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Tag: Vineet Singh

  • Kicking Up Change as Rajasthan’s Girls Score Big in Pocket FM Story

    Kicking Up Change as Rajasthan’s Girls Score Big in Pocket FM Story

    MUMBAI: They didn’t wait for the world to hand them a playground, they built their own field of dreams. As the world gears up to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, audio series platform Pocket FM is shining the spotlight on Rajasthan’s young footballers who are rewriting the rules of courage, one goal at a time.

    The latest chapter of Pocket FM’s acclaimed brand series, Sound of Courage, tells the stirring story of girls from rural Rajasthan who quite literally kicked their way through patriarchy. Created in collaboration with the Mahila Jan Adhikar Samiti (MJAS), the short film captures how a few determined girls turned a barren patch of land into their football ground and in doing so, reclaimed their right to freedom, expression, and dreams.

    For generations, their mothers and grandmothers had known a world limited by early marriage, household chores, and little to no education. Football, for them, wasn’t just a game, it was rebellion dressed in cleats. What began as a handful of girls dribbling against social constraints soon evolved into a local movement that got the entire community cheering.

    “Football gave us permission to dream,” says 17-year-old Maina Choudhary, one of the young players featured in the film. “When we play, nobody tells us who we can or cannot be.”

    The results of this small revolution have been nothing short of extraordinary. There’s been a visible drop in child marriages, more girls continuing their education, and parents who once disapproved now cheering from the sidelines. A few players have even gone on to represent their district at the state level proof that empowerment can start with something as simple as a football.

    “In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in the noise,” said Pocket Entertainment SVP for brands Vineet Singh. “With Sound of Courage, we want to bring forward unique and unheard stories across the world that lift our spirits and remind us what courage truly looks like. The story of these Rajasthan girls reminds us that real change begins quietly when people are given a voice, a chance, and the space to dream.”

    This Rajasthan chapter follows Sound of Courage’s earlier feature on India’s Women’s Ice Hockey Team, expanding the campaign’s narrative from national-level heroes to grassroots changemakers. Both stories stand as testament to Pocket FM’s belief that courage doesn’t always roar sometimes, it takes the shape of a quiet kick on dusty ground.

    Conceptualised by Pocket Entertainment’s in-house creative team and produced with Colonial Films, the film is as visually stirring as it is emotionally grounded. It paints courage not as a grand declaration but as a daily act of girls who refused to be told what they couldn’t do, and in the process, taught an entire community what they could.

    From a rough patch of land to a field of hope, Rajasthan’s football girls have shown that dreams don’t just need wings sometimes, all they need is a good pair of boots.

  • Pocket FM dives into kabaddi mat with Patna Pirates partnership

    Pocket FM dives into kabaddi mat with Patna Pirates partnership

    MUMBAI: When stories meet the mat, sparks fly louder than a referee’s whistle. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has inked a strategic partnership with kabaddi heavyweights Patna Pirates for Pro Kabaddi League 2025, signing on as the team’s official entertainment partner.

    The Pirates, three-time PKL champions, embody grit, passion and resilience qualities Pocket FM says mirror its own storytelling ethos. The tie-up will see the platform bring fans closer to their heroes with meet-and-greets, on-ground activations and digital campaigns featuring star players, adding drama beyond the do-or-die raids.

    “Kabaddi, much like our audio tales, is full of drama and emotion,” said Pocket FM SVP and head of brand marketing communications and partnerships Vineet Singh. “Through this collaboration, we aim to celebrate both the game and the stories while building stronger connections with fans across the country.”

    Patna Pirates COO Pawan Rana added, “Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this partnership with Pocket FM opens up new ways to engage and excite them. Just as we fight with passion on the mat, Pocket FM will take that journey beyond the game.”

    For Pocket FM, this is not the first foray into the sports arena. The platform has previously partnered with Jaipur Patriots in Ultimate Table Tennis and with The World of Battle BGMI. But with kabaddi’s soaring popularity and PKL’s Season 12 kicking off this August, its alliance with the Pirates could prove to be its biggest sporting raid yet.

