Tag: Audio Entertainment

  • OrangeGlobal Stories names Pranay Naigaonkar as head of production

    OrangeGlobal Stories names Pranay Naigaonkar as head of production

    MUMBAI: In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, where OTT is the reigning king, a seasoned maestro steps into the spotlight.

    Pranay Naigaonkar, the creative mind behind the acclaimed Hungama Music Bus (2020), has traded the bustling corridors of Neeraj Roy’s Hungama for a new adventure at OrangeGlobal Stories Pvt. Ltd.

    Taking the reins as head of production at this emerging audio OTT platform, Naigaonkar is poised to orchestrate a new symphony of innovative content. His move signals a bold chapter for both the veteran producer and OrangeGlobal Stories, as they aim to redefine the audio storytelling landscape.

    In his new role, Naigaonkar will oversee the development and production of original audio content, aiming to enhance the platform’s offerings and engage a diverse audience. His appointment comes as OrangeGlobal Stories plans to invest $36 million in marketing and digital promotion over the next three years, signalling a significant expansion in the audio entertainment industry.

    Naigaonkar’s career in the entertainment industry has been marked by a commitment to quality and innovation. His work on ‘Hungama Music Bus’ showcased his ability to produce engaging audio content that resonates with listeners. At OrangeGlobal Stories, he is expected to leverage this expertise to develop a diverse range of audio web series and stories, catering to the evolving preferences of a global audience.

    OrangeGlobal Stories, founded in 2024, is dedicated to revolutionising the audio OTT space with immersive storytelling experiences. The platform offers a wide array of audio content, including web series and stories, designed to captivate listeners across various demographics. citeturn0search6

    The company’s substantial investment in marketing and digital promotion underscores its commitment to becoming a leader in the audio entertainment industry. With Naigaonkar at the helm of production, OrangeGlobal Stories is poised to deliver high-quality content that meets the growing demand for on-the-go audio entertainment.

  • Rohan Nayak’s Pocket FM makes audio series a mainstream hit in 2024

    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.