Instagram has unveiled a new awards program called Rings, aimed at recognizing creators who have made significant contributions to the platform’s culture, storytelling, and creativity.
The initiative marks Instagram’s first formal recognition scheme for digital creators, offering both physical and in-app rewards.
The program was announced on October 6, 2025, with the first set of winners scheduled to be revealed on October 16, 2025.
According to Meta, the company that owns Instagram, the Rings program is designed to celebrate ‘those redefining how creativity and community thrive on Instagram.’
Each year, 25 creators from around the world will be selected for the honor. The recipients will receive a custom-designed physical ring and a set of exclusive digital features that distinguish their profiles from other users on the platform.
The physical award has been designed by British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, known for her work that blends fashion and cultural expression. The ring is intended to symbolize influence and creativity within the Instagram ecosystem.
In addition to the physical award, selected creators will receive a golden story ring around their profile picture, replacing the standard story highlight circle. This visual indicator will serve as a badge of distinction, allowing users to identify verified Rings awardees across the platform.
Instagram has also confirmed that winners will gain access to a custom profile background feature and a personalized like button on their posts. These elements are exclusive to Rings recipients and will remain active on their accounts until the next award cycle begins.
The winners of Rings will be chosen by a panel of judges that includes both internal Meta executives and external cultural figures. Among those on the judging panel are Instagram head Adam Mosseri, filmmaker Spike Lee, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, tech creator Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), actress Yara Shahidi, and makeup artist Pat McGrath.
The selection process involves several stages. First, potential candidates are nominated by the judging panel or through internal algorithmic recommendations based on performance, reach, and engagement metrics. From there, the judges evaluate creators through a review process focused on creative storytelling, originality, and cultural relevance.
Meta stated that the judges are looking for creators who have used Instagram’s various tools — including Reels, Stories, and interactive posts — to engage audiences in new ways. The company emphasized that the focus is on ‘innovation and cultural influence,’ rather than follower count or commercial success.
Once the initial list is narrowed down, the panel votes to finalize the 25 creators who will receive the Ring distinction for that year.
While Instagram has not officially confirmed whether Rings will be a permanent feature, internal statements and platform updates suggest the program is expected to run annually. Award recipients will retain their profile perks until the next round of winners is announced, at which point a new set of creators will receive the recognition.
The annual cycle aligns with Instagram’s broader efforts to establish a creator ecosystem that rewards originality and cultural impact. The company has previously introduced monetization tools, shopping features, and Reels bonuses to support creator growth. The Rings program adds a recognition element, highlighting top contributors without linking the award to financial compensation.
Instagram clarified that no monetary prize is attached to the Rings distinction. Instead, the award is intended to serve as a platform acknowledgment, similar to the way film, music, or fashion industries celebrate excellence through honors and trophies.
The program seeks to recognize creators across diverse fields — from fashion, music, and art to comedy, technology, and education. While the award is open to creators worldwide, Instagram has not yet specified whether regional editions or category-specific awards will follow.
The company added that future editions of the program may introduce new categories or expand the number of recipients as the community grows.
The Rings rollout follows months of speculation about how Instagram would respond to the growing competition in the creator economy, particularly from platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, which already operate creator recognition and rewards systems.
Instagram said the Rings feature will be fully visible once winners are announced. The golden story ring and other design changes will appear across profiles and in feed interactions ensuring that the distinction is visible throughout the app’s interface.
The company has not opened public nominations or applications for Rings selection. All nominations will be handled internally or through judge recommendations. However, Instagram noted that the criteria emphasize authenticity and creativity over influence or marketing partnerships, suggesting that smaller but innovative creators may also be eligible in future editions.