  • India’s ice queens rise in Pocket FM’s ‘Sound of Courage’

    India’s ice queens rise in Pocket FM’s ‘Sound of Courage’

    MUMBAI: In a world flooded with noise, opinions, and clutter, Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, is on a mission to inspire the nation through meaningful narratives. The latest chapter in its widely loved ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno’ campaign spotlights the incredible true story of the Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team — a tale of grit, belief, and breaking barriers.

    Despite family resistance, societal pressure, and being mocked for playing “men’s sport,” each player faced her own challenges but never gave up. They eventually went to represent India and won a historic bronze at the Asia Cup. Their incredible journey – from frozen lakes in Ladakh to the international podium – now comes alive in ‘Sound of Courage’, a brand film launched by Pocket FM, as part of its campaign ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno!’.

    Set against the stark and stunning landscape of Ladakh, the film documents how these women braved societal resistance, inadequate gears, and freezing temperatures to chase a dream many deemed impossible. Often training in borrowed men’s gear, their story is one of courage, conviction, and unrelenting belief in themselves.

    “Victory is born out of persistence,” says Indian Women’s Ice Hockey Team captain Tsewang Chuskit. “Our journey was filled with doubt back home, but it was our association that believed in us and stood by us. Still, we chose to listen to our inner voice. ‘Sound of Courage’ reflects our truth—it’s a reminder that trusting yourself can change everything.”

    “We didn’t just win a medal — we made a statement. Against all odds, we carved our own path, broke barriers, and proved that passion knows no boundaries. This Bronze at the IIHF Asia Cup isn’t just about the game — it’s about resilience, belief, and a dream that refused to die.

    To our incredible Ice Hockey family — the players, parents, coaches, and support staff — who believed in us when few did. You showed up when it was hard. Together, we turned every challenge into a stepping stone. We are more than a team — we are a movement,” said Harjinder Singh ‘Jindi’, General Secretary, Ice Hockey Association of India and Member IIHF Asia Committee.

    Pocket FM SVP & head of brand marketing, communications and partnerships, Vineet Singh shared, “In a world filled with noise and negativity, we want to shine a light on stories that inspire and uplift. ‘Sound of Courage’ is more than a film—it’s a tribute to every individual who’s ever dared to defy the odds and to the unheard stories that deserve to reach far and wide.”

    Padma Shri recipient Morup Namgyal has lent his voice to the video. The film is not just about ice hockey. It is about every Indian woman who has chosen her own path – mothers, daughters, and sisters who’ve broken barriers with silent strength. It speaks to a nation where listening to your heart is an act of defiance and courage.

    The film features the players from India’s Women’s Ice Hockey team including Tsewang Chuskit, Sonam Angmo, Sonam Angmo (Kanji) Skarma Rinchen, Rinchen Dolma, Sherap Zangmo, Padma Chorol, Rigzin Yangdol, Dechen Dolker and Diskit C Angmo.

    With ‘Sound of Courage’, Pocket FM furthers its ‘India, Kuch Acha Suno’ movement—an initiative to amplify real stories that bring hope, pride, and purpose to every Indian ear. The film was conceptualised by Pocket Entertainment’s in-house creative team, which led the visualisation, direction, and production in collaboration with Black And White Films.

    Watch here:

     
     

     

  • Pocket FM gives global influencers a good earful

    Pocket FM gives global influencers a good earful

    MUMBAI: In a world drowning in digital noise, Pocket FM has found the ultimate Indian hack: an old-school ear-cleaning.

    The audio entertainment platform’s latest campaign, India, Kuch Acha Suno!, sees global influencers—yes, actual internet celebs—sitting cross-legged on Indian pavements getting their ears cleaned the desi way.

    Featuring familiar names like Brown Wanderers, Kyle Paul, Andy Evans aka The Aussie Bhai, Joshua Barnes, and Praveen, the phygital series follows these creators as they ditch algorithm fatigue and embrace an age-old Indian street tradition. What begins as comic relief soon turns meditative. With each cotton swab and tiny ear-spoon, the influencers shed unsolicited advice, performance anxiety, and motivational junk—only to pop in their earbuds and tune into Pocket FM for actual storytelling that soothes.

