Fan looking at photo with celebrity
Cameo offers fans three unique ways to get in touch with their favorite celebrities on the platform.
TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images
  • Cameo offers fans a way to connect with certain notable people via personalized videos, messages, and live chats. 
  • You can use Cameo to purchase a personalized shout-out or live video call with select celebrities using the website or mobile app booking system.
  • Cameo talent sets their prices, ranging from as little as $2 for messages to upwards of $1,000 or more for a shout-out or Zoom call. 
  • If you want to message a celebrity, you will be charged the listed price per message (not message thread), and you can only send them via the Cameo app. 
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Cameo launched in 2017 as a platform to connect celebrities and public figures with their followers from anywhere through short, pre-recorded video shout-outs.

Cameo has since expanded to include direct messaging and 10-minute live Zoom calls for a more personalized experience. Tens of thousands of public figures have signed up to Cameo to offer just that, though not all participate in each of the three services. If the talent offers either direct messages or live Zoom calls, it will be listed on their page in the same area as the traditional video shout-out.

Buying a standard video shout-out on Cameo is the most popular and widely available option, but direct messaging with your favorite stars is often a more economical choice. At the same time, the pricier live Zoom calls offer unmatched real-time interaction. And while many celebrities on Cameo don’t offer the Cameo Live experience, the company has made a list of those that do available to view here

If you’re interested in purchasing any Cameo, here’s how to do it. 

How to buy a Cameo video 

Shout-outs are the original Cameo format, wherein celebrities and other public figures send you or someone you know a personalized message or record a message for your brand. 

The process for this is pretty simple and can be done either on the Cameo mobile app or by visiting Cameo.com. You can search for talent using predetermined categories or even curated lists based on price, turnaround time, or a talent's projects. You can also type the name of the person into the search box. You can browse the talent available without an account, but you'll need to sign up to purchase a video. 

Once you've identified who you want a video shout out from, begin the booking process. After a Cameo has been delivered within the required 7-day window, a hold will be placed on your payment method, and you will be charged. 

How to request a Cameo direct message on the mobile app

1. Open the Cameo app.

2. Go to the page of the celebrity you want to DM through the Cameo homepage or the search tool. 

3. Tap or click the "Chat" option on their profile page. 

  • Note: This box will also include the price you'll pay to message the star in question.
How to use Cameo 5
Chat's typically cost less than shout-outs or Zoom calls, but charge per message.
Jennifer Still/Business Insider

4. A private message window will appear. In the "Message" field box, type the message you want to send. You can ask a question, request advice, and more. 

5. When you're finished, tap the price button to the right of the message box to complete payment and send your chat. 

How to use Cameo 6
You can also insert emojis into your Cameo message.
Jennifer Still/Business Insider

How to book a Cameo Live Zoom call 

1. Launch the Cameo app or go to Cameo.com

2. Open the Cameo profile page for the celebrity you want to Zoom with.  

3. Click or tap the "Book a Zoom" button. 

How to use Cameo Zoom Live 1
This will be listed in the same location as direct messages and video shout-outs.
Abbey White/Business Insider

4. Choose an available date from the calendar.  

How to use cameo 7
A talent's available Cameo Zoom dates will be bolded.
Jennifer Still/Business Insider

5. A list of available times will appear. Choose the one that works best for you. 

  • Note: Generally speaking, a time and relevant time zone will be provided. You may need to adjust your schedule to make sure you're available for the call. 
How to book Cameo Zoom Live 1
You can't request your own time to chat with the celebrity over Zoom.
Abbey White/Business Insider

6. Once you've selected a time, click "Confirm." 

7. After you've confirmed, you'll be provided with a receipt, a confirmation of the time and date of your Zoom, and a link that you can share with (and only) up to four family members and friends.

Everything else you should know about booking a Cameo experience

The cost of a video and availability differs depending on the talent, who set the prices - and in the case of Zoom calls, dates and times - themselves. For Zoom calls, in particular, you'll have to adjust your schedule to theirs as there is no way to request a specific time yourself. As for requesting a Cameo message, it's important to know that it can only be done via the Cameo app and that there's no guarantee they'll respond. 

When you visit a talent's profile, you'll see it doesn't just include what Cameo services they offer, but any notes about what they will - and won't - do. Be mindful of that when you make any type of Cameo request as the celebrity chooses which requests to fulfill and retains the right to refuse a booking.

The platform has also added a newer feature that allows you to become part of a talent's "fan club." Presently it's free to join, and membership provides you VIP status perks like having your Cameo requests prioritized. 

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