Cameo Calls: Video Chat with Your Favorite Celebrities

Cameo Launches Direct Video Chat Feature: Cameo Calls

For those interested in a virtual conversation, a video chat with William Hung, known from a past season of American Idol, is now a possibility – for a fee of approximately twenty dollars. Yesterday marked the introduction of Cameo Calls, a new product from Cameo.

This service allows fans to engage in one-on-one video chats with their preferred influencers and celebrities, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes. The talent themselves determine the length, scheduling, and cost of each call, with Cameo reporting an average price point of around $31.

Booking a Cameo Call

Users can secure a call by visiting the Cameo website or utilizing the mobile application. Available Cameo Calls are displayed on a schedule, accessible for purchase. These opportunities are also visible on the individual profile pages of each participating talent.

Upon completing a purchase, a unique ticket code is provided. This code is then entered within the app to facilitate access to the scheduled video call.

Evolution from Zoom Integration

Cameo initially offered Zoom call bookings with celebrities in June 2020, coinciding with the widespread adoption of lockdowns. However, this feature was discontinued in April.

Cameo Calls now provides a fully integrated experience within the app itself, eliminating the need for external platforms. While this change prevents inviting celebrities to existing Zoom events, it introduces a dedicated photo opportunity at the conclusion of each call.

A New Era for Fan Interaction

The emergence of services like Cameo Calls is particularly relevant given the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, where traditional celebrity meet-and-greets may pose health risks.

However, Cameo believes this product will remain valuable even as conditions normalize. Traditional meet-and-greets often involve lengthy waits for only brief interactions. Cameo Calls potentially offer a more personalized experience, even within a shorter timeframe.

Future Applications and Testing

“We foresee Cameo Calls replacing meet and greets at music festivals and world tours, fan conventions, sporting events, and more,” stated Steven Galanis, co-founder and CEO of Cameo.

Prior to its official launch, the product underwent testing with over 3,000 calls. These included talent-led themed meet-and-greets, informal coffee chats, private musical performances, and even tarot card readings.

Notable participants in the testing phase included James and Oliver Phelps, recognized for their roles as the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter film series, and David Henrie, a former star of the Disney Channel.