    “We live in probably the noisiest times. We are exposed to unsolicited advice, opinions, and noise from every direction,” said Pocket Entertainment head of brand marketing and communications, Vineet Singh. “The ‘roadside ear cleaners’ concept both metaphorically and literally holds a mirror to our lives, filled with noise we never signed up for. It takes forward our brand ideology  and adds a quirky and global twist to it. It further reinforces our message – Block out the chaos and listen to something that actually makes us feel better.”

    Shot on real streets with real reactions, the campaign is all texture and truth. It also clicked with audiences: over 900,000 video views in a week, a million-plus engagements, and a 37 per cent spike in app search trends.

    At a time when even influencers are crying burnout, India, Kuch Acha Suno! hits a universal nerve. Before you can hear something worthwhile, you might just need to clean the wax out—digital or otherwise.

  • “Innovation plays a key role in our brand strategy:” Pocket FM’s Vineet Singh

    “Innovation plays a key role in our brand strategy:” Pocket FM’s Vineet Singh

    Mumbai: Netizens today crave personalised, immersive content that fits seamlessly into their busy lives. As digital entertainment evolves, audiences increasingly seek deeper engagement with stories that resonate on a personal and cultural level. With countless platforms vying for attention, it’s no longer enough to simply offer content; brands must deliver unique experiences that captivate and foster loyalty.

    That’s where Pocket FM steps in, transforming the audio landscape with its fresh take on storytelling. Since its launch in 2018, Pocket FM has ignited a new way of consuming content, turning casual listening into a binge-worthy experience. With over 200 million listeners and a vast library of immersive audio series, it’s not just redefining entertainment—it’s creating a global community of engaged listeners who spend hours each day tuned in.

    Delving deeper, Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty caught up with Pocket FM’s head of brand marketing and communications, Vineet Singh, to discuss the brand’s approach to standing out in a competitive market, its focus on regional content, and the role of user-generated content in building a loyal community, and more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the key challenges you face in building Pocket FM’s brand, and ways in which you address them

    Building Pocket FM’s brand in a cluttered market certainly comes with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is the intense competition among numerous audio content platforms, making it tough to stand out. With so many options available, establishing a unique brand identity that resonates with listeners is crucial.

    To tackle this, we’ve focused on positioning Pocket FM as the go-to platform for audio series. By honing in on this niche, we differentiate ourselves. This clear focus helps us create a more recognizable brand and fosters loyalty among our users.

    Another challenge is creating a distinct niche within the broader entertainment landscape. We’ve embraced the growing demand for regional content, which allows us to connect deeply with diverse audiences across India. By prioritising vernacular storytelling, we not only engage listeners but also support local talent, enriching our brand’s cultural relevance.

    In summary, while the cluttered market presents its challenges, we’re committed to refining our brand strategy, focusing on unique content offerings, and building a strong connection with our audience. This approach positions Pocket FM for continued success as a leader in the audio series space.

    On Pocket FM adapting its brand marketing strategy to differentiate itself in the competitive audio entertainment market and addressing changing audience preferences

    To differentiate ourselves in the competitive entertainment market, Pocket FM has focused on understanding our audience’s unique preferences and behaviours.

    We take a hyper-localised approach, tailoring our brand content to reflect the diverse cultures and interests of our listeners. This strategy not only boosts engagement but also fosters a strong sense of loyalty among our users. By connecting with them culturally and contextually, we ensure our content resonates on a personal level.

    Innovation plays a key role in our brand strategy. For example, our interactive storytelling formats don’t just engage listeners; they immerse them in the experience. This helps us create a distinct identity in the market and deepens the emotional bond with our audience.

    Looking ahead, we’re committed to staying agile and exploring new formats and technologies to enhance engagement. By remaining adaptable and audience-centric, Pocket FM aims to strengthen its leadership in the entertainment space.

