Why the new 5120 × 1080 Instagram format is trending – and how to use it for your brand

BySumeera
5120 × 1080 ultra-wide video – also called the “thinnest video” format.

Instagram loves to keep us on our toes. Just when you’ve got your Reels strategy nailed, a new trend sneaks in. Right now, that trend is 5120 × 1080 ultra-wide video – also called the “thinnest video” format. Gary-Vee started it and it’s breaking up the endless scroll of vertical Reels, and it’s working because it looks different. Everyone’s intrigued, including me.

But what actually is it, and should you be using it? Let’s dig in.

What is 5120 × 1080 video?

It’s an ultra-wide, cinematic format that shows up as a thin strip across the middle of the screen instead of filling the vertical space. You’ve probably spotted it already – a wide band of video with black above and below, often with big bold captions across it.

It’s the total opposite of the 9:16 vertical standard that Instagram usually pushes. And that’s exactly why people stop scrolling – it interrupts the pattern.

Why it works

  • Pattern interrupt – Feeds are full of vertical Reels. A thin horizontal strip instantly grabs attention because it feels unusual.
  • Cinematic feel – Ultra-wide shots have a movie-like quality. They feel intentional, stylish, and high-end.
  • Repurposing ready – If you’ve got wide landscape footage from events, behind-the-scenes, or product demos, this format lets you reuse it creatively.
  • Brand differentiation – Standing out matters. Using the trend shows you’re current, but also bold enough to do things differently.

How to make a 5120 × 1080 Reel

  1. Shoot in landscape – Use high-resolution footage so you have room to crop.
  2. Set your canvas – In editing tools like CapCut, InShot, or Premiere, or Canva (create a custom design) set the frame to 5120 × 1080.
  3. Crop the strip – Cut off the top and bottom so your subject sits neatly in the centre band.
  4. Add overlays – Big, bold text or subtitles work well because the strip can otherwise feel empty.
  5. Preview before posting – Instagram sometimes adjusts framing, so make sure nothing’s cut off.

When to use it (and when not to)

Great for:

  • Announcements
  • Teasers or launches
  • Behind-the-scenes cinematic moments
  • Brand storytelling pieces

Not so great for:

  • Tutorials or demos (where vertical detail matters)
  • Posts where you need text or CTAs to dominate the screen

A word of caution

This format stands out because it’s new. If everyone starts using it, the effect will fade. Treat it as a special tool, not your default. Use it for high-impact posts where you want to interrupt the scroll and make people stop.

Final thought

The 5120 × 1080 trend proves one thing: in a crowded feed, novelty wins attention. But attention only matters if you back it up with content that’s valuable, relevant, and on-brand.

So experiment. Try one ultra-wide Reel this month. See how your audience reacts. Use the data to decide whether it’s worth weaving into your strategy.