How to make the new Instagram Horizontal Reels Format
Who else has seen this new horizontal Reels format ALL over their Instagram feed?
I find this new format very visually interesting. The extreme landscape orientation serves as a form of pattern interruption. When the eye is trained to expect videos in a certain format, it causes the viewer to stop and pay attention when they see something they were not expecting. I also think it just looks cool. I’m excited to explore more unique and creative ways to edit into this format in future.
What size in the new Instagram Reels Horizontal Format?
The new Instagram Reels horizontal format is sized at 5120x1080 pixels. This is a long and skinny horizontal video format that is very different to the usual portrait (1080x1920px) orientation.
Why Horizontal Reels Are Trending
Instagram users are always looking for fresh, eye-catching formats. Horizontal Reels break up the feed by introducing a movie-like, panoramic look that feels different from the standard vertical video. They’re especially effective for:
Travel and lifestyle clips
Fashion or product storytelling
Behind-the-scenes content
Cinematic edits with multiple clips
By embracing this trend early, brands and creators can capture attention and ride the algorithm boost that often comes with new formats.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Horizontal Instagram Reels
1. Create a New Project in CapCut
Start by opening CapCut (free and easy to use). Create a new project with the dimensions 5120x1080 px. This canvas size will give you the wide, cinematic format that makes horizontal Reels possible.
2. Upload Your Clips
Choose video clips that naturally work in landscape orientation. Wide shots, panoramic views, or any content that benefits from a broader frame will look best here.
3. Try a Collage Style Edit
One of the most engaging ways to use this format is by combining two clips side by side. This allows you to tell a story, show a before-and-after, or create a dynamic collage that keeps viewers engaged.
4. Keep It Short and Punchy
The best-performing Reels are short, sharp, and to the point. Aim for under 10 seconds to maximise watch time and encourage replays.
5. Export the Video Correctly
Export your edit as a regular landscape video. Note: if you want to send it via AirDrop, it must remain in this format — otherwise, it may not save properly to your camera roll.
6. Re-Crop Before Uploading
Before posting, re-crop the video in your camera roll to make sure it fits Instagram Reels correctly. Once you’ve done this, upload it just like you would any other Reel.
Closing thoughts
Of course, the extremely fast uptake by many brands and users, has caused this to already feel overdone. It's already saturated my feed!
That's why it's so important, as a social media agency, and as a creative, to be ready and able to adapt to new trends and content formats quickly. And, also, to put your own unique creative spin on a trend so it doesn't feel stale and unoriginal.
I made a little video to inspire you guys to create one of your own! Let me know what you think of this trend.