September 26, 2025

Why brands should jump on Instagram’s new ultra-wide reels format

By
Heylist Team
Do a quick scroll through Instagram and you might spot it: a Reel that looks more like a scene from a movie than your average post. That’s because Instagram now supports 5120 x 1080px Reels, and it’s catching on, fast.

So, what’s the big deal?

Let’s just say: ultra-wide = ultra-wow.

This new cinematic format doesn’t just look cool, it feels fresh, breaks the scroll, and turns your content into an experience.

Whether you’re a creator looking to stand out or a brand hoping to capture attention in a crowded feed, this is one trend you don’t want to sleep on.

These are key points we think are going to help you ride the wave:

  • Grab attention with cinematic visuals
  • Tell better, richer stories
  • Make your collabs pop
  • Get in early while the trend is hot
  • Repurpose your content like a pro

Grab attention with cinematic visuals

Let’s face it: the average user scrolls fast. But when something wide, bold, and movie-like appears in the feed? Instant pause.
That’s exactly what this format delivers.

The 5120 x 1080px ratio lets your content stretch across the screen like a film reel. Think wide-angle views, dreamy landscapes, and aesthetic shots that demand to be watched.

It’s a visual format that gives your creativity room to breathe, and leaves a bigger impact in return.

Make your collabs pop

If you’re working with brands, this is your chance to offer something different.
Ultra-wide Reels are still new, which means fewer creators are doing it, and brands are more likely to take notice when you do.

Use it to:

  • Highlight products in unexpected ways
  • Add storytelling elements to sponsored posts
  • Create a unique look that brands want to be associated with

It shows you’re ahead of trends and serious about quality content.

Get in early while the trend is hot

Trends like this don’t stay under the radar for long.

Right now, the 5120 x 1080px format is fresh, which means it’s easier to stand out in the crowd. But give it a few months, and everyone might be doing it.

Early adopters always get the best engagement, visibility, and algorithm love.

Repurpose your content like a pro

You don’t have to start from scratch. Here’s how to test it out without reinventing your entire content calendar:

  • Film in horizontal mode (landscape)
  • Reframe old clips using tools like CapCut or Canva
  • Resize to 5120 x 1080px and add trending audio
  • Post as a Reel and watch the views roll in

It’s a great way to refresh existing content and give it a new life in your feed.

What, like it’s hard?

Spoiler: not at all. This might seem like a big format change, but once you test it, you’ll see how intuitive (and fun) it really is.

If you're a creator, this is your sign to experiment and lead the way.
If you're a brand, it's time to embrace bold new formats that cut through the noise.

This is where creativity meets strategy, and magic happens.