Cameo

Need a gift for a pop-culture-obsessed friend? Cameo has a new option to consider: a personalized video message recorded by one of more than 3,500 celebrities, from musicians like NSYNC’s Lance Bass to Real Housewives of New York’s Dorinda Medley. Cameo co-founders Steven Galanis and Martin Blencowe were inspired to create the service in 2016 after noticing how a football superfan reacted to a video message from a Seattle Seahawks player. It not only delighted the fan, but served as positive publicity for the player. So they created a platform to connect fans with celebrities at any scale—from YouTube influencers to models and comedians—who want to monetize their fame by recording brief videos. Prices vary by celebrity: a Cameo from Donald Trump’s ex-wife Marla Maples costs $93, while one from actor Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, will set you back $333. Cameo takes 25 percent of the fee. Galanis believes the concept has plenty of room to expand: “Everyone in the world with fans can be on the platform,” he says. —Raisa Bruner