Core Insights - Instagram has launched a new "Rings" award to recognize 25 creators with a gold ring and a profile badge, but no cash prizes [1] - The initiative follows the winding down of Instagram's creator bonus program and a slowdown in brand deals, raising questions about the company's approach to creator incentives [2] - The selection panel for the award includes notable figures such as Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, filmmaker Spike Lee, designer Marc Jacobs, and YouTuber Marques Brownlee [1][2] Industry Context - The introduction of the "Rings" award reflects a shift in how Meta-owned Instagram is incentivizing creators amidst a changing landscape in creator monetization [2] - The award aims to provide visibility and recognition rather than direct financial compensation, indicating a potential new trend in creator engagement strategies [2] - The criteria for selecting winners focus on effort and risk-taking in content creation, rather than just follower count, suggesting a more qualitative approach to recognition [3]