Ultra-Wide Reels on Instagram: Trendy, Slick… But Are They Worth It?
If you have been scrolling through Instagram Reels lately and thought, “Hang on, why does this Reel look like a cinema screen squashed into my phone?”, you're not imagining it!
There is a new format appearing more and more in the feed, and it is called the ultra wide Reel.
Specifically, these videos are showing up in a 5180 by 1080 pixel format, which is extremely wide and very shallow. Think panoramic letterbox, like the trailer of an indie film, only squeezed into a vertical feed.
Naturally, creators, designers, and even some brands have started experimenting with it. It looks different, it feels premium, and it stops the scroll, which is exactly what social media trends aim to do.
But does that mean it is worth jumping on?
Let’s break it down.....
What Are Ultra Wide Reels?
Ultra wide Reels are horizontal videos with a 32 by 9 ratio, for example 5180 by 1080 or 3840 by 1080 pixels. They are designed to give a slick, cinematic feel inside the Reels feed.
Because Instagram Reels are designed for vertical viewing, creators typically embed this ultra-wide content inside a vertical 9 by 16 canvas, for example, 1080 by 1920 pixels. The result is a Reel that:
Appears small and wide in the middle of the screen
Includes black bars above and below, also known as letterboxing
Looks completely different from standard Reels
Who is using Ultra Wide Reels?
This format is gaining traction with:
Designers and motion graphics creators showcasing sleek visuals such as Your Social Team (who as also created some templates for you by the way)
Videographers and editors sharing portfolio content
Creatives who want their content to visually stand out
You will also see it used for day-in-the-life montages, aesthetic moodboards, and look what I made moments, all focused on visual impact rather than detailed explanation.
Why the Ultra Wide Reel format is trending
There are a few reasons why ultra-wide Reels are gaining popularity.
1. They stop the scroll
The ultra wide layout completely disrupts the usual flow of vertical Reels. That makes it eye catching, and in a world of fast scrolling, standing out is half the battle.
2. They look high end
Ultra wide formats feel cinematic. Even simple footage looks more elevated in this format, which is why many visual creators are drawn to it.
3. They offer something new
Social media thrives on novelty. When something looks different, especially in a feed where everything tends to look the same, people naturally want to try it.
🙅♀️ Why You Might Not Want to Use Ultra Wide Reels
As visually interesting as it is, this trend is not without its challenges. And in many cases, it may not be a smart strategic choice, especially for small businesses, educators, or anyone trying to communicate clearly.
Here is why....
⚠️ 1. It is hard to read and not very user friendly
The limited vertical space means that any text you add is likely to be:
Too small to read comfortably
Cropped into a narrow strip
Or lost entirely depending on placement
If your goal is to educate, explain, or share a message, this format makes it more difficult.
⚠️ 2. It works against vertical best practices
Instagram, along with every other major platform, is designed for vertical content. That is how people hold their phones, and it is how content is optimised and prioritised.
This format pushes your content back into a horizontal layout that simply does not fit the mobile experience naturally.
⚠️ 3. It complicates your grid layout
If your Instagram grid is part of your brand presence, this format can disrupt it entirely.
Instagram forces you to choose a cover image for your Reel using a portrait crop. That means your ultra-wide video will be cropped into a very narrow sliver, and selecting something that looks right within your existing aesthetic can be a real challenge. You'll have to upload specifically made covers as you create them. See my example embedded here.
⚠️ 4. It is not a strong long term strategy
This trend is visually clever, but it is not necessarily helpful for growing your brand or building community.
If you are a small business owner, coach, maker, or educator, your goal is not just to post pretty videos. It is to connect with your audience, build trust, and inspire action. This format may look nice, but it rarely supports those goals effectively.
Want to Try It Anyway?
If you are creatively curious and want to experiment, here is how to do it:
Step by step:
Create or edit your wide video using 5180 by 1080 pixels, or another ultra wide ratio such as 3840 by 1080
Place it inside a vertical canvas that measures 1080 by 1920 pixels, using a video tool like Canva, CapCut, InShot, Premiere Pro, or VN
Center the wide video and leave the black space above and below
Add text sparingly, if at all, to avoid readability issues
Export your video and upload it as a Reel from your phone
Choose a cover image carefully, as it will be cropped into a vertical frame and may not match the rest of your feed
🤷♀️ So, Should You Use It?
Here is the short answer.
If you are a creative professional looking to show off visuals, go for it as a creative experiment
If you are a small business, service provider, or educator trying to build relationships or convert followers into clients, this may not be the best use of your time
If you are simply curious about trying the trend, there is no harm; just do not build your whole content plan around it
Trends come and go, but a strong content strategy should stick around.
Remember...
Just because something is trending does not mean it is right for your content or your business.
Before jumping on any new format, ask yourself:
Does this help me get my message across?
Will it help me reach my audience more clearly?
Or is it simply something flashy that pulls focus from what works?
Creativity is great. But clarity always wins.
