Instagram is stepping into the global awards scene with a new initiative called Instagram Rings, designed to celebrate the creativity and cultural influence of its creators. The Meta-owned platform — home to more than three billion monthly users — will honor 25 exceptional creators worldwide with both physical and digital “rings”, symbolizing artistic excellence and innovation in storytelling.
A new era of recognition for creators
Described as “Instagram’s Oscars,” the Rings program mirrors the prestige of the world’s most iconic awards such as the Grammys and Emmys — but with a social media twist. Winners will receive a custom-designed gold ring created by acclaimed British designer Grace Wales Bonner, as well as an exclusive digital golden ring displayed around their Instagram Stories and profiles.
“The idea was to create something that recognizes creators who take bold, creative chances,” said Eva Chen, Instagram’s Head of Fashion Partnerships and one of the key figures behind the initiative. “These are cultural catalysts who spark global conversations and inspire others to express themselves.”
A star-studded panel of judges
The judging panel reflects Instagram’s diverse cultural reach. Alongside Chen and Instagram Head Adam Mosseri, judges include filmmaker Spike Lee, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, rugby star Ilona Maher, legendary makeup artist Pat McGrath, actress Yara Shahidi, and contemporary artist KAWS. Together, they reviewed thousands of creators before narrowing it down to just 25 winners.
“The challenge was enormous,” Chen admitted. “Instagram has billions of users, each reflecting countless interests and communities. Narrowing it down to those who consistently push creative boundaries was tough.”
Physical meets digital prestige
The winners won’t just receive a trophy—they’ll gain exclusive platform privileges. Each honoree will have their profile customized with a special golden story ring and even a personalized background color, a feature unique to them. Their content will also be featured in a dedicated “Rings Spotlight Feed” within the app, giving them unmatched visibility.
“We’ve never done this before,” said Chen. “We’re literally allowing creators to personalize their Instagram presence, making it a reflection of their creative identity.”
Celebrating creativity that shapes culture
The Rings program spans categories across fashion, beauty, entertainment, sports, and art, acknowledging creators who have transformed how stories are told online. As Instagram evolves beyond static photos — with Reels, Stories, Broadcast Channels, Threads, and Live — the awards aim to honor those who master storytelling across every format.
“Today’s creators are multilingual in how they communicate,” Chen added. “They tell stories through visuals, movement, text, and even live interactions. Rings is about celebrating that evolution.”
The beginning of a new tradition
Instagram hopes Rings will become an annual event, much like Hollywood’s established award ceremonies. The company envisions it as a cornerstone of creator culture — one that recognizes artistic risk-takers who define digital expression.
“Feedback is a gift,” Chen said. “We want to see how the community responds and evolve it from there. This is just the beginning of a tradition that could last decades, honoring creativity in the digital age.”
With Instagram Rings, the world’s biggest social platform is finally giving its creators something tangible — not just likes or followers, but a golden symbol of their cultural impact.
