Instagram Launches Rings Awards; Winners Oct. 16

Instagram is launching “Rings,” an awards program honoring 25 creators with a physical gold ring designed by Grace Wales Bonner and a matching digital golden badge. Winners will also receive profile backdrop customization and a custom “Like” button; there is no cash prize and no traditional ceremony. A judging panel that includes Adam Mosseri, Spike Lee, Marc Jacobs, Grace Wales Bonner, Marques Brownlee, Yara Shahidi and Pat McGrath vetted nominees, narrowing billions of nominations to hundreds to choose winners. Winners will be announced on October 16, 2025. Instagram frames the program as platform-specific recognition to spotlight creative innovation as Meta winds down creator payment programs and creators report a sharp drop in brand deals.