What Are “Verticals”? And What the New SAG-AFTRA Rules Mean for Actors

If you’ve been seeing casting calls for “vertical content,” “mobile-first series,” or “short-form episodic,” you’re not alone. Verticals are one of the fastest-growing formats in the industry right now—and they’re creating new opportunities for actors at every level.

But with growth comes questions. Especially after SAG-AFTRA introduced new rules and agreements specifically for vertical productions.

Let’s break it all down.

First Things First: What Are Verticals?

Verticals are scripted or semi-scripted video projects designed to be watched vertically on your phone, usually on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and emerging vertical streaming apps.

Unlike traditional TV or film, verticals are:

• Shot in a 9:16 (phone-friendly) format

• Short, episodic, and fast-paced

• Often released in daily or weekly “chapters”

• Built for mobile viewing and social sharing

Think soap opera energy meets TikTok attention spans.

Why Verticals Are Everywhere Right Now

Vertical storytelling exploded because:

• Audiences now consume most content on their phones

• Platforms actively push and fund vertical series

• Production costs are lower than traditional film or TV

• Creators can test stories quickly and scale fast

For actors, this means:

• More roles

• Faster turnaround from audition to release

• Real footage for your reel

• Visibility with younger, digital-first audiences

It’s not a replacement for TV or film. It’s a parallel lane.

Enter SAG-AFTRA: Why New Rules Were Needed

As verticals grew, many projects existed in a gray area. Some paid fairly. Some didn’t. Some used union actors under unclear terms.

SAG-AFTRA stepped in to create specific agreements that:

• Protect performers

• Set minimum pay standards

• Clarify usage and distribution

• Allow actors to work in verticals without risking union status

In short: the union caught up to the format.

The Big Picture of the New SAG-AFTRA Vertical Rules

Here’s what actors need to understand at a high level:

1. Verticals Can Now Be Union There are official SAG-AFTRA agreements designed for short-form, mobile-first projects. That means union actors can work in verticals legally, as long as the production signs the appropriate contract.

2. Budgets Matter The agreement used depends on the project’s budget and distribution model. Smaller productions have lower minimums, while larger or monetized projects come with higher obligations.

3. You Must Know What You’re Signing Just because a project is “short-form” doesn’t mean it’s non-union. Always ask:

• Is this a SAG-AFTRA project?

• Which agreement is being used?

• Where will the content be distributed?

If they don’t know the answers, that’s a red flag.

4. Non-Union Verticals Still Exist Not every vertical project is union. Non-union actors can work these freely. Union actors need to be cautious and confirm whether a project qualifies under SAG-AFTRA rules before accepting.

5. This Is About Protection, Not Restriction The goal isn’t to block actors from opportunities. It’s to:

• Ensure fair pay

• Prevent unlimited usage without consent

• Stop exploitation under the guise of “digital content”

What This Means for Actors (Especially Newer Ones)

If you’re early in your career, verticals can be:

• A smart way to build credits

• A chance to play leading roles quickly

• A testing ground for comedy, drama, and branding

If you’re union or close to joining, the rules mean:

• You don’t have to avoid verticals entirely

• You do need to be informed

• You should never assume “it’s just social media”

The Bottom Line

Verticals aren’t a trend. They’re a format—and they’re here to stay.

SAG-AFTRA’s updated rules legitimize this space, protect actors, and create a clearer path forward. Whether you see verticals as a stepping stone, a creative outlet, or a serious career lane, understanding the rules empowers you to say yes (or no) with confidence.

And in this industry, informed choices are everything.