ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire -05/17/12)- IZEA, Inc. ( $IZEA.PK ) ( IZEA.PK ), the world leader in Social Media Sponsorship, today announced its Staree platform has graduated from beta and is now accepting applications from all social media users.

Staree allows users to post photos and videos from their mobile device or desktop, and share them with friends through Facebook and Twitter. Users make money from display advertising targeted to their content and product placement in photos and videos.

"IZEA's mission is to help social media fans monetize their content, creativity and influence," said Ted Murphy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, IZEA. "We brought paid blogging to the market six years ago, and were pioneers in sponsored tweets and check-ins. The monetization of photos and videos through Staree is a natural addition to the IZEA product portfolio. It creates new ways for influencers to earn money and new marketing opportunities for advertisers."

Starting today, Staree is available to everyone: From Hollywood A-listers to everyday people. The hottest celebrities like Kendall Schmidt and Logan Henderson are already using Staree to take their social media presence to the next level. Kendall got his start on hit shows like "Frasier" and "ER" and is currently starring on "Big Time Rush." His co-star Logan found his passion for acting after appearing on "Friday Night Lights."

"Social media is used by most of our fans, and they expect to be connected to us regularly," said Logan. "With the Staree app, I can share videos and photos of what's happening in my life in an instant."

"Part of what I like about using Staree is that it allows me to decide how to promote my style," said Kendall. "The pictures and videos I post remain my property, so I get to help select the brands that want to advertise on the platform. And when an advertiser connects to my page, Staree's platform pays me."

"Several hundred celebrities joined Staree during our beta period," continued Ted. "It was clear from that experience we had an opportunity to grow the platform. We have taken the features that people love in other photo and video sharing apps like Instagram, and wrapped a monetization layer around them. Celebrities love Staree and now everyone has the opportunity to be a star on the platform."

Staree is designed with branding, protection and collaboration in mind. Users have the ability to customize their profile and copyright their content. Managers and agents can access their client's accounts and post on their behalf. "Our goal was to provide professional features through a simple user interface that anyone could use on the web, iPhone or Android device," said Ryan Schram, Chief Marketing Officer, IZEA.

Individuals interested in applying for inclusion in Staree can visit www.staree.com . Brands looking for advertising opportunities can call IZEA Client Development at 1-877-525-IZEA.

About IZEA
IZEA, Inc. ("IZEA") is the world leader in social media sponsorship, operating multiple marketplaces including Staree, WeReward, SponsoredTweets and SocialSpark. IZEA connects advertisers with social media publishers, helping them monetize their social media presence. The company has completed over three million social media sponsorships for customers ranging from small local businesses to Fortune 50 organizations. For more information about IZEA, visit www.izea.com .

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based largely on IZEA's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond IZEA's control. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of, among other factors, competitive conditions in the social media sponsorship segment in which IZEA operates, failure to popularize one or more of the marketplace platforms of IZEA and general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information contained in this respect will in fact occur. Please read the full statement and disclosures here: http://izea.com/safe-harbor-statement/ .

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