AOL Inc. today announced that it has acquired StudioNow Inc., an online platform for quality video creation and distribution. The acquisition will allow AOL to integrate a video creation platform into its newly-launched content management system, Seed.com. StudioNow will also continue to develop its existing business as a provider of online video creation, management, storage and syndication services to commercial companies.

The acquisition of StudioNow closed on January 22 and was valued at $36.5 million in cash and stock with a portion of the cash paid out over multiple years.

"Premium original video creation is a fundamental part of AOL's strategy to offer consumers world-class, stimulating content at scale and the integration of StudioNow into Seed.com will enable us to increase our video content/offerings significantly," said Tim Armstrong, AOL CEO and Chairman.

StudioNow partners with blue chip, mid-sized and local companies to create, store, and manage content and syndicate it to online video channels and portals. The company connects clients with its more than 3,000 freelance filmmakers, editors, animators, voice talent and writers/producers to create professional video at an affordable price.

AOL's newly launched content management system, Seed.com, assigns, buys and distributes work for all of AOL?s properties in order to meet consumer demand for relevant content in areas including entertainment, news and sports, lifestyle, technology, money and finance, among others. Seed.com allows professional contributors to be seen, heard and read on AOL's more than 80 content sites. Seed.com will harness StudioNow's technology platform and national network of more than 3,000 professionals to develop and produce professional video at the request of AOL editors in a way that is rapid, efficient and scalable.