    On Pocket FM leveraging user-generated content in its marketing strategy and the role it plays in building community and engagement for Pocket FM

    At Pocket FM, user-generated content (UGC) is central to our marketing strategy and community engagement. By tapping into the creativity of our listeners, we amplify our brand reach and foster a sense of ownership within our community.

    UGC helps us in several ways:

    ● Fostering authentic connections: When listeners share their experiences or favourite shows, it creates genuine word-of-mouth marketing. This authenticity builds trust, as potential users see real interactions with our content.

    ●   Expanding reach and visibility: User-shared content on social media broadens our reach organically. It taps into existing networks, increasing our visibility and serving as social proof that encourages new users to explore our platform.

    ●   Building a sense of community: UGC strengthens connections among our listeners. When users share reviews, opinions, or fan art, it sparks conversations and builds micro-communities within our larger audience, fostering loyalty and a shared culture.

    ●   Enhancing personalisation and feedback loops: User reviews and feedback help us tailor our content and marketing strategies. By understanding what resonates with our audience, we refine both our offerings and how we promote them

    In summary, UGC not only amplifies our marketing efforts but also plays a key role in building a vibrant, engaged community at Pocket FM. By empowering our listeners to share their stories, we create a powerful connection that drives our success.

    On Pocket FM measuring ROI for marketing campaigns, and the key metrics; and a recent example of a campaign with significant ROI

    At Pocket FM, we measure the ROI of our marketing campaigns by focusing on a mix of performance and audience-centric metrics. While user acquisition is important, we believe true success lies in the depth of engagement and long-term retention.

    We closely monitor how our campaigns resonate with our community and contribute to sustained engagement. Retention rates, in particular, give us a clear picture of how well we’re building lasting relationships with our audience.

    Additionally, we prioritise understanding audience behaviour—from their first interaction to ongoing loyalty. This holistic approach helps us refine our strategies, ensuring our marketing efforts drive sustainable growth.

    On Pocket FM keeping its brand messaging consistent across platforms and the strategies that you use to boost listener engagement and loyalty

    At Pocket FM, ensuring a unified and consistent brand message across all platforms is a top priority to deliver a seamless listener experience. While we maintain a consistent tone and voice that reflects our brand identity, we adapt our communication to the unique dynamics of each channel. On social media, for example, we embrace a more casual and visually engaging approach to connect quickly with users, whereas on our app, we focus on deeper storytelling and analysis, offering a richer, more immersive experience.

    On the upcoming trends in marketing that you’re excited about, and your plan to integrate them into Pocket FM’s strategy

    Several emerging trends in marketing excite us, and we see great potential to integrate them into Pocket FM’s strategy for driving growth and engagement. To call out a few –

    ● AI-driven personalisation: Personalisation has become essential. With advancements in AI and machine learning, we can dive deeper into user behaviour and preferences. By leveraging AI, we plan to enhance our content across platforms with tailored experiences that align with user interests, delivering hyper-personalised content that keeps our audience engaged.

    ●   We’re particularly excited about immersive audio technologies, like spatial audio, which can elevate brand communication. This technology creates a

    multi-dimensional sound experience that places listeners at the heart of the narrative, making their listening experience more engaging.

    ●   Direct-to-fan platforms: These platforms represent an exciting opportunity for more personalised audience engagement. They allow us to connect directly with our listeners, fostering deeper relationships and gaining real-time insights into their preferences. We’re exploring how to experiment with these platforms to strengthen our bonds with our audience and create tailored experiences that resonate on an individual level.

    Overall, we’re eager to embrace these trends and integrate them into our strategy to enhance listener engagement and loyalty at Pocket FM.

  • TV and OTT stars are swapping the screen for your ears

    TV and OTT stars are swapping the screen for your ears

    Mumbai: Some of your favorite TV and OTT stars are shifting from the small screen to your earbuds, bringing their talent to the world of audio series. This change reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry, as high-quality content and innovative storytelling attract top talent to platforms like Pocket FM.

