Instagram Unveils the Rings Awards
Instagram has launched the Rings Awards, a new initiative aimed at honoring the creativity of its vast user base, which exceeds 3 billion active users.
“It felt like the right time to recognize those who embrace creative opportunities on our platform,” said Eva Chen, Head of Fashion Partnerships at Instagram.
Chen, a key architect of the awards program, emphasized that these users are “cultural catalysts,” sparking conversations and encouraging others to express their creativity.
Only 25 users will be honored with the awards, which will include a physical ring designed by English fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, along with digital golden rings for their profiles and stories.
The winners will distinguish themselves with a golden ring around their story, replacing the usual orange-pink gradient or green for close friends. They’ll also have the option to customize their profile background color, and their content will receive special visibility within Instagram.
The judging panel boasts a star-studded lineup, including Chen, Wales Bonner, Adam Mokkeli (Instagram Head), director Spike Lee, rugby star and Olympian Imani McGee-Stafford, makeup artist Pat McGrath, designer Marc Jacobs, actress Yara Shahidi, and various artists.
These judges collaborated with the Instagram creator team to whittle down billions of potential candidates to just 25 winners.
“The standards were high,” Chen noted, acknowledging the diverse interests of Instagram’s user base. “We aimed to include a wide range of content topics and categories among the winners.”
As a judge, Chen found it challenging to narrow the field from such a vast pool of talented individuals. She reiterated the need for creators who innovate and actively engage with their audience.
“One of the most magical aspects of Instagram is showcasing the journey of individuals,” she explained.
The Rings Awards aim to celebrate creators who share their lives, art, and perspectives across different areas of the platform.
“These are multifaceted creators who can narrate stories in countless ways,” she said, stressing the importance of creators honing their craft in this dynamic space. “We hope to support them in this endeavor for many years.”
