"It was a way for me to discover my creative side"
Pocket FM, a trailblazing audio series platform, has become the epicenter of an auditory revolution, captivating millions of listeners worldwide.
Offering a fusion of genres that encompass romance, horror, thriller, and drama, Pocket FM is a gateway to immersive storytelling.
But Pocket FM’s appeal extends far beyond its diverse library of audio series.
It thrives on a dynamic creator community, a talented ensemble of authors, storytellers, voice-over artists, and writers, who craft tales that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
At its core, Pocket FM is a treasure trove of experiences.
To get a better idea of how the platform has thrived and managed to help young and established writers, we dive into the background of Pocket FM and also hear from Muskan Kumari.
The new writer opens up about her audio series Superstar’s Hidden Wife, writing at a young age, and how Pocket FM provides solid career-defining support.
The Visionaries Behind the Sonic Revolution
Founded in 2018 by the trio of Rohan Nayak, Nishanth KS, and Prateek Dixit, Pocket FM has soared to incredible heights.
From its inception, this Series C stage company has been on a mission to redefine the boundaries of auditory entertainment.
And they’ve done so with aplomb, raising approximately £87.5 million in multiple rounds of funding.
But what truly sets Pocket FM apart is its distinguished roster of investors, featuring industry giants such as Lightspeed, Times Internet, Goodwater Capital, Naver, and many others.
These marquee investors have recognised the platform’s potential to transform the way we consume content, and they’ve backed it wholeheartedly.
Pocket FM has a vast content library boasting more than 100,000 hours of material.
And, it has succeeded in transforming everyday boredom into non-stop entertainment.
The platform has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, with listeners spending an average of over 150 minutes daily engrossed in its diverse range of titles.
The Unexpected Journey of Muskan Kumari
In the heart of Bihar, amidst the tranquil town of Saharsa, a young writer named Muskan Kumari has defied the odds and carved out a unique path to success.
At just 21 years old, Muskan has become a prominent figure in the world of audio storytelling, all thanks to Pocket FM.
Muskan’s story is nothing short of extraordinary.
Growing up in a town known for its serenity rather than its literary pursuits, she found herself on an unexpected trajectory, saying:
“My journey has been full of surprises and thrills. I grew up in Saharsa, where I always enjoyed learning.
“This interest led me to continue studying after school. But something unexpected happened – I fell in love with writing while I was preparing for banking exams.
“This was surprising because my family had a business background.
“Despite that, I found happiness in creating stories while I studied.”
“Little did I know that this love for writing would lead me to where I am today.
While Muskan was diligently preparing for her banking exams, an introduction to Pocket FM by her elder sister changed the course of her life:
“Writing came as a surprise, especially since I was busy with banking exams.
“During my first year of post-graduation, my elder sister introduced me to Pocket FM, a platform where I could listen to stories.
“While using it, I realised I could also be a writer. Even though I hadn’t planned on becoming one, I decided to give it a try.
“It was a way for me to discover my creative side and do something different from my studies.”
Here, we witness the transformative potential of platforms like Pocket FM.
They not only entertain but also empower individuals to explore their creative potential.
From being a consumer of content, Muskan took her first steps toward becoming a creator.
From Listener to Writer: A Remarkable Transition
Transitioning from a reader and listener to a writer on Pocket FM was an exciting and challenging journey for Muskan.
Her story mirrors the thoughts and experiences of many young writers who embark on their creative journeys.
The initial uncertainty is often overshadowed by the thrill of seeing their stories come to life and the joy of connecting with an audience. She explains:
“Going from being a listener/reader to a writer on Pocket FM was exciting and a bit challenging.
“My sister’s encouragement played a big role in pushing me to try it out.
“As a reader and consumer of content, I loved enjoying different stories.
“Eventually, the idea of making my own stories fascinated me. I started by writing episodes, even though I didn’t expect much from it at first.
