HT Smartcast opens more avenues for partnerships, celebrates 2 years with 50 Million+ listens

The podcast company of HT Media Ltd. is celebrating its second year of existence on a high. It reached a phenomenal 50 Million+ listens in less than 2 years. It has successfully climbed up to an average of 5 Million+ listens per month. With this as motivation, it continues to stay true to its mission of producing engaging content that speaks to its growing base of listeners from the moment they press play.

On this International Podcast Day, they have decided to raise awareness of a growing industry and the opportunities it brings for brands and podcasters alike while highlighting talent from all over the country.

HT Smartcast’s podcaster community delivers content that creates new perspectives, starts conversation and promotes exploration. They have a podcast like Whatsapp University: Jhakaas ya Bakwaas that busts fake news, F Wala Pyaar and Streedom that cover new age love and living from male and female perspectives respectively, Mera Wala Grief focuses on how celebrities like Chef Vikas Khanna and Journalist Barkha Dutt are dealing their life’s losses with special focus on the importance of mental health and the fast-becoming popular fiction Boondon Se Baatein. They also have podcasts that drive thought leadership, like HT Smartcast Leadership Lessons that has its own unique following. There are celebrity exclusives where Kareena Kapoor spoke about the second pregnancy and Sabyasachi spoke about his H&M Controversy.

Deepti Ahuja (Producer and Content Head, HT Smartcast) says “Podcasts do 3 things: Educate, engage and entertain, and if your listening experience is lacking either or one of these 3 then you must explore the 40+ genres of podcasts that we have waiting for you.” HT Smartcast is present on 17+ audio platforms across the country and is growing its base internationally, offering podcasts in 6 different Indian languages.

Authenticity of voice in delivering a brand message has been at the core of every episode they create. As they get back to work after 10 days of celebrations, they are looking forward to September 30 - a worldwide celebration of the power of podcasts. Thanks to each podcast listener, distribution partner and audio enthusiast who has made the last two years possible.

Mr.Ramesh Menon (CEO, Fever FM and HT Smartcast) says “It’s been an incredible start to our journey, from an idea to 170+ curated podcasts, 2000+ Episodes, 100+ first time podcasters and over 5 million listens a month. Listeners and podcasters have enthusiastically jumped on the podcasting bandwagon. It’s time for brands and advertisers to experience the potential of an immersive medium that breaks through the clutter and takes your proposition right through without interruption. How many other mediums can claim to do that?”

We are moving forward with programmatic advertising in podcasts in India with a special focus on branded podcasts that have created lasting impacts with an 89% awareness increase and influenced 1 in 4 listeners to research the brand. We plan to replicate and increase this impact in the country with flexible solutions. Our collaborations have always helped brands grow and the journey has been nothing short of an adventure. Here’s looking at many more.