Baby Genius(R) Jukebox App for iOS set for Release in September 2013

First in a Series of All-New Baby Genius(R) Apps Created With Motion Capture Animation to Bring Baby Genius(R) Characters to Life on iPad, iPad Mini and iPhone

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genius Brands International, Inc. (OTCQB:GNUS), developer and marketer of entertainment products including the award-winning Baby Genius^® line of music and edutainment products and characters, today announced its new app, Baby Genius^® Jukebox, has begun beta testing and is planned for release in the App Store™ in September 2013.

Following the Company's pursuit of multiple digital distribution channels for its Baby Genius^® products, as well as its growing portfolio of other branded content, Baby Genius^® Jukebox is the first in a series of all-new interactive 3D animated apps for iPad, iPad Mini and iPhone planned for release over the next 18 months.

Produced in collaboration with Pendulum Studios and Modev8, Baby Genius^® Jukebox was created with motion-capture animation that brings new life to the beloved Baby Genius^® characters. The app is designed with large buttons for little hands to navigate. Children can choose from a list of 10 classic Baby Genius^® songs included in the app and simply drag their favorite character over to watch them dance in glorious 3D animation.

In addition to such all-time favorite songs as "Vinko the Dancing Bear," "DJ's My Name" and "Wheels on the Bus," among others, the Baby Genius^® Jukebox app includes two educational games and a bonus video. The app is less than 50 MB and can be downloaded almost anywhere an iOS device has access to a signal.

"We are thrilled to be bringing our characters to life with this first in a series of new apps for iOS as we continue to develop our stable of intellectual properties, brands and content for the digital age. The Baby Genius^® Jukebox app follows our announced adaptation of the entire library of Baby Genius^® books for the digital marketplace. We are looking to develop and launch even more Genius branded products for tablets and smartphones," stated Genius Brands CEO and Chairman Klaus Moeller.

About Genius Brands

Genius Brands International, Inc. is the developer and marketer of entertainment products including the award-winning Baby Genius^® line of music and education-based products and characters. The Company is developing and marketing a growing line of Genius branded products that entertain and educate the whole family. Baby Genius^® awards include: Mom's Choice Award, The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, The Toy Insider Best Toddler Toys, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products, NAPPA Honors Award, iParenting Excellent Product Award, Creative Child Preferred Choice Award, Latino DVD Awards, iParenting Media Award, Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence, Kids First! Quality Children's Media Endorsement, Parents Magazine 2002 "Video of the Year," and Best "Under 3" QSR Program 2004/2005 from Restaurant Magazine. Baby Genius^® products are available at most major retailers and have international exposure in over 40 countries. For brand information please visit www.babygenius.com. For Company information please visit https://ir.stockpr.com/babygenius/overview.

Forward-looking statements

This release contains forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Genius Brands International Inc. All statements that address operating performance that the Company expects will occur in the future, including statements relating to operating results for fiscal 2013 and beyond, revenue growth, future profitability or statements expressing general optimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and we cannot assure that anticipated results will be achieved. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, uncertainties relating to the Company's success in judging consumer preferences, financing the Company's operations, entering into strategic partnerships, engaging management, seasonal and period-to-period fluctuations in sales, failure to increase market share or sales, inability to service outstanding debt obligations, dependence on a limited number of customers, increased production costs or delays in production of new products, intense competition within the industry, inability to protect intellectual property in the international market for our products, changes in market condition and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available via the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are encouraged to consider the risk factors that could affect actual results. The Company disclaims any intent to update forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Investor Relations Contact:
         Mr. Klaus Moeller
         Chairman and CEO
         Genius Brands, Inc.
         Tel:  +1-619-481-6511
         E-Mail: Klaus@GNUSInc.com
         Website: www.babygenius.com

         Media Contact:
         John Russel
         RUSSEL Public Relations
         Tel: +1-818-561-5072
         Cell: 818-516-8572
         E-Mail: JRussel@russelprla.com

Released August 20, 2013