Instagram breaks verticality: Reels launches a 32:9 ultra-widescreen format to compete with cinema

Instagram makes its move to differentiate itself in the short video battle and opens the door to a new panoramic format for Reels that focuses on width. The platform introduces the Ability to publish clips in 32:9 ratio with a resolution of 5120×1080 pixels, a proposal that recalls the language of cinema and breaks with the dominance of the vertical.

This change seeks to breathe fresh air into the feed and offer creators and brands a different canvas with which capture attention in a crowded scrollThe first tests are already visible, and although the format requires preparation, it promises clear advantages for those who know how to take advantage of it.

What the new ultra-wide format brings

Panoramic cropping prioritizes the horizontal axis, leaving a wide, enveloping strip This is especially well suited to landscapes, urban scenes, or wide shots of events and products. The result is a more cinematic style that stands out from conventional vertical videos.

By occupying a recognizable horizontal strip, these clips can generate a positive interruption in the feed, encouraging the viewer to pause for a few seconds longer. However, the framing changes the rules: what was previously at the top or bottom must be relocated to the sides to maintain the composition.

For advertisers and creative teams, getting ahead in adopting the format can position them as pioneers in a little-exploited window And help turn long videos into viral clips, reinforcing its identity and achieving pieces with more visual impact.

Technical requirements and how to edit it without losing quality

For now, the Instagram's native editor does not automatically crop to 32:9 nor does it offer full support for this ratio.. Only allows classic sizes such as 4:5, 1:1, 16:9 and 9:16, so it is necessary to prepare the material in external tools.

The practical recommendation is to record horizontally and edit in a video program setting the sequence to 5120×1080As an alternative workflow, several professionals suggest adjust first to 1920×540 (maintaining 32:9) to check framing and text, and scale to the final resolution before exporting.

It is advisable to avoid aggressive reframing of vertical material, as this can cause stretching, cutting, or loss of sharpnessIf the original content doesn't meet the required quality, it's best to remake the shot intended for widescreen.

How to publish it step by step

The process requires a little more preparation than a conventional Reel, but it is completed in a few minutes if you follow a simple methodology:

1. Record horizontally or choose a clip that can handle the 32:9 crop well.
2. Open your trusted editor and create a 5120×1080 sequence (or 1920×540 as an intermediate step).
3. Reframe, review texts and key elements so that don't be left out from the strip.
4. Export the final file to 5120 × 1080 pixels with a sufficient bitrate.
5. On Instagram, upload the video as a post and avoid automatic clipping; adjust brightness/contrast only if necessary and publish.

Which brands are already using it?

Several accounts with a large reach have already experimented with the ultra-wide format to generate immediate impact on the feedThese include Domino's Pizza, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC, Netflix, Ray-Ban | Meta, and Cervezas 1906, which have used it in launches, promotional pieces, and branding clips.

• Food & QSR: Domino's Pizza, Burger King, Pizza Hut, KFC
• Entertainment and lifestyle: Netflix, Ray-Ban | Meta
• Drinks: Beers 1906

The common denominator: wide shots, legible texts across the board and a narrative that takes advantage of the horizontal axis to present a product, setting or situation clearly.

Reels in the center: interface changes and algorithm control

Coinciding with this visual push, Instagram is testing a redesign that prioritizes Reels and direct messages in the navigation bar, providing more immediate access to both sections. According to information provided by Bloomberg, the test has been launched in India while its rollout to other regions is being evaluated.

The platform is also introducing an option to Adjust the recommendation algorithm in Reels: From the settings icon, users can edit or delete suggested topics and add new interests, fine-tuning what appears in their short video feed.

For now, no countries or dates of wide availability have been detailed, although it is always possible. restart the recommendations from the settings to reset what is shown in Reels, Explore, and the classic feed.

Reels vs. the rest of the short video

Metricool's latest analysis of short-form video shows that There is no perfect network for everyone, and that success depends on capturing attention in the first few seconds. TikTok shows the greatest growth and engagement close to 35% in the sample studied, with an average view of just 3,5 seconds per clip.

In the case of Instagram, the report shows that Small accounts are growing strongly on Reels (around 30%), while medium and large-sized media are stabilizing. For those just starting out, the widescreen format can be an added advantage for standing out without abandoning best practices: a quick hook, a clear message, and meticulous editing.

El New 32:9 Instagram Reels It is emerging as a powerful tool to stand out in a competitive ecosystem: It offers a cinematic look, demands greater creative intent, and opens up an additional avenue for capturing eyeballs in the feed., especially when combined with a strategy that leverages interface and recommendation changes.

Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

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