps tailored to the user’s teams and sports. Some features are rolling out today while the full service launches on August 21. The service will place 12 linear ESPN channels inside the app and adds tools for live stats alerts play by play updates betting information and ESPN Fantasy. The mobile app can connect to a TV app to control the livestream and deliver highlights and catch up options when you tune in late. Multiview on compatible smart TVs will let viewers watch up to four games at once as ESPN plans future enhancements to the app.

ESPN is also folding the full streaming service into Disney Plus for bundle subscribers. A new Live hub will appear in coming weeks for watching sports news and other live content. The introductory bundle price is 29.99 per month for the first year and will rise to 35.99 per month afterward for ad supported Disney Plus and Hulu subscribers. ESPN head Jimmy Pitaro said the app will evolve with regular enhancements over time and the rollout signals a broader push to combine live sports and on demand video under one umbrella.

The move signals a shift toward social style engagement in sports watching. By pairing a personal AI driven recap with a feed designed for quick hits, ESPN aims to capture shorter attention spans while keeping heavy viewers within a single ecosystem. The pricing choice and bundle strategy highlight the ongoing pressure in streaming battles to monetize while building scale. The plan also raises questions about the balance between convenience and cost for fans who already subscribe to multiple services and about how advertisers will respond to a more platformled viewing experience.

Overall the strategy mirrors a broader trend in media where live sports become a connective tissue across platforms. If the features land well and the bundle remains priced attractively, ESPN could strengthen loyalty among casual watchers without sacrificing reach among core fans. The real test will be whether the new format sustains engagement as upgrades roll out and competition intensifies.

Highlights

The next test is how these changes translate into steady subscribers and durable viewing habits.