In the digital wilderness of 2025, where content is king and candour is most appreciated, self-produced podcasts and shows have become the talk of the town. Often hosted by content creators and stand-up comics, one could assume that their appeal lies in the fact that they’re raw, they’re honest, and many young individuals find a certain thrill in hearing someone “say it like it is”.

A survey conducted by Indus Vox Media (IVM) Podcasts—which is an Indian multi-lingual podcast network that hosts a wide variety of podcasts—revealed that 77 per cent of their listeners are under the age of 35, highlighting the platform’s resonance with younger audiences. Complementing this, a 2023 EY report found that Gen Z places a higher premium on authenticity than on traditional success metrics like wealth, fame, or world-changing ambitions. They gravitate toward content that embraces quirks and imperfections over polished facades.