Pocket FM shuts microdrama vertical Pocket TV

Audio entertainment platform Pocket FM has wound up Pocket TV, its microdrama experiment, to concentrate on its core audio business and global growth as it prepares for a public listing. Confirming the move to Entrackr, a Pocket FM spokesperson said, "Pocket TV was launched as a beta product to explore the emerging microdrama category and is not a material contributor to Pocket FM's business. As with any product experiment, we periodically evaluate performance and strategic fit, and any decisions related to Pocket TV are part of that normal process. "Our core focus remains building the world's leading audio entertainment platform. Audio continues to account for the overwhelming majority of our business, and we remain focused on scaling the category globally. Today, Pocket FM is one of the largest audio entertainment platforms globally and continues to see strong growth across its key international markets," the spokesperson added. Economic Times reported the development first. Entrackr also asked the company about potential layoffs following the shutdown of its microdrama vertical. However, Pocket FM denied any such move. "To be absolutely clear, no layoffs are being undertaken in connection with Pocket TV, and any suggestion otherwise is incorrect." It’s worth mentioning that Pocket FM has already gone through layoffs and senior level exits this year. The discontinuation of Pocket TV also follows Pocket FM's recent decision to begin discussions for shifting its holding company back to India through a reverse flip, a step aimed at facilitating a domestic public listing. Founded by Rohan Nayak, Nishanth KS, and Prateek Dixit, Pocket FM has emerged as one of India's largest audio entertainment platforms. The company reported a $450 million annual recurring revenue (ARR) run rate in April 2026, driven by growth in international markets and AI-led content creation. Meanwhile, its competitor Kuku Technologies, the parent of Kuku FM and Kuku TV, has confidentially filed draft papers with Sebi for a Rs 3,500 crore IPO at a reported valuation of around Rs 15,000 crore. Another competitor Mohalla Tech, which runs ShareChat, is also targeting an IPO within the next 12–18 months.