    The audio series wave is giving television and OTT actors a new stage to showcase their acting skills in audio series promotions, also known as Pocket FM live-action. Alongside them, top writers and producers are also joining this movement, contributing their craft to the growing audio-entertainment sector.

    For example, Sumbul Touqeer, known for her powerful on-screen performances, made headlines with her appearance in the promo for “Devil Se Shaadi,” highlighting the trend of TV and OTT stars embracing audio entertainment.

    Similarly, Nishant Malkaani and Nyrraa M Banerjee, who have been well-known on the small screen, recently featured in the promo for the hit audio series “Insta Empire” on Pocket FM. Their involvement marks a new era where actors are not just seen but heard, bringing a different dimension to their craft.

    Aly Goni who starred in the blockbuster audio series “Secret Ameerzada” live action, shared with IANS, “The audio series platform is different from other forms of storytelling. It gives actors like me a chance to use our creativity to stimulate imagination in the audience’s minds. It is new and exciting, something different from what I’m used to. I couldn’t resist taking on this challenge,” he said.

    But the audio adventure isn’t limited to promo appearances. Pooja Gor, another small-screen favorite, recently stepped into the narrator’s role for a series of popular audio dramas including “Insta Millionaire,” “Devil Se Shaadi,” and “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To,” all on Pocket FM. Her involvement further reiterates that audio storytelling is not just a passing trend but a vibrant new chapter in the world of entertainment.

    Pocket FM VP of brand marketing and communications Vineet Singh sums it up perfectly: “Audio storytelling is changing the game in the entertainment industry, and we’re happy to see television and OTT actors getting involved and inclined to this shift towards audio entertainment and actively promoting the same. At Pocket FM, we have associated with actors and influencers who have brought their talent to our platform and been part of multiple blockbuster shows.”

    As audiences across India and beyond tune into audio series, one thing is clear: the future of entertainment is no longer confined to the screen. With TV and OTT stars stepping behind the mic and also becoming the face of audio series, the world of storytelling is expanding in new directions. Whether you’re commuting, cooking, or just relaxing, these audio series are proving that sometimes, the best stories aren’t just watched—they’re heard.

  • Pocket FM coughs up the most powerful audio story with ‘The Coughing Episode’

    Pocket FM coughs up the most powerful audio story with ‘The Coughing Episode’

    Mumbai: This World No Tobacco Day, audio series platform Pocket FM took a creative approach to raise awareness about the adverse effects of smoking with ‘The Coughing Episode’. The thought-provoking campaign on its social media pages was driven by a unique audio twist to encourage Pocket FM’s community to consider a tobacco-free lifestyle.

    Pocket FM’s social media channels such as Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube buzzed with a special 71-second episode. In this special episode, a narrator experienced a persistent cough – a common consequence of smoking. However, the episode soon turned into a powerful message about the harmful effects of smoking, encouraging listeners to lead a tobacco-free life.

    Complementing the online efforts, Pocket FM aired a multi-city public service announcement across radio stations like Fever FM and Radio One. The public service announcement used humour to connect the dots between smoking and a raspy voice, urging listeners to take the pledge to quit smoking, reminding everyone that a healthy lifestyle is the real soundtrack of a great life.

    Pocket FM head – branding & communications Vineet Singh said, “Audio is one of the most powerful tools, whether entertainment or education. At Pocket FM, we are using this power to shed light on the serious health hazards of tobacco. By creatively integrating a surprise element in our content,  we want to engage our listeners while inspiring them to make healthier choices. This World No Tobacco Day, let’s all take a moment to pledge to stay tobacco-free and support a healthier future.”

    As part of this initiative, Pocket FM is encouraging everyone to join the conversation and spread the word via Pocket FM’s World No Tobacco Day content with using the hashtags #WorldNoTobaccoDay and #PocketFM.

  • Pocket FM’s heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute video

    Pocket FM’s heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute video

    Mumbai: As Mother’s Day approaches, audio series platform Pocket FM unveils a touching tribute video celebrating the cherished bond between its employees and their mothers. This heartwarming video brings back the mother-kid moments and reflects the heartfelt connections every employee has with their mothers.

