Instagram has introduced a new initiative called the Ring Award to honor creators shaping global digital culture. The program will recognize 25 standout influencers worldwide, each receiving a physical and digital gold ring as a mark of distinction.
Announced on Monday, the award highlights creators who “take creative chances and do it their way,” according to Instagram. Each winner will receive a gold ring designed by British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner. A digital version of the ring will also appear around their Instagram profile, symbolizing their status as top creators.
The judging panel for the first edition includes prominent figures from entertainment, fashion, and technology. Among them are Instagram Head Adam Mosseri, filmmaker Spike Lee, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, actress Yara Shahidi, and makeup artist Pat McGrath.
Instagram stated that the award celebrates originality, creativity, and community building among content creators. However, the ring carries symbolic rather than financial value. Winners will not receive cash prizes but will gain exclusive creative tools, such as a customizable “Like” button visible to followers.
This symbolic gesture reflects a shift in how social media platforms reward influence—prioritizing recognition and visibility over direct payments.
The launch comes as Meta, Instagram’s parent company, scales back creator payouts. Several bonus programs for Reels creators have ended, along with Meta’s ad revenue sharing and affiliate marketing initiatives. Industry reports show that brand deals and sponsorships have slowed significantly, particularly for mid-tier creators.
In this context, Instagram’s Ring Award appears to focus on prestige and inspiration rather than monetary gain. The company described it as the “Oscars for content creators,” highlighting artistic achievement without an actual ceremony. The move aims to keep creators motivated while reflecting ongoing changes in the creator economy.
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