Kuku opens year-round creator programmes for writers, actors and filmmakers

NEW DELHI: Kuku is casting its net wider for India’s storytelling talent. Kuku has opened nationwide applications for two creator partnership programmes aimed at writers, actors, directors, authors, publishers, reel creators and production houses across five Indian languages.

The company has launched the Kuku Kalakaar Program on Kuku FM and the Kuku TV Creators’ Program on Kuku TV. Applications are now open and will remain available throughout the year for creators working in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

The twin initiatives represent Kuku’s biggest open call to creators so far as it looks to strengthen its position across audio, video and written storytelling. The company said the programmes are designed to support creators at different stages of their careers while addressing the financial uncertainty that often limits independent creative work.

Under the Kuku Kalakaar Program, creators can collaborate with Kuku FM on audiobooks, original fiction and non-fiction audio series, vertical video content and marketing reels. The platform said eligible participants can earn up to Rs 10 lakh through their projects.

The programme is open to reel creators producing short-form videos, writers developing original fiction and non-fiction, authors interested in converting their books into audiobooks, as well as publishing houses and production companies looking to expand their content across formats.

Meanwhile, the Kuku TV Creators’ Program focuses on India’s fast-growing microdrama segment. It is inviting scriptwriters, actors, directors and production houses to develop original premium vertical-video series designed for mobile-first audiences.

Kuku FM, head, Ankit Saraswat said the company wants to create a sustainable career path for creators beyond the social media economy.

“India’s creator economy is booming, but the traditional chase for views and likes often leaves incredible talent behind. The Kuku Kalakaar Program isn’t just about giving creators a platform. It’s about providing financial stability and a definitive career path from day one,” he said.

Kuku TV, head, Sachin Singh said the initiative aims to help creators focus on storytelling by offering opportunities to work directly with the platform on premium original productions.

With demand for regional digital content continuing to rise, Kuku’s latest initiative reflects a broader industry trend of platforms investing directly in creator ecosystems rather than relying solely on commissioned studios. By opening its doors to creators across multiple formats and languages, the company hopes to build a pipeline of original stories that can reach audiences across India.