eNews
Rohan Nayak’s Pocket FM makes audio series a mainstream hit in 2024
MUMBAI: As 2024 draws to a close, the world of audio storytelling has a clear hero: Pocket FM.
In a year brimming with innovation and riveting narratives, the platform soared to unimaginable heights, turning listeners’ love for immersive tales into a record-breaking Rs 1,051.97 crore in revenue.
Listeners didn’t just tune in—they built an empire of stories, one stream at a time.
From thrilling mysteries to heartwarming romances, Pocket FM didn’t just entertain—it transformed how the world experiences audio. With over 100 billion minutes streamed and 45 million microtransactions logged, the platform became the beating heart of a global community united by their love for storytelling.
If 2024 was a chapter, it was one filled with blockbuster growth, listener passion, and the unmistakable sound of success.
And as Pocket FM inches closer to profitability, one thing is clear: this isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning of a gripping new era in entertainment.
In 2024, Pocket FM saw listeners stream over 100 billion minutes of content globally, completing more than 45 million transactions. With 54 per cent Gen Z, 37 per cent Millennials, and 5 per cent Gen X, the platform captivated a young and diverse audience. Its near-balanced gender demographic—53 per cent male and 47 per cent female—highlighted the platform’s broad appeal.
AI-powered innovation drove this unprecedented growth. Pocket FM expanded its content library by 36X with AI-generated series, while human-narrated series increased 2X, ensuring quality and variety for its listeners. Financially, over seven audio series crossed $10 million in revenue, marking a 600 per cent growth from 2023, while 35 audio series achieved million-dollar milestones—three times more than the previous year.
Romance and Drama dominated globally, followed by Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror, and Thriller, captivating audiences in India and the US.
The platform also reshaped listening habits, with 200,000 users spending over 3 hours daily, and 10,000 users listening for more than 3,000 hours annually. Morning and commute hours (5-11 AM) accounted for 30 per cent of daily consumption, while late-night listening (11 PM-5 AM) surged to 22.9 per cent, reflecting a shift from traditional TV to audio series during leisure hours.
India emerged as a key market, with cities like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad leading in listener engagement. Popular audio series captured the imagination of millions:
. Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh: Played 100 million times
. Secret Ameerzaada: Played 85 million times
. Insta Millionaire: Played 60 million times
. Insta Empire: Played 50 million times
. Super Yoddha: Played 42 million times
Pocket FM CEO & co-founder, Rohan Nayak highlighted the platform’s impact, “In 2024, we didn’t just grow; we redefined the very nature of entertainment by establishing audio series as a mainstream entertainment. Audio series, as a category, is no longer a niche—they are the next evolution of global entertainment. This year’s achievements are a testament to the immense potential of this category and our commitment to leading its growth.”
Through its blend of human creativity and AI innovation, Pocket FM built a scalable, cross-cultural content ecosystem that has revolutionised how audiences consume stories.
eNews
Swiggy sees record orders during India vs New Zealand T20 final
Chicken biryani tops match-day menu as fans order 7,500 times per minute at peak.
MUMBAI: India’s T20 final didn’t just break stumps, it broke Swiggy’s delivery records, proving cricket fans celebrate victories with plates, not just flags. Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, reported a sharp spike in food orders during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand. On 8 March 2026, overall orders rose 23.2 per cent year-on-year compared with the same date in 2025, driven by fans turning living rooms into mini stadiums complete with match-day feasts.
Key highlights from the evening:
- Orders during peak match hours (7–10 pm) were 2.1 times higher than pre-match levels.
- The highest order rate hit 7,500 orders per minute at 19:45.
- Chicken biryani reigned supreme as the most-ordered dish, followed by masala dosa, chicken fried rice, garlic breadsticks and paneer butter masala.
While metros such as Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad led volumes, the cricketing fever spread nationwide. Among emerging cities, Thiruvananthapuram, Surat and Rajkot recorded the strongest order growth. Smaller markets including Shillong, Agartala and Port Blair also showed significant appetite, underlining the expanding footprint of quick-commerce food delivery across India.
The surge reflects a growing trend of pairing major sporting events with doorstep delivery, turning big matches into shared, convenient celebrations. In a night where every boundary mattered, Swiggy proved the real MVP might just be the delivery partner who kept the snacks and the vibes flowing without missing a single wicket.
