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Amanda Perelli
- Celebrity shout-out app Cameo skyrocketed in 2020, and is now valued at more than $1 billion.
- "The Office" star Brian Baumgartner ("Kevin") was the top Cameo creator and earned over $1 million.
- Insider broke down the 10 highest-earning creators on Cameo and how much they charge.
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Cameo, a platform that lets fans buy personalized messages from thousands of celebrities, actors, musicians, artists, and influencers, has skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic.
After raising more capital, Cameo tripled its valuation on Tuesday to more than $1 billion.
The startup behind Cameo,Baron App Inc.,told The Wall Street Journal that it completed a $100 million funding round from existing investors, and new ones includingSoftBank Group Corp.'sVision Fund 2, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, and United Talent Agency.
In 2020, the company earned $100 million, and Cameo said it used 75% of that to pay out talent.
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The platform's top earner last year was Brian Baumgartner (who played Kevin on "The Office"). He earned over $1 million in Cameo bookings in 2020, Cameo CEO Steven Galanis said on The New York Times' Sway podcast.
The platform launched in 2017, and it offers fans the option to purchase a short personalized pre-recorded video, message a celebrity directly, or book a 10-minute live Zoom call. The celebrities set their own rates for a Cameo video appearance, and prices range from as low as $1 to $5, to $500, or even $2,500.
Messaging a celebrity directly on the app is a cheaper option, and the feature lets fans ask a question or send a short message.
Cameo also offers a service for businesses, and companies can hire a celebrity to make an appearance at a virtual event. These Cameos cost an average of $1,000.
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Cameo shared data with Insider on the highest-earning celebs on the platform in 2020. More than 10,000 new celebs joined the platform in 2020, and Cameo's talent base is currently growing at a rate of one new talent joining every hour, the company said.
The top 10 Cameo creators are listed below:
This post was originally published on March 1, and has been updated to reflect Cameo's recent valuation.
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10. Chuck Norris
Actor Chuck Norris wishes fans a "Happy Birthday" through Cameo, or reads a shortmotivational message. He responds to requests within 24 hours.
Video request: $450
Chat: $2.99
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9. James Buckley
Comedian James Buckley will wish your friend a "Happy Birthday," or congratulate a married couple through Cameo. He responds within 5 days of a request.
Video request: $55
Chat: $3.99
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8. Big Ed
Reality TV star Big Ed, who is known for appearing in 90 Day Fiancé, will dance around, wear costumes, and give relationship advice to fans who purchase a personalized video.
Ed responds within 22 hours of a request, and he also offers the option for fans to book a 10-minute Zoom call with him for $199.
Video request: $69
Chat: $4.99
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7. Sonja Morgan
Real Housewives of New York City starSonja Morgan wishes her fans a "Happy Birthday" on Cameo from her Manhattan townhouse.
She takes 4 days to respond to a request. Fans can also book a 10-minute Zoom call with Morgan for $500.
Video request: $99
Chat: $2.99
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6. Carole Baskin
Carole Baskin, the big-cat rights activist who rose to fame with the Netflix docuseries "Tiger King," sings for fans on Cameo and has sent pep talks.
She typically responds to a request in 21 hours and fans can also book a 10-minute Zoom call with Baskin for $999.
Video request: $299
Chat: $19.99
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5. Chris Harrison
Former host of "The Bachelor," Chris Harrison, was charging $350 for a Cameo request, but he recently turned off requests following a Feb. 13Instagrampost statingthat would be "stepping aside" from the show "for a period of time."
He recently came under fire for defending a current contestant's former photos that she acknowledged were "racist."
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4. Gilbert Gottfried
Voice actor Gilbert Gottfried has roasted fans on Cameo, and wished fans "Happy Birthday."
He responds to requests within 1 hour and fans can also book a 10-minute Zoom call with Gottfried for $500.
Video request: $150
Chat: $9.99
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3. Snoop Dogg
Rapper Snoop Dogg has sent fans encouragement and wished them a "Happy Birthday."
His Cameo is currently unavailable for booking.
In the past, he's charged upwards of $1,200 for a video request.
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2. Brett Favre
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre haswished fans a "Happy Birthday" through Cameo, and recorded inspirational messages to be played at company meetings.
Video request: $400
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1. Brian Baumgartner
Brian Baumgartner, known for his role as Kevin on "The Office," is Cameo's top earner.
He responds to requests within 7 days, and he told OK Magazine that he was skeptical of the platform at first, but added thatsince he's joined the platform has been great.
Video request: $195
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