Pocket FM is a revolutionary audio content platform specializing in OTT audio series. The platform aims to redefine audio entertainment by providing its users with compelling and engaging content — with hit series stretching into the hundreds and even thousands of episodes. With its massive library of fantastic content and disruptive business model, Pocket FM is positioned to fundamentally change the audio content market.
Audio takes the centerstage
In their recent report, titled “Digital Entertainment Insights: Audio Takes the Centerstage,” Pocket FM reveals that 90% of respondents in the United States reported tuning into audio entertainment daily. This supports research released by Edison that shows an estimated 209 million listeners to online audio content in the US alone, not to mention internationally.
Of the 90% of people who listen to audio entertainment daily, there are three main reasons cited as their primary motivation: 1 in 2 said they prefer audio for its storytelling capabilities, 1 in 3 said they appreciate its convenience, and a further 1 in 3 say they enjoy the diversity of content the audio medium offers. The best audio content platforms can maximize all three key characteristics — quality storytelling, convenience, and diverse genres — and no platform does all three better than Pocket FM.
The perfect length for audio content
In exploring the behaviors of audio content listeners, Pocket FM found that 43% of listeners prefer their content to be divided into 5-15 minute episodes, while 39% prefer episodes to be 15-30 minutes, and only 18% prefer 45-60 minute episodes. This shows consumers prefer quick, short episodic content that fits well into their routine. Creators of audio content must cater to their listeners’ unique needs.
Pocket FM’s content is designed with “binge listening” behavior in mind. Series are broken up into bite-sized pieces that can be listened to when convenient but draw listeners in and leave them clamoring for more. Much like watching a great show on a streaming service, with Pocket FM, you’ll keep listening to more episodes until, before you know it, you’ll be hours deep into your favorite audio drama. For some of the more popular series on the service, like “Insta Millionaire” and “The Return,” users tend to listen to 150 minutes or more of content daily.
How and why people listen to audio content
According to Pocket FM’s survey, 63% of audio content listeners tune in via their smartphone. Although an increasing amount of users are listening on devices such as tablets, smart TVs, desktop computers, and more, mobile devices remain the dominant vector for audio storytelling. This is why Pocket FM remains dedicated to becoming the greatest mobile app for audio content on the market, providing users with a superior listening experience and a library of superb, binge-worthy content.
One of the most surprising findings of Pocket FM’s survey, though, is that users are not simply listening to audio content out of necessity. Although audio series are great for when users’ other senses are occupied — such as when driving on their commute to work — it’s also a great form of entertainment and escapism in general. Many listeners use audio content to destress, with a reported 65% of respondents saying they use it as a fundamental element of their productivity and mindful living.
The best business model for audio content
Another critical insight gleaned from Pocket FM’s survey is their users’ preference towards microtransactions as a form of monetization for their audio content. Only 29% of respondents preferred subscription-based models, while 32% preferred microtransactions. These findings align with the success of Pocket FM’s business model, in which limited free episodes are made available daily, and users can purchase access to more episodes if they hope to continue their binge.
“These trends show that people want more immersive experiences and suggest a bigger shift that encourages away from constantly looking at screens for entertainment while trying to distress,” said Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak. “The rising popularity of audio series, where people binge-listen without needing to stare at a screen, is a clear sign of this change. It’s an exciting time for audio, emerging as the new lifestyle, as we find new ways to create engaging experiences that really connect with our users.”
With a library of content as massive and high-quality as Pocket FM’s, it would be hard for a user not to be utterly engaged with their listening experience. Whether looking for something to fill their time on their commute to work or enjoy while unwinding after a long day, Pocket FM offers something for everyone’s listening needs.
