The 5120 × 1080 Instagram Video Trend: Why It’s Here to Stay

If you’ve scrolled Instagram recently, you may have noticed a new kind of video popping up on your feed. There’s a new format making waves: the ultra-wide 5120 × 1080 video. It looks almost cinematic, with a slim, banner-type feel that instantly stands out on the platform. At first glance, it might feel like just another temporary trend, but we think this one has some real staying power. It might just elevate the way brands tell their stories on social media.

Why The Ultra-Wide Works

It Breaks the Scroll

The average Instagram Reels feed is filled with vertical 9:16 content. When an ultra-wide piece of content appears, it feels unexpected. The eye pauses. The contrast alone is enough to make someone stop and look, which buys brands those precious extra seconds of attention.

It Feels Cinematic

There’s something inherently dramatic about the widescreen look. You get that epic, widescreen feel, which brands can use to frame context, pull focus, or build suspense. A soda can on a counter, a quick clip of a basketball dunk, or even a group of friends can feel more intentional and elevated when framed like a movie.

It’s Adaptable

This format doesn’t just live on Instagram. It can be repurposed for widescreen websites, desktop embeds, YouTube bumpers, or even projections at live events. The adaptability makes it a worthwhile connected creative asset rather than a one-off piece of content. 

It Signals Premium Content

Right now, 5120 × 1080 content is fresh in the feed, so it has a novelty advantage. As more brands and creators adopt it, the visual style may become a signal for “premium” content. Plus,  Instagram might lean into supporting it more and more as time goes on. 

Who’s Already Using It

What’s wild about this trend is how quickly major brands have jumped on board. Big names across totally different industries are already embracing it, which shows just how much momentum and traction it’s truly gaining.

• Poppi: Known for colorful branding and bold creativity, Poppi is perfectly aligned with the playful yet polished aesthetic of ultra-wide.

• American Eagle: Fashion thrives in this format. Full outfits, group energy, and side-by-side styling shine in widescreen.

• Olipop: With its nostalgic design and health-focused branding, Olipop’s visuals already feel intentional. The ultra-wide format lets them expand that aesthetic in a fresh, eye-catching way.

• The Voice: Music competitions thrive on drama, and widescreen framing adds weight to teaser clips, silhouettes, and emotional moments.

• Suave: Beauty content often looks similar across feeds, but wide frames can make haircare visuals feel more editorial and upscale.

• Once Farms: Centered on food and wellness, ultra-wide helps Once Farms spotlight fresh ingredients, clean packaging, and the farm-to-table process in a bold new way.

• Washington Wizards: Sports are a natural fit. Arena shots, dramatic dunks, and fan reactions look epic when presented in ultra-wide.

The variety of these early adopters, from soda brands to TV shows to professional sports, shows that this isn’t tied to one niche. It’s flexible enough to adapt across numerous industries. 

Why It Might Stick Around

Some trends fade as quickly as they appear. But ultra-wide video has qualities that suggest it’s more than a quick scroll fad.

• It captures attention in a crowded feed.

• It differentiates brands that use it early.

• It works across many industries.

• It repurposes easily beyond Instagram.

• It feels more like an evolution than a trend.

Yes, novelty will wear off eventually. But unlike fleeting audios or trending effects, this is a structural shift in framing. Once brands learn to use it strategically, it can become part of the normal content found in everyone’s feed (just like vertical video did a few years ago). 

Tips for Using Ultra-Wide

When you do experiment with the 5120 × 1080 formatting, keep these things in mind:

• Tell a story. Don’t just drop a product shot in widescreen; use the format to build suspense.

• Highlight scale. Sports arenas, landscapes, group moments, and wide settings thrive here.

• Experiment with composition. Try off-center subjects or bold use of negative space.

• Play with transitions. Pans, splits, and reveals are especially striking in ultra-wide.

• Mix formats. Ultra-wide is most effective when used intentionally. Use it for standout posts, but avoid relying on it for every single piece of content. 

Before You Go

Ultra-wide isn’t just another passing trend.

It’s a chance to tell stories in a bigger, bolder way. Whether that’s adding drama, breaking the scroll, or giving your brand a more cinematic feel. And with major players like Poppi, American Eagle, Olipop, The Voice, Suave, Once Farms, and the Washington Wizards already experimenting with it, the momentum is undeniable.

But like any format, it works best when used with purpose. Ultra-wide shines when it highlights the moments that matter, not when it takes over your entire feed.

At Wholesome Media, we help small businesses cut through the noise and create content strategies that feel intentional, balanced, and true to your brand. Curious how ultra-wide (and other smart trends) can fit into your content mix? Let’s chat → https://www.wholesomedia.com/.