“It was a learning experience, and the positive feedback from readers motivated me to keep going and improve my writing.
“When I started writing, I never thought I’d achieve the level of success I have.
“It began as an experiment, a way for me to be creative while preparing for banking exams.
“The fact that my stories have touched listeners and received such positive responses has been really amazing and satisfying.”
Muskan also opened up about her audio series, Superstar’s Hidden Wife.
It’s a tale of a superstar’s life intertwined with the mystery of his hidden wife, a narrative that has intrigued listeners worldwide.
Diving into the inspiration behind the series, she reveals:
“Superstar’s Hidden Wife was inspired by a mix of things I observed and my desire to tell a unique story.
“The idea is about a superstar’s life mixed with the mystery of his hidden wife.”
“I got the inspiration from wanting to understand the complexities of relationships and fame, and how they can change people’s lives in unexpected ways.
“This audio series allowed me to explore deep emotions and create a story that captures the attention of listeners.”
As the audio series begins to triumph across the world, it shows the reach that Pocket FM has.
The platform gives many new and young writers the freedom to create in their own unique way, without trying to force them to fit into a generic mold.
One of Muskan’s key strengths as a writer is her ability to infuse her stories with unexpected twists and complex characters.
She shares her approach, saying:
“Adding unexpected turns and creating characters with mixed morals is really important to keep listeners interested as the real world reflects that too.
“I believe that adding in twists and characters who aren’t just good or bad keeps the audience curious.
“By making characters with complex feelings, it makes listeners think about why they do what they do.
“Surprising moments make a strong connection between listeners and the characters, making the story even more engaging.”
This emphasis on character complexity and plot surprises is a hallmark of Muskan’s storytelling style.
It’s this dedication to crafting narratives that resonate with listeners that sets her apart as a talented writer on Pocket FM. Muskan states:
“I enjoy writing these kinds of stories because they’re relatable.
“I get my inspiration from real-life situations and the feelings people have in families and relationships.
“These genres give me a chance to explore how humans connect, including both the happy and challenging times.
“Writing in these genres helps me understand human emotions better, which makes the stories more engaging and touching.”
Muskan’s choice of genres reflects her deep understanding of human emotions and relationships.
And, because Pocket FM has a range of stories that creators can draw ideas and motivation from, it allows new tales to be filled with as much imagination as possible.
Words of Wisdom for Emerging Writers
Muskan Kumari has come a long way since her days of preparing for banking exams.
Her remarkable journey is a testament to her dedication, the support of her family, and the creative opportunities offered by platforms like Pocket FM.
To young writers embarking on their own journeys, Muskan has these words of wisdom:
“To all the young writers starting out and facing tough times, I want to say: keep going and stay passionate.
“Believe in your creative talents and don’t let problems stop you.
“Writing is a journey of growth, and every experience – whether good or tough – helps you become a better writer.
“Accept feedback that helps you improve, and most importantly, write from your heart.
“Your own special way of seeing things can create stories that touch readers in ways you might not expect.
“Just believe in yourself and keep writing!”
In the world of storytelling, platforms like Pocket FM have become the catalyst for nurturing fresh talent and providing a vibrant stage for emerging voices.
As we’ve learned from the remarkable journey of Muskan Kumari, Pocket FM has played a pivotal role in her transformation from a young enthusiast to a successful writer and storyteller.
Pocket FM has not only provided a platform for talented writers like Muskan but has also enabled them to take their passion for storytelling to new heights.
Through its vast content library and engaged listener base, Pocket FM offers a unique opportunity for writers to connect with their audience and refine their craft.
So, to all the aspiring writers out there, take a page from Muskan’s book and let your imagination run wild.
Embrace platforms like Pocket FM, where your stories can find a home and your words can touch the hearts and minds of listeners around the world.
Your journey may be full of surprises and thrills, just like Muskan’s, and who knows where your creativity might take you.
Learn more about Pocket FM here.