Peacock is introducing a native vertical video format for live sports, starting with NBA games this spring. The feature will use an algorithm to automatically track players and zoom in on the action for viewers watching on their phones.
This move is part of Peacock's broader strategy to enhance its mobile experience, following other features like vertical clips and multiview. The vertical NBA games will be available within the app's existing Courtside Live section.
The main topics covered are the launch of Peacock's vertical sports streaming, the technology involved, and the service's mobile-focused strategy.
Peacock is rolling out a native vertical video format for live sports, allowing you to watch games without turning your phone sideways. The feature will roll out to NBA games first this spring and will use an algorithm to track players and zoom in on the action.
Peacock’s NBA streams are going vertical
The streaming service’s mobile app will track and zoom in on players while you watch the game vertically.
The streaming service’s mobile app will track and zoom in on players while you watch the game vertically.
The launch of this feature comes just months after a report from Nikkei Asia revealed that NBC Sports plans on using a player tracking system called viztrick AiDi. The technology was developed by a Japanese broadcaster and uses facial recognition to allow viewers on mobile to tap their screen to focus on specific players. It’s unclear whether Peacock’s vertical NBA streams will use the same kind of technology. NBCUniversal didn’t immediately respond to The Verge’s request for more information.
Bringing a vertical view to live sports is yet another move by Peacock to get bigger on mobile. The streaming service added playlists with vertical clips from some of its most popular shows last year, brought multiview to mobile for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and is now launching an endless feed dedicated to clips from Bravo shows.
You’ll find Peacock’s vertical NBA games in the app’s Courtside Live option, where you can already watch games from multiple camera angles.
Disclosure: Comcast, which owns NBCUniversal, is also an investor in Vox Media, The Verge’s parent company.
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