Instagram unveils ‘Rings’ awards to honour top global creators

New Delhi: Instagram has launched a global awards programme recognising 25 creators who have made a cultural impact and pushed creative boundaries. 

Winners of the inaugural initiative will receive a custom gold ring designed by British fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner, along with a digital golden ring around their Instagram profile. Each recipient can also create a custom “Like” button for their posts. There will be no monetary prize attached to the award.

The judging panel includes Instagram head Adam Mosseri, filmmaker Spike Lee, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, actress Yara Shahidi, and makeup artist Pat McGrath.

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Instagram described the awards as “all about celebrating 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 company likened the initiative to the Oscars for content creators, though there will be no physical ceremony. Winners are scheduled to be announced on October 16.

The launch comes amid a period in which Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has reduced creator payment programmes. 

Earlier this year, it ended payments for ad placements on creator profiles, while in 2023 it discontinued bonuses for Reels creators on Instagram and Facebook, and closed affiliate marketing bonuses the year prior.