Plug In, Chill Out: Why India Is Obsessed with Podcasts


In a country known for storytelling, podcasts have found a natural home. From long commutes to late-night walks, Indians are increasingly plugging in to learn, laugh, and even meditate, all through their earbuds.

India is now the third-largest podcast-listening market in the world, after the US and China. With over 150 million listeners (as of 2023), the genre is booming. Platforms like Spotify, Gaana, Hubhopper, and Audible Suno are fueling the growth with localised and original content.

True crime, self-help, mythology, finance, and even regional gossip, there’s something for everyone. Shows like The Musafir Stories, Bhaskar Bose, and The Ranveer Show have become household names.

Why the craze? Unlike videos or articles, podcasts don’t demand screen time. They fit easily into multitasking, cooking, driving, or just winding down.

For creators, it’s a low-investment, high-impact medium. And for listeners, it’s a return to intimate, voice-driven storytelling in a digital world that’s always flashing.

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