Mumbai: Pocket FM has released the Entertainment Insights '25 report, one of the nation's largest entertainment surveys. This report reveals how the audio series emerged as India's most intimate entertainment format, rivaling the Ott Binge session and redefines how the country consumes narratives.
This study highlights how audio storytelling is seamlessly embedded in everyday life. One in two listeners will have more than 10 episodes a day, with over 70% following two audio series each day. For many people, audio is no longer a filler, but a central source of engagement. 50% listen for more than 90 minutes each day, and 35% adjust for more than 2 hours.
What sets the audio apart is its adaptability. 60% prefer listening in their leisure time, but others weave it into their routine. 48% are on commuting, 32% are on work, 24% are on chores, and 21% are on training.
Drama (40%), romance (37%), sci-fi/fantasy (37%), and thriller/horror (34%) dominate preferences and prove that India's love for emotionally recharged stories is not imitated. Interestingly, 86% of listeners prefer episode audio dramas over audiobooks, podcasts, or music.
Hindi leads with 53% of listeners, but regional languages such as Telugu, Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam are rising rapidly, becoming cultural equalizers that transcend bandwidth and geography.
Binge's Business: Micro Payments for Subscriptions
Three of the four listeners prefer micropay and choose to pay per episode rather than monthly subscriptions, reflecting India's broader digital payment habits and making entertainment more accessible.
Another major change is the role of technology in narrative shaping. 80% of respondents expressed openness to AI-generated content as long as they resonated emotionally.
Comment on the findings, Rohan Nayak, co-founder and CEO, Pocket EntertainmentI said, “India has always been a land of storytelling, from epics to Bollywood blockbusters. But what we're seeing now is the generational pivot. People don't switch screens because they hate videos. You can hear them.”
The online survey was conducted between June 5th and July 20th, 2025, with 55% of respondents male and 45% of female respondents. Significant 84% belonged to the 18-35-year-old group, with over half being employed professionals or business owners.
