If you have noticed a new golden ring around some creators’ profile pictures, you are not alone. Instagram has just launched Instagram Rings, a brand-new award recognizing the most creative voices on the platform.
Here is what you will learn below:
- What Instagram Rings are and how they differ from other story rings
- The complete list of all 25 winners of the 2025 Instagram Rings Award
- Why some Instagram stories have two rings and what each color means
- Who judged the awards (Spike Lee, Marc Jacobs, Pat McGrath, and more)
- How this initiative could reshape creator partnerships and the future of Instagram
Stay until the end to see why this update is bigger than a design tweak.
What Are Instagram Rings?
Gold ring on abstract beige surface at left; right side displays an Instagram rings profile with a circular image, stats, and icons against a sleek black background.
Many users are asking “What is Instagram Rings?” and how it differs from the colored rings you usually see on Instagram stories.
The Instagram Rings Award is a global program launched in October 2025 that honors 25 creators who redefine creativity, community, and authenticity on the platform. Unlike the usual green rings (which indicate Close Friends stories) or the gradient rings you see when creators post new content, the gold Instagram Rings are exclusive visual markers for award winners.
Each recipient receives:
- A physical ring designed by fashion designer Grace Wales Bonner
- A digital gold halo around their Stories and profile image
- Customization perks like profile background color themes
- The ability to customize their “like” button
- Early access to new Instagram features
According to Fast Company, this initiative “elevates creativity to the same level as influence.” Unlike YouTube’s subscriber plaques which are awarded based on metrics, Instagram Rings prioritizes creative merit and cultural impact over follower count. The 25 winners span follower counts from 109,000 to 7.5 million.
Instagram Rings Judges Panel 2025
The judging panel reads like a who’s who of creative visionaries across multiple industries:
- Adam Mosseri Head of Instagram
- Eva Chen Head of Fashion Partnerships at Instagram
- Spike Lee Academy Award-winning director
- Marc Jacobs Fashion designer
- Grace Wales Bonner Fashion designer (also designed the physical ring)
- Pat McGrath Legendary makeup artist
- KAWS Contemporary artist
- Yara Shahidi Actress and activist
- Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) Tech creator
- Ilona Maher Olympic rugby player and creator
- Cedric Grolet Celebrity pastry chef
- Tainy Grammy-winning music producer
- Murad Osmann Photographer (famous for #FollowMeTo)
Eva Chen explained the selection process: “Instagram is a community of three billion people with a billion different interests. Narrowing it down to 25 was a challenge.”
Yara Shahidi revealed her nomination criteria: “Everyone that I proposed was pretty interdisciplinary. It was more like ‘I love this person’s tone’ or ‘I love how this person tapped into such a unique voice.’ For the judges, the guidelines were truly: who inspires us creatively?”
The Complete 2025 Instagram Rings Winners List
Grid of 25 circular profile photos labeled with Instagram handles, titled “Rings Winners 2025” in bold white text on a black background, celebrating top achievers of the Instagram rings community.
Below is the full list of all 25 creators honored with the Instagram Rings Award in 2025.
| Creator | Why They Were Chosen | |
|---|---|---|
| Mika Ninagawa | @ninagawamika | Japanese photographer pivotal to the 1990s “Girly Photo” movement, redefining color and femininity |
| Futura | @futuradosmil | Graffiti pioneer turning abstraction and texture into cosmic portals |
| Gabriel Moses | @gabrielomoses | London-based director known for raw, poetic storytelling |
| Aki and Koichi | @akiandkoichi | Japanese-American style duo in their 70s proving fashion is timeless |
| Mohammed and Humaid Hadban | @twinshadban | Emirati twins blending fashion and heritage |
| Mimi Choi | @mimles | Illusion makeup artist turning faces into surreal optical art |
| Golloria | @golloria | Beauty creator advocating for diversity and authenticity |
| Thalita and Gabriela Zukeram | @twolostkids | Brazilian duo merging fashion and digital art |
| Dolly Singh | @dollysingh | Indian comedian bridging pop culture and self-expression (only winner from India) |
| Elyse Myers | @elyse_myers | Storyteller sharing real-life humor and vulnerability through long-form reels |
| Zarna Garg | @zarnagarg | Stand-up comic spotlighting culture and family dynamics |
| Katie Krejci | @katiekrejci | Creative content innovator |
| Tyshawn Jones | @tyshawn | NYC skateboarder transforming motion into art |
| Nigel Sylvester | @nigelsylvester | BMX athlete known for cinematic storytelling |
| Chris Brickley | @cbrickley603 | NBA trainer offering behind-the-scenes insight into elite basketball |
| Ashley Gordon (DJ AG) | @djagonline | Transforming London sidewalks into spontaneous DJ performance labs |
| Laufey | @laufey | Jazz-pop musician merging tradition with Gen Z flair |
| Olivia Dean | @oliviadean | British singer-songwriter with authentic voice |
| Adrian Per | @omgadrian | Filmmaker teaching creators how to elevate content |
| Linda Lomelino | @linda_lomelino | Photographer blending food, emotion, and design |
| Life On Film | @lifeonfilm | Collective (Grant Weintrob, Christian Baiocco, Griffin Katz) capturing strangers’ disposable-camera stories |
| Ari Miller | @ariatinsta | Improv musician documenting spontaneous city performances as a “wearable studio” |
| Sebastian Jern | @sebastianjern | Creative director crafting cinematic miniature sets |
| Cole Bennett | @colebennett | Founder of Lyrical Lemonade, creative ecosystem builder for the DIY generation |
| Brian Lindo | @briancantstopeating | NYC food creator with honest reviews and cinematic edits. Over 70% of his audience is interested in foodie content, grown 4% followers in six months, averaging 230K views per Reel |
For full profiles, visit The Modems analysis or Dazed Digital’s feature.
What Do Different Instagram Story Ring Colors Mean?
Understanding Instagram’s ring color system helps you identify different types of content and creators at a glance.
Instagram Story Ring Color Guide
| Ring Color | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Purple/Orange Gradient | Standard new story available to view |
| Green Ring | Close Friends story (you are on their private list) |
| Gold Ring | Instagram Rings Award winner (new in 2025) |
| Gray Ring | Story you have already viewed |
| Pink/Purple with “LIVE” | User is currently live streaming |
| Rainbow Ring | Story using Pride stickers (during Pride month) |
Why Are Instagram Story Rings Green?
If you see a green ring around someone’s Instagram story, it means you have been added to their Close Friends list. This is a privacy feature Instagram introduced in 2018 that allows users to share stories with a select group rather than all followers.
The green ring indicates:
- The story is only visible to people on the Close Friends list
- You have been selected as a “close friend” by that user
- The content is more personal or private than regular stories
This is completely separate from the new gold Instagram Rings award, which celebrates creative achievement.
Why Do Some Instagram Stories Have Two Rings?
If you have wondered “why do some Instagram stories have two rings?”, it is part of Instagram’s visual system for distinguishing different types of creators and content.
A double ring typically indicates:
- A verified creator or account
- A creator who is part of a featured program such as Instagram Rings or Collaborations
- An account with special status on the platform
These subtle design cues make it easier for users to identify standout creators and for Instagram to spotlight award recipients like the Rings winners.
