Instagram has officially announced Rings, its first-ever awards programme dedicated to recognising the most creative voices on the platform.
The initiative is described as Instagram’s version of the Oscars.
INSTAGRAM AND CREATIVE CONTENT
It will celebrate 25 creators from around the world who have made a significant cultural impact through their digital content, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The programme’s judges include top names such as filmmaker Spike Lee, fashion designer Marc Jacobs, makeup artist Pat McGrath, and Instagram head Adam Mosseri.
They join British designer Grace Wales Bonner, who also designed the physical gold ring each honouree will receive.
INSTAGRAM RINGS AWARDS
Winners will be awarded both a custom physical ring and a digital golden ring for their Instagram profiles, symbolising their creative excellence.
Instagram’s head of fashion partnerships, Eva Chen, explained that Rings aims to spotlight “cultural catalysts”. These are creators who push boundaries and inspire conversations.
“It was time to have an award that recognises people who take creative chances on our platform,” Chen said, according to Parade. “These people are sparking conversations and encouraging others to express themselves.”
CONTENT CREATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
For South Africa, this initiative carries major cultural relevance. The country’s digital creators have built strong communities on Instagram.
They drive trends across music, fashion, art, and activism.
South African celebrities and influencers like Tyla, Sarah Langa, and Lasizwe have demonstrated how storytelling through Reels and posts can reflect both local identity and global appeal.
AFRICAN CREATIVITY AND CONTENT
The Rings awards could place African creativity front and centre, offering recognition on an international stage. This may open doors for more African representation in future editions.
Winners of the Rings award will also enjoy new platform perks. These include a golden frame around their Instagram Stories and the ability to customise their profile backgrounds, a feature exclusive to them.
Their content will be promoted through a dedicated spotlight feed within the app.
VISIBILITY AND OPPORTUNITIES
While Rings doesn’t come with a monetary prize, its prestige could offer immense brand opportunities. For many South African creators, such visibility has the potential to translate into lucrative collaborations.
Instagram’s move sets a new benchmark in the world of digital recognition. It proves that creative storytelling on social platforms deserves to be celebrated as much as film, music, and television.
