Survey of 20,500+ digital entertainment consumers shows 49% binge more than 10 episodes daily; 80% open to AI-driven storytelling
India, September 8, 2025: Audio is emerging as India’s new screen, according to Pocket FM’s Entertainment Insights ’25 report, one of the country’s largest entertainment surveys covering 20,538 digital entertainment consumers nationwide. The findings reveal that audio series are now deeply embedded in daily life, surpassing traditional video bingeing as millions turn to immersive storytelling through sound.
At the heart of this shift is young India. More than half of audio listeners are between 18 and 24 years, and their habits reflect a new kind of binge culture:
49% consume over 10 episodes daily
70% follow at least two audio series every day
50% listen for 90 minutes or more daily
35% spend over two hours each day on audio content
Unlike video, audio fits seamlessly into routines. While 60% listen during leisure hours, nearly half (48%) tune in during commutes, 32% while working, 24% during household chores, and 21% while exercising—turning everyday tasks into story-driven experiences.
Democratizing Entertainment Through Stories
Drama (40%), Romance (37%), Sci-Fi/Fantasy (37%), and Thriller/Horror (34%) dominate India’s audio preferences, with 86% of listeners favouring episodic audio dramas over audiobooks, music, or podcasts. Language is also playing a critical role: while Hindi leads with 53%, the growing popularity of Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, and other regional languages is fueling a cultural equalizer where bandwidth and screens are no longer barriers.
In terms of monetization, India is charting its own path. Three out of four listeners prefer micro-payments, choosing to pay only for the episodes they consume rather than monthly subscriptions—mirroring broader digital payment behaviour in the country.
AI in Storytelling
The report also highlights India’s openness to technology in creative expression. More than 80% of listeners said they are comfortable with AI-generated content, provided the storytelling delivers an emotional connection.
Commenting on the findings, Rohan Nayak, Co-founder & CEO of Pocket FM, said: “India has always been a storytelling nation—from epics to Bollywood blockbusters. But today we are seeing a generational pivot. People aren’t leaving screens because they dislike video; they are choosing audio because it gives them intimacy, imagination, and freedom. The numbers clearly show that the future of pop culture will be defined not just by what we see, but by what we hear.”
The online survey was conducted between June 5 and July 20, 2025, capturing diverse voices across the country. Respondents included 55% male and 45% female users, with 84% belonging to the 18–35 age group, and more than half being professionals or business owners.
About Pocket FM
Pocket FM is India’s leading audio entertainment platform, pioneering long-form audio storytelling across genres such as drama, romance, fantasy, thriller, and horror. With a rapidly expanding listener base and a creator-first approach, the platform is redefining how India consumes entertainment by turning stories into immersive, everyday experiences.
