Gen Z & The Mic Drop: Why Young Creators Are Driving India’s Podcasting Boom

If you thought Gen Z only had the attention span for 30-second Reels, think again. While short-form video may dominate the scroll, a growing set of young Indian creators are proving that long-form storytelling isn’t dead, it’s just wearing cooler headphones. Podcasts have quietly become the new hangout space for Gen Z, a platform where creators can be unfiltered, conversational, and, most importantly, themselves.

Why Podcasts, Why Now?

For a generation that craves authenticity, podcasts feel like a natural fit. They’re intimate, immersive, and free from the pressure of being algorithm-friendly every second. Unlike the glossy aesthetic of Instagram or the high-energy edits of YouTube, podcasts lean into real talk. And that’s exactly what Gen Z wants, conversations that feel like a coffee chat, not a press release.

Creators, too, are discovering the power of the mic. Podcasts allow them to stretch beyond 60-second formats, explore layered stories, and build communities that stick. Plus, they double as brand-building tools, with clips repurposed into reels that amplify reach while keeping the long-form core intact.

Voices Leading the Wave

• Raj Shamani: Already a household name in the business and self-growth space, Raj’s Figuring Out podcast has become a cultural phenomenon. It brings together entrepreneurs, creators, and thinkers, offering Gen Z both inspiration and relatability. His ability to weave big ideas into digestible conversations has made him one of India’s most influential podcasting voices.

• Ansh Dhote – Shut Up Beta: Best known for his sharp takes on culture, Ansh surprised many by launching Shut Up Beta, a podcast co-hosted with his mom. Equal parts funny and wholesome, it gives listeners a peek into intergenerational banter, proving that long-form can be heartfelt while still entertaining.

• Sakshi Shivdasani & Naina – Moments of Silence Pod: This duo is redefining how women creators can shape podcasting. Their Moments of Silence Pod blends humour, honesty, and a dash of chaos, offering episodes that feel like late-night chats with your best friends.

• Aadya & Mayur – Mic’d Up with AaduMayy: A young duo that’s making waves with Mic’d Up with AaduMayy. Their podcast thrives on chemistry, relatability, and Gen Z’s love for unscripted conversations. By mixing light-hearted fun with authentic storytelling, they’re building a loyal audience one episode at a time.

• Kanchi & Rhea: Another upcoming duo tapping into the medium’s potential, Kanchi and Rhea balance relatability with depth. Their shows often feel like long coffee-table conversations, resonating with audiences looking for realness in a digital landscape full of filters.

The Bigger Picture

What makes this wave fascinating is how podcasts are no longer niche. Spotify India has pushed heavily into the space, while YouTube has rolled out podcast-specific features, making discoverability easier. Gen Z creators are riding this momentum, using podcasts as both intimacy platforms and growth engines. The playbook is simple: record long-form, slice it into short-form, and reach audiences across touchpoints.

Another key factor is monetisation. With brand sponsorships, platform deals, and even live podcast shows, creators are seeing podcasts not just as passion projects but as scalable businesses. This mix of art, authenticity, and opportunity makes the medium particularly attractive for a generation that values both self-expression and financial independence.

Long-Form is Cool Again

For years, the internet narrative was that attention spans were shrinking. But Gen Z creators are proving otherwise. They’ll scroll fast, but they’ll also stay hooked if the content is genuine and engaging. Podcasts, with their ability to slow things down and dig deeper, are giving young creators exactly that space.

The result? A podcasting boom that feels less like a passing trend and more like the evolution of digital storytelling. For Gen Z, the mic isn’t just an accessory, it’s the new stage.