    In a world where digital connections often overshadow personal moments, Pocket FM is honoring the invaluable role that mothers play in shaping our lives. The video captures candid moments and heart-to-heart conversations, offering a glimpse into the profound impact that these remarkable women have had on their children.

    “Mothers are the ultimate storytellers, weaving narratives of love, resilience, and unwavering support. At Pocket FM, we understand the significance of family and the profound influence of mothers in shaping our lives,” said Pocket FM head – branding and communications Vineet Singh. “Through this tribute video, we aim to express our gratitude and appreciation for the unwavering love, support, and guidance that our mothers provide each day.”

    The video features employees from diverse backgrounds, each sharing their unique pictures with their mothers. From nostalgic childhood memories to words of gratitude and admiration, the video encapsulates the essence of Mother’s Day, celebrating the enduring bond between mothers and their children.

    This heartwarming tribute not only celebrates the spirit of Mother’s Day but also underscores Pocket FM’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and celebrating the human experience through storytelling.

    The video, conceptualised and produced entirely by Pocket FM’s internal team, including scripting and voice narration.

  • TCH 2024: Ink on the edge: Overcoming challenges for writers with audio series

    TCH 2024: Ink on the edge: Overcoming challenges for writers with audio series

    Mumbai: The eighth edition of The Content Hub Summit delved into the ever-changing world of content creation. With the consolidation of platforms, creators face new hurdles in gaining visibility, maximising revenue, and maintaining creative freedom. The event also explored the remarkable theatrical success of Indian cinema and unraveled the secrets behind its unprecedented profits, with a critical eye towards its sustainability.

    The session was chaired by Radioandmusic.com editor Namrata Kale. It included the following panelists: writer & director Pubali Chaudhuri, screenwriter Ishani Banerjee, Majburi Main Bandha Ek Rishta writer Jigyasa and Pocket FM head – branding and communications Vineet Singh.

    The panel discussion shed light on the challenges writers face in the audio, film, and OTT industries, stressing the need for recognition, fair contracts, and empowerment.

    Pubali emphasized the need to acknowledge writers’ contributions and improve revenue sharing, while Ishani highlighted the significance of contracts, credits, and acknowledgment in empowering writers. Vineet outlined Pocket FM’s initiatives to empower writers globally with equitable revenue-sharing models, while Jigyasa shared her journey of discovering writing talent during the lockdown and finding success with Pocket FM.

    In conclusion, the panel underscored the industry’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by writers and providing platforms like Pocket FM to showcase diverse narratives.
     

  • Pocket FM shines bright at India Audio and Summit Awards 2024

    Pocket FM shines bright at India Audio and Summit Awards 2024

    Mumbai: Audio series platform Pocket FM announces its triumphant success at the esteemed India Audio Summit & Awards, organised by Radio and Music, with three distinguished awards across various categories.

    The India Audio Summit & Awards, a platform dedicated to celebrating excellence in the field of audio streaming, honored Pocket FM for its outstanding contributions to the industry. The awards ceremony, held on 4 April 2024 in Mumbai, witnessed Pocket FM’s exemplary performance recognised across multiple categories:

    Pocket FM’s innovative approach towards entertainment with its disruptive audio series format earned it the coveted title of ‘Best Audio Streaming Platform ’

    ‘The New Avatar,’ a trending sci-fi audio series on Pocket FM, clinched the award for ‘Best Science Show’. It is a mysterious fantasy drama that depicts the story of a brave prince, Daksh, and his reincarnated soul’s journey to unravel the reasons behind his murder.

    ‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To,’ a top-trending fiction audio series on Pocket FM, emerged as the winner for  Best Fiction Show. The fiction drama is the story of Anika who returns to her hometown Manali, along with her daughter, to find her twin kid.

    Pocket FM VP branding and communications Vineet Singh said, “At Pocket FM, we are reshaping how entertainment is consumed, spearheading the binge-listening trend with audio series – a category that we have created. The recognition at IASA 24 underscores our leadership in the audio series category, and highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment to our audiences.”