Entertainment Tech Firm BEN Acquires TubeBuddy

Entertainment and data company BEN in Sherman Oaks will acquire San Diego-based TubeBuddy, which makes a browser extension and mobile app that helps YouTube content creators optimize their channels to reach the largest audience.Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.BEN, which stands for Branded Entertainment Network, uses artificial intelligence to inform its clients’ product placement choices in film, television, music and social media projects.The acquisition presents an opportunity for BEN to apply its data analytics to popular YouTube content, helping creators further monetize their videos.“At BEN, we have focused on using AI to empower the next era of artists and content creators, and we’re excited to apply our technology at scale to help millions of TubeBuddy creators grow and monetize their businesses,” said BEN Chief Executive Ricky Ray Butler in a statement.Following the deal’s close, TubeBuddy will become a division of BEN Group. TubeBuddy founder and Chief Executive Rob Gabel will become general manager of the division. TubeBuddy’s staff will be integrated with the BEN team, and the company’s other founding partners will become strategic advisors to the new entity.