Pocket FM Leverages AI Innovations to Widen Content Horizons

Pocket FM, an audio platform from India, boasts over 200,000 hours of content but seeks to further enhance its library by employing AI tools. These tools assist in audio production and regional story adaptation, allowing the platform to explore various genres effectively. The initiative aims to create blockbuster content while maintaining creative quality.

Pocket FM, India’s go-to audio platform, is sitting on a goldmine with over 200,000 hours of content. But CEO Rohan Nayak isn’t just resting on his laurels—he’s eyeing massive growth by diving deep into original content and mixing up genres. And how? By betting big on AI to speed up production and make stories that resonate locally. Because let’s face it, one size doesn’t fit all.

“Our current lineup? It’s got gaps,” Nayak admits. “Especially in mature entertainment. That’s where AI steps in to fill the void.” Teaming up with ElevenLabs has been a game-changer, slashing production costs and time like never before. We’re talking five times faster outputs for a fraction of the price. Not too shabby, right?

But it’s not just about translating words. Pocket FM is pushing AI to adapt stories culturally, tackling tricky stuff like long narratives that usually trip up AI models. They’re tweaking these models to keep characters consistent, something off-the-shelf solutions just can’t handle.

And here’s something cool: they’re brewing up a writer’s sidekick tool. Imagine having a virtual brainstorming buddy that throws out killer plot ideas, powered by data from the platform itself. Nayak’s vision? To recreate the magic of a writer’s room, but for the solo scribe.

Chasing the next big hit? Pocket FM’s got an analytical engine in the works to predict what’ll stick. In a market this competitive, it’s not just about making more content—it’s about making content that wins. But Nayak’s wary of the trade-off: speed versus quality. Because nobody wants a flood of me-too stories.

AI’s already making waves, with voices crafted for over 40,000 series pulling in $3 million. That’s part of a whopping $127 million in earnings for 2024. Not bad for a day’s work.

But here’s the tightrope walk: keeping AI’s efficiency in check without stifling creativity. As writer Puneet Sharma points out, there’s a real risk of losing the soul in the rush to automate. AI can spark ideas, sure, but skipping the messy, beautiful process of creation? That’s a debate we’re all in.

With $197 million from heavyweights like Lightspeed Ventures and Tencent, Pocket FM’s playing in the big leagues against Audible and local champs like Pratilipi and Kuku FM. Their play? Use AI to not just grow, but to tell stories that matter—and make some noise while they’re at it.