Instagram has announced a new “Rings” award that will honor 25 standout creators not with money, but with a literal gold ring and a matching badge on their profile.
The winners, selected by a panel including Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, filmmaker Spike Lee, designer Marc Jacobs, and YouTuber Marques Brownlee, will also get access to profile customization features like backdrop color changes and a personalized “like” button.
The move arrives at a time when Meta has ended its Reels Play bonus program a once-crucial source of creator income and brand deals have slowed sharply, falling by 52% in 2024, according to a Kajabi survey. Many creators had relied on the bonus payouts, with some calling them a “blessing” during tough financial times.
Each winner will receive a physical ring designed by British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, along with a digital golden ring around their Instagram profile. They will also be able to design a custom “Like” button that appears when others engage with their posts. However, there will be no monetary prize attached to the award.
