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?
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
Below is the full list of all 25 creators honored with the Instagram Rings Award in 2025. Click their names to explore their profiles.
| Creator | Instagram Handle | 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 | @ashleygordon | Creative innovator |
| 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 |
| DJ AG Online | @djagonline | Transforming London sidewalks into spontaneous DJ performance labs |
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.
What Winners Receive: Digital and Physical Perks
Instagram Rings winners receive a comprehensive package of recognition:
Physical Award
A custom ring designed by Grace Wales Bonner, the acclaimed British fashion designer known for her cultural storytelling through design.
Digital Features
- Gold Story Ring: When winners post a story, an exclusive animated gold ring appears around their profile picture instead of the standard gradient
- Custom Profile Backdrop: Winners can customize their profile background color with exclusive gradient options
- Custom Like Button: Ability to personalize the like button on their content
- Digital Badge: A representation of the award displayed on their profile
- In-App Spotlight: Featured placement and visibility across Instagram
How Instagram Rings Differs From YouTube Creator Awards
Instagram Rings represents a fundamentally different approach to creator recognition compared to platforms like YouTube:
| Feature | Instagram Rings | YouTube Creator Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Selection Criteria | Creative merit, cultural impact, authenticity | Subscriber milestones (100K, 1M, 10M, 100M) |
| Selection Process | Human judges from creative industries | Automatic based on metrics |
| Number of Recipients | 25 per year (inaugural) | Unlimited (anyone hitting milestones) |
| Follower Requirements | None (winners range from 109K to 7.5M) | Must hit specific subscriber counts |
| Digital Recognition | Gold ring, profile customization | None (physical plaque only) |
This approach signals Instagram’s belief that creativity and cultural contribution matter more than raw numbers.
Why Instagram Rings Matter for Creators and Brands
The Instagram Rings Award is not just another social media trend. It is part of Instagram’s long-term shift toward rewarding authentic storytelling and creativity.
For Creators
- It validates originality and cultural relevance over follower count
- It signals to brands that your content drives influence, not just impressions
- It creates a new aspiration beyond verification or follower milestones
- It demonstrates that creative risks and authentic voice are valued
For Brands
- The Rings provide a new benchmark when selecting creators for partnerships
- Collaborating with a Ring winner could mean better resonance with Gen Z audiences focused on authenticity
- It offers a quality signal beyond metrics like follower count and engagement rate
- Winners have been vetted by industry leaders like Marc Jacobs, Spike Lee, and Pat McGrath
For the Industry
Pulse Advertising notes that Rings raises an interesting question: “Will Rings create a new class of ‘algorithmic elite’? The halo effect might mean these 25 will now appear higher in feeds, a tech-fashion hierarchy where innovation meets influence.”
Spotlight: Dolly Singh, India’s Only 2025 Rings Winner
Dolly Singh stands out as the only creator from India to receive the 2025 Instagram Rings Award. Her reaction captures the significance of the recognition:
“Being recognized with the Rings Award is so surreal that the feeling has still not sunk in. It’s definitely one of my career’s biggest moments yet, and a shiver goes down my spine every time I think about it. The jury panel for the award is impeccable and just the fact that these brilliant, genius minds have seen my content is unbelievable!”
She reflected on her journey: “Instagram has been a platform that became my playground from the get-go, where I first played with fashion, then comedy and now into much larger storytelling. Here, I’ve been able to experiment, take risks, and share my most authentic self with my community.”
Dolly’s success demonstrates how Instagram credibility translates to broader opportunities. She recently made her Bollywood debut in the film “Thank You For Coming,” showing how digital creator success can open doors to traditional entertainment.
Instagram Rings FAQ
What is Instagram Rings?
Instagram Rings is a new award program launched in October 2025 that honors 25 creators who push creative boundaries and unite communities through authentic content. Winners receive a physical ring designed by Grace Wales Bonner and a digital gold ring around their profile.
How do you get an Instagram Ring?
You cannot apply for Instagram Rings. Winners are selected by a panel of 13 judges including Adam Mosseri, Spike Lee, Marc Jacobs, and other creative industry leaders. Selection is based on creative innovation, cultural impact, and authenticity rather than follower count.
What does a gold ring on Instagram mean?
A gold ring around an Instagram profile picture indicates that the person is a 2025 Instagram Rings Award winner. This exclusive visual marker appears when they post stories and distinguishes them from regular creators.
Why is there a green ring around some Instagram stories?
A green ring indicates a Close Friends story. This means the person has added you to their private Close Friends list and is sharing content only visible to that select group. This is a privacy feature, not related to the Rings award.
Why do some Instagram profiles have two rings?
Double rings typically indicate verified accounts or creators participating in special Instagram programs like Rings or Collaborations. It is a visual cue to help users identify featured creators.
Will Instagram Rings be awarded again?
Instagram has not specified how frequently new Rings will be awarded, but the inaugural 2025 cohort suggests this will be an ongoing recognition program.
How many Instagram Rings winners are there?
There are 25 Instagram Rings winners in the inaugural 2025 class, spanning creators from photography, music, sports, fashion, comedy, food, and digital art.
Key Links and References
- Official Instagram announcement via Meta
- Fast Company feature
- The Modems in-depth list
- Dazed Digital profile
Conclusion
The Instagram Rings Award brings a fresh era of recognition for digital creativity. It is more than a badge. It is Instagram’s way of celebrating culture-shaping creators worldwide and signaling that authentic creative expression matters more than metrics.
Next time you see a golden ring around a creator’s story, you will know: you are watching someone who has been recognized by industry legends like Spike Lee, Marc Jacobs, and Pat McGrath as setting the pace for the future of social media.
For creators navigating Instagram in 2025 and beyond, Rings offers something potentially more valuable than algorithmic favor or brand deals: recognition from creative peers that your work genuinely matters.
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