Matt Gaetz, from US Attorney General candidate to Cameo, the app where celebrities set a price for themselves
The controversial congressman now shares this new way of generating income with celebrities such as Mike Tyson, Charlie Sheen, and Snoop Dogg
Matt Gaetz has taken an unexpected turn in his professional career. The congressman, who dropped his candidacy for U.S. Attorney General after several Republicans opposed his nomination, has decided instead to sell personalized videos on Cameo, a digital platform that allows users to hire celebrities to send personalized messages.
The controversial congressman now shares this new way of generating income with celebrities such as Mike Tyson, Charlie Sheen, and Snoop Dogg. Gaetz created his profile on the platform on November 22. With a touch of irony, in his description he notes: “I served in Congress. Trump nominated me to be U.S. Attorney General (that didn’t work out). Once I fired the House Speaker.”
The platform invites users to customize their videos where they can ask questions, request jokes, ask for advice or special messages for events such as weddings or birthdays. Gaetz notes that messages can include everything from words of wisdom to his well-known catchphrases. Available categories are: birthdays, holidays, motivational talks, barbecues, advice, and questions.
Video costs
Cameo has become a popular choice for public figures looking to diversify their income streams or stay relevant in the public eye through digital content. In Gaetz’s case, this decision appears to be a strategic move following his resignation from the candidacy for attorney general, a position that faced strong internal opposition due to the legal scandals surrounding him, which include accusations of sex trafficking and illegal drug use.
The price of a personalized Gaetz video is around $500, plus the service fee, and the average length is one minute.
In just two weeks, users who have purchased their personalized Matt Gaetz videos have been extremely satisfied. With a five-star rating, several comments highlight the creativity and playfulness that Gaetz brings to his messages, which include the iconic slogan “Make America Great Again.” One user commented: “Fantastic! As Matt’s biggest fan, my wife will love this personalized birthday greeting! Intelligent yet entertaining, Matt brings the same creatively unique style to Cameo as he’s done with politics. Very well done Mr. Gaetz.”
What is the Cameo app and how does it work?
The idea for the platform came to Steve Galanis, a former Chicago stockbroker, in 2016. Cameo allows users to hire celebrities to send them personalized messages. Prices for videos and messages are set directly by the celebrities themselves, and the platform retains a 25% commission for each transaction made. Users can choose which personality or influencer they want to respond to them, as well as the reason for the request (such as birthdays, weddings, advice, etc.), and in less than 24 hours they can receive their personalized video.
The platform offers a wide variety of celebrities organized into categories such as actors, athletes, musicians, politicians, and other trending figures. Matt Gatz is not the only politician available in this virtual space; former Mexican president Vicente Fox and 2008 Republican vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, are also on Cameo.
Cameo’s biggest boom occurred at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, when people began seeking new forms of virtual interaction during lockdown. This trend increased interest in personalized experiences that allowed users to connect more closely with their favorite celebrities.
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