Instagram 'Ring' Award: New Recognition for Top Creators

Instagram Launches Creator Awards Program

Instagram revealed on Monday the initiation of an awards program. Twenty-five creators are scheduled to be presented with a gold ring next week.

According to the company, this new program is designed to honor creators globally who are instrumental in cultural evolution and overcoming obstacles.

Judging Panel

The panel of judges for these awards comprises Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, alongside prominent figures such as director Spike Lee, designer Marc Jacobs, YouTuber Marques Brownlee, actress Yara Shahidi, and makeup artist Pat McGrath, among others.

Award Components

Recipients will receive a bespoke, physically crafted ring created by English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner. A corresponding digital golden ring will also be displayed around their Instagram profile.

Furthermore, winners will have the ability to customize a “Like” button, which will appear when they engage with feed posts. It is important to note that no financial prize will be awarded.

This initiative arrives as Meta has been reducing its financial support for creator programs in recent years.

Shift in Creator Payouts

Earlier this year, Meta discontinued a program that compensated creators for advertisements featured on their profiles.

In 2023, the company ceased offering bonus payments to creators of Reels content on both Instagram and Facebook.

Additionally, Meta ended its affiliate marketing bonus program in 2022.

Decline in Brand Deals

The introduction of this awards program coincides with a reported 52% decrease in brand collaborations for creators in 2024, as indicated by a Kajabi survey.

Bank of America also noted last year that alongside a slowdown in sponsored partnerships, increased competition is concentrating paid opportunities among a smaller group of top-tier creators.

Symbolic Recognition

Considering these recent developments, Instagram’s launch of a non-monetary awards program is noteworthy.

The program aims to emulate the prestige of the Oscars for content creators, though without a formal ceremony.

The company stated in its official blog post that the award is intended to “celebrate those who aren’t afraid to take creative chances and do it their way. Those who bring people together over their creativity, and deserve recognition.”

The winners will be revealed on October 16.