Instagram announces awards for 25 of its most creative users

Photo Via (Internet) –  The Times of India

Instagram has officially announced the launch of a new global awards program called “Rings,” created to celebrate and recognize 25 of its most creative and influential users around the world. The initiative highlights individuals who have consistently pushed artistic boundaries, taken creative risks, and made a meaningful cultural impact through their content on the platform.

According to Instagram, the “Rings” awards are designed to honor originality rather than popularity, shifting focus from follower counts to creativity and authenticity. The company revealed that each of the 25 selected creators will receive both a physical and digital ring as a symbol of achievement. The physical rings are specially designed by British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, while the digital version will appear as a golden ring around the creators’ Instagram Stories, replacing the usual gradient ring.

In addition to the unique badges, the awardees will gain special in-app recognition. Their profiles will feature customizable backgrounds, and they will receive greater visibility across Instagram to celebrate their achievements. However, unlike traditional awards, the “Rings” program does not include a cash prize — instead, it serves as a prestige-based honor that recognizes creativity and innovation as rewards in themselves.

The winners are being selected by a diverse panel of judges that includes Instagram Head Adam Mosseri, fashion partnerships director Eva Chen, filmmaker Spike Lee, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, makeup artist Pat McGrath, actress Yara Shahidi, artist KAWS, and athlete Ilona Maher. Together, they will identify creators who have shown outstanding originality, storytelling ability, and cultural influence.

The final list of 25 winners will be announced on October 16, 2025. Instagram emphasized that this new program marks an important step in recognizing creativity as the core of its identity, not just as a social network but as a global creative community.