As podcasting continues its rapid growth in India, 2025 saw creators diversify content across genres, formats, and languages. From investigative journalism to laugh-out-loud comedy and finance explainers for everyday listeners, Indian podcasts have achieved widespread penetration. This year-end review highlights some standout podcasts that dominated the charts, captured audiences, and shaped conversations across platforms.
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS
The Ranveer Show
One of India’s most streamed long-form interview podcasts, The Ranveer Show hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia, blends news, culture, entrepreneurship, and current affairs with storytelling and inspiration. Ranking high in Spotify India’s creator-led list for 2025, the show features cultural icons, policymakers, and thought leaders, reinforcing its status as a go-to news-plus platform for young listeners.
Crime Branch Podcast (Aaj Tak Radio)
In serious reportage-meets-storytelling mode, Crime Branch Podcast dives into crime, justice, and law enforcement with interviews from police officers, lawyers, and journalists. The show takes listeners behind the scenes of high-profile investigations, highlighting key legal, societal, and procedural insights. Its structured approach to reporting real cases sets it apart in the news & current affairs genre.
TRUE CRIME & INVESTIGATIVE AUDIO
The Desi Crime Podcast
True crime continues to captivate Indian audiences, with The Desi Crime Podcast emerging as a leading title in 2025. Hosted by Aryaan Misra and Aishwarya Singh, the podcast brings deep dives into South Asian crime cases with rigorous narration and context that resonates across demographics.
Trial By Error: The Aarushi Files
A perennial favourite, this investigative audio drama revisits the infamous Noida double murder case. Hosted and written by journalist Nishita Jha, the series offers a meticulously researched audio retelling of events and judicial developments, blending narrative with journalistic inquiry, making it a staple in the Indian true-crime canon.
COMEDY & ENTERTAINMENT
Cyrus Says
Produced under the IVM Podcasts banner, Cyrus Says is one of India’s longest-running and most popular comedy podcasts. Hosted by Cyrus Broacha, it blends satire with sharp commentary on politics, pop culture, and social trends. Its conversational tone and eclectic guest list keep listeners coming back for weekly laughs.
The Horror Show – Khooni Monday
While horror might seem an odd fit for comedy, Khooni Monday earns its position thanks to its production style and narrative wit. Ranked among the most streamed podcasts for 2025, this Hindi storytelling show combines suspense, macabre humour and theatrical delivery, engaging audiences across age groups.
FINANCE & BUSINESS
Finshots Daily
Targeted at professionals and curious listeners alike, Finshots Daily explains complex economic and financial news in digestible, five-minute episodes. Its consistent format and clarity have made it one of India’s most trusted finance-focused podcasts, especially for listeners seeking to stay economically savvy.
Figuring Out with Raj Shamani
Bridging finance, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Figuring Out, hosted by Raj Shamani, stood out in 2025 for its engaging interviews with founders, investors, and business leaders. The podcast is a favourite among startup enthusiasts and young professionals seeking actionable insights and strategies.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Indian Podcasting
As 2025 draws to a close, the success of these podcasts underlines how audio storytelling has firmly entered India’s mainstream media ecosystem. Podcasts are no longer niche, urban-only products; they are shaping opinions, building communities, and offering depth that fast-scrolling social media often lacks. The genre-wise leaders of this year show that listeners are actively seeking both credibility and connection.
By – Sonali