The Podcast Pulse, a report on podcast consumption, has been released by UNPAC Research with the support of Ideabrew Studios.
According to a communique on the report, in 2020, India surged to become the third-largest market for podcast listeners globally. This was with just 12% engaged with podcasts. That number has grown to 15%, leaving a vast untapped audience waiting to be explored. The Podcast Pulse addresses this gap by offering actionable insights into consumer preferences, content choices, favored hosts, and preferred platforms.
The methodology behind The Podcast Pulse involved engaging 2,170 individuals across 10 cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Indore, Patna, and Jaipur, the report gauged awareness and listenership statistics. Additionally, detailed interviews with 1,800 active listeners provided insights into their behaviour and preferences, a communique adds.
Key findings from the report include:
- 82% of respondents were initially unaware of podcasts, highlighting a significant opportunity for awareness-building efforts.
- 78% of consumers discovered podcasts less than a year ago, indicating a recent surge in interest.
- Authenticity and vulnerability in podcast conversations are highly valued by listeners, fostering a deeper connection with hosts and content.
The report also explores consumption patterns, including weekday vs. weekend trends, preferred episode lengths, and the rise of regional language content. Regional podcasts are identified as a driving force in shaping the industry’s future, offering audiences a more relatable and culturally resonant listening experience.
Said Sheetal Choksi, Director, UNPAC Research: “We believe The Podcast Pulse is a gamechanger, providing insights into India’s podcast consumption and offering a roadmap for creators and platforms to navigate the evolving preferences of Indian audiences, empowering industry professionals and stakeholders to unlock its full potential. As a podcaster myself, I experienced firsthand the challenges in accessing comprehensive data about our audience. Beyond some basic data, no one was able to answer questions like who was listening to podcasts, when, why certain genres did well, etc. This realization was the genesis of The Podcast Pulse – an earnest attempt to fill the void and provide actionable insights for the entire industry.”
Added Aditya Kuber, CEO, Ideabrew Studios: “At Ideabrew Studios, we are passionate about fostering innovation in audio storytelling. The Podcast Pulse not only showcases the immense potential of podcasts in India but also underscores the importance of diverse and authentic narratives in shaping the future of audio entertainment. This report will be a definitive look into podcast consumption data for advertising agencies, brands and everyone looking to meaningfully engage with a large audience.”