Cameo
Celebrity video platform connecting fans with personalized video messages from celebrities, athletes, and influencers.
Company Type
private
Founded
2017
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois, USA
About Cameo
Cameo operates a celebrity video platform that connects fans with personalized video messages from celebrities across various categories.
Key features include:
- Personalized video messages from celebrities
- Celebrity marketplace with various price points
- Promotional Cameos for business endorsements
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Video delivery and sharing capabilities
- Celebrity discovery and browsing
- Customer service and support
The platform operates on a commission-based model, taking a percentage of each transaction. Celebrities set their own prices for personalized videos, typically ranging from $25 to several thousand dollars depending on the celebrity's fame and demand.
Cameo serves diverse market segments including individuals seeking personalized gifts, businesses looking for celebrity endorsements, and celebrities seeking additional income streams and fan engagement opportunities.
History of Cameo
Cameo was conceived in 2016 by Steven Galanis and Martin Blencowe after Galanis left his grandmother's funeral. The founders realized that "the selfie was the new autograph" and saw an opportunity to connect fans with celebrities through personalized video messages.
The platform launched in March 2017, with NFL player Cassius Marsh being one of the first celebrities to join and introduce the service to his fans. Celebrities with more than 20,000 Instagram followers are eligible to set up accounts on the platform.
Cameo experienced significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, as social distancing restrictions accommodated both clients and celebrities. By May 2020, more than 30,000 celebrities had joined the platform, and the company expanded from 100 to 400 employees.
In July 2020, Cameo launched Promotional Cameos, a premium-priced service for businesses to buy celebrity endorsements, expanding its business model beyond individual fan requests.
The company received significant recognition, including being named one of Time magazine's "50 Most Genius Companies" in 2018 and topping Fast Company's list of the "World's Most Innovative Social Media Companies" in 2020.
Following the pandemic, Cameo faced challenges including inflation, interest rate hikes, and reduced demand. The company conducted multiple rounds of layoffs: 87 employees in May 2022, 80 in November 2022, and a third round in July 2023, bringing employment down to 33 people.
Popularity resurged during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, with over 2,400 actors joining or rejoining the platform, attracting more customers seeking celebrity content during the entertainment industry work stoppage.
Brands Owned by Cameo
Cameo owns 0 brands in our database.
Cameo Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +First-mover advantage in celebrity video marketplace
- +Established celebrity network and brand recognition
- +Multiple revenue streams from individual and business customers
- +Scalable platform model with low marginal costs
- +Adaptability to changing entertainment industry trends
Considerations
- -Valuation volatility and market sensitivity
- -Dependence on celebrity participation and availability
- -Competition from other creator economy platforms
- -Seasonal demand fluctuations
- -Challenges in maintaining celebrity engagement
Frequently Asked Questions About Cameo
Is Cameo a publicly traded company?
No, Cameo is a privately held company. It has raised venture capital funding but has not undergone an initial public offering.
Who founded Cameo?
Cameo was founded in 2017 by Steven Galanis, Martin Blencowe, and Devon Townsend. Galanis serves as CEO and leads the company's strategic direction.
What is Cameo's valuation?
Cameo's valuation has fluctuated significantly, reaching $1 billion in 2021 but dropping to estimates of $50 million by 2023 due to market challenges and post-pandemic adjustments.
How does Cameo work?
Cameo allows fans to request personalized video messages from celebrities who set their own prices. The platform facilitates the transaction and delivery of the video messages.
What services does Cameo offer?
Cameo provides personalized celebrity video messages for fans, Promotional Cameos for business endorsements, and a marketplace connecting celebrities with customers seeking personalized content.
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