In order to honor and celebrate 25 of its top creators worldwide who push the boundaries of creativity and have a cultural impact, Instagram has launched a brand-new award called the Rings Award.
This award is special because it comes with a digital golden ring that wraps around the recipient’s Instagram Stories and profile picture, in addition to a real gold ring made by famous British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner.
In contrast to conventional creator awards, Rings prioritizes originality, creativity, and cultural impact over follower count or outright cash payouts.
Additionally, the winners receive special access to profile customization features, such as the ability to alter the background color of their profile and personalize the “like” button.
This program seeks to recognize artists who regularly inspire their audiences while taking audacious creative risks.
With more than 3 billion users today, Instagram compares Rings to an industry award similar to the Grammys or Oscars, but customized for the dynamic, constantly changing community of digital creators it caters to.
By highlighting those who genuinely elevate and transform content on the platform, Instagram honors creators who use formats like Reels, Stories, and Lives to influence culture and storytelling.
Despite the recent decline in financial incentive programs, Instagram’s dedication to showcasing creative courage and influence is demonstrated by this fantastic new award program.
The 2025 Rings initiative marks a move toward prominence and recognition as a new means of motivating and celebrating creators.
Who’s Behind the Rings? The Star-Studded Judging Panel
Instagram has launched the “Rings” awards, a brand-new, prestigious recognition that recognizes 25 creators worldwide who push the limits of creativity and significantly influence culture.
A personalized gold ring and a digital version to wear on their Instagram Stories and profiles are given to the winners. Instead of focusing on follower counts or financial incentives, this recognition emphasizes creativity, effort, and cultural impact.
Filmmaker Spike Lee, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, and YouTuber Marques Brownlee are among the celebrities who judge the awards. These judges prioritize quality and cultural resonance over popularity metrics, choosing artists whose work exhibits audacious creativity and risks.
Along with the ring, recipients get access to special profile customization tools like altering the background color and personalizing the “like” button. Instagram’s move to honor artistic brilliance and impact in a creator economy where direct financial compensation has been dwindling is reflected in this initiative.
Instagram’s goal to establish “Rings” as a lasting custom represents a shift away from financial rewards to honor artists who uplift and influence society. Through prestige and visibility, this new award program has the potential to completely change how social media platforms honor and inspire creators in the future.
Creator Reactions: Prestige or Disappointment?
The responses of creators to Instagram’s transformation are sincere and contradictory.
Since it’s not often that your creativity results in a gold ring and a platform that millions of people can view, some people are ecstatic just to be recognized.
It’s a new badge that improves their profiles and might open doors in the future.
But a lot of artists can’t ignore the fact that there isn’t enough actual revenue.
For some, the days of financing new projects or paying bills with those Reels bonuses seem far off.
They like the gold ring, but it doesn’t pay their rent. As creators debate whether prestige can really replace practical help, the debate is loud, heated, and never-ending.
How Do the Rings Reflect Instagram’s Future?
With billions of users, Instagram is betting that celebrating creative risks and bold ideas will keep talent on its platform. They’re trying to set a new tone, where cultural impact and storytelling matter more than follower count or cash flow.
The Rings award is the start of that culture shift—one that hopes to make Instagram a place where creators want to take chances and share their most original work.
For Instagram, uplifting voices that push boundaries are now just as important as making viral content.
What’s Next for Instagram Creators?
The crucial query now is, is the gold ring sufficient?
While some creators may choose to stay because of the community’s affection and the prestige, others may choose to pursue more equitable compensation on sites like YouTube or TikTok.
Everyone is curious about the launch of Rings: will Instagram stars remain loyal due to symbolism and a gleaming profile badge, or will the promise of real money prevail?
It will take time to determine whether the creator economy is still dominated by money or if creators are here for the attention.
FAQS
What is the Instagram Rings award?
It’s a special award recognizing 2025 creators who show originality and shape culture on Instagram.
Do winners get paid?
No, there is no cash prize—winners get a gold ring and exclusive profile perks instead.
Who picks the winners?
A panel of Instagram leaders and creatives handpicks the winners based on creativity and influence.
What perks do winners receive?
Winners get a custom gold ring, a golden ring around their profile stories, and options to personalize their profile look.
Can anyone apply for the award?
No, winners are chosen by judges—there’s no application or voting process.
Leave a Reply