Why Has Pocket FM Shut Down Its Microdrama Platform Pocket TV?
Audio entertainment platform Pocket FM has discontinued Pocket TV, its experimental microdrama vertical, as the company sharpens its focus on its core audio business and global expansion ahead of a planned public listing.
The company described Pocket TV as a beta product created to explore the fast growing microdrama category. However, it clarified that the platform was never a material contributor to its overall business.
According to a company spokesperson, the decision is part of Pocket FM’s regular product evaluation process and reflects its long-term strategy of prioritizing audio entertainment.
What Did Pocket FM Say About The Closure?
Pocket FM emphasized that Pocket TV was launched as an experimental initiative to test consumer demand in the short form video storytelling space.
The company stated that it periodically reviews product performance and strategic alignment before deciding whether to continue or discontinue experimental offerings.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
Pocket FM added that it continues to witness strong growth across its key international markets.
Will The Shutdown Lead To Layoffs?
Following reports linking the closure to potential job cuts, Pocket FM denied that any layoffs were being carried out due to the discontinuation of Pocket TV.
The company clarified that no employees were being laid off in connection with the shutdown of the microdrama business and described reports suggesting otherwise as incorrect.
However, Pocket FM has witnessed workforce restructuring and several senior-level exits earlier this year as part of broader organizational changes.
How Does This Fit Into Pocket FM’s IPO Strategy?
The closure of Pocket TV comes shortly after Pocket FM initiated discussions to shift its holding company back to India through a reverse flip.
The restructuring is intended to facilitate a domestic public listing as the company prepares for its next phase of growth.
By narrowing its strategic focus around audio entertainment, Pocket FM appears to be simplifying its business ahead of an IPO while concentrating investments on its strongest revenue-generating segment.
How Is Pocket FM Performing?
Founded by Rohan Nayak, Nishanth KS, and Prateek Dixit, Pocket FM has grown into one of India’s largest audio entertainment platforms.
The company reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) run rate of $450 million in April 2026, driven by strong international expansion and the increasing use of AI-powered content creation across its platform.
Its audio-first strategy has helped the company expand beyond India into several overseas markets, making international growth a key contributor to overall revenue.
What Does This Mean For The Digital Entertainment Industry?
Pocket FM’s decision reflects a broader trend among venture-backed startups that are increasingly prioritizing profitability, operational focus, and scalable business models ahead of public market listings.
While short-form video and microdrama formats continue to attract investor interest globally, Pocket FM has chosen to concentrate resources on its established audio business, where it already enjoys significant market leadership.
The move also comes amid intensifying competition in India’s digital entertainment space. Rival Kuku Technologies, the parent company of Kuku FM and Kuku TV, has confidentially filed draft papers with SEBI for a proposed ₹3,500 crore IPO at a reported valuation of around ₹15,000 crore. Meanwhile, Mohalla Tech, the parent company of ShareChat, is also preparing for a potential public listing over the next 12 to 18 months.
