HBO Max is following the trend set by other streaming platforms by introducing a new feature called “Shorts,” which offers a vertical video feed similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels. This addition, announced by Warner Bros. on July 28, 2026, aims to simplify content discovery amid vast libraries that can overwhelm viewers. The Shorts feed includes trailers, clips, and exclusive content tailored to each user’s preferences by analyzing their watch history.

The vertical video clips are curated through an AI-driven process that examines scene-level metadata from thousands of hours of HBO Max’s content portfolio to identify the most engaging moments. Human editors then select which clips best represent the platform's offerings. From the Shorts feed, users can immediately start watching the full show or movie featured or save it for later viewing, enhancing the flexibility of content consumption.

Alongside the Shorts feed, HBO Max is testing an experimental AI-powered conversational search feature designed to understand natural language queries. For example, users can search for broad or mood-based prompts like “best movie for a girls night in” or “dysfunctional family drama” to receive tailored recommendations. This technology positions HBO Max alongside competitors such as Netflix, which debuted a similar AI search tool in 2025.

Currently, the Shorts feed is being trialed with select iOS users in the U.S., while the AI conversational search is available to some Android users domestically. Warner Bros. plans to expand both features across additional devices and markets soon, reflecting the streaming service's push to innovate content discovery by embracing AI technology and short-form video trends that have gained popularity in the broader digital media landscape.