Podcasting in India becomes a learning engine as Spotify launches Unlock

Podcasting in India is evolving into a learning platform as Spotify launches Unlock, a curated podcast initiative for founders, professionals, and entrepreneurs

Podcasting in India has moved far beyond casual listening and entertainment. What began as a niche format is now emerging as a powerful learning tool for professionals, founders, students, and creators who want to make better use of their time. From daily commutes and gym sessions to late-night work hours, audio content is increasingly being consumed for insight, skill-building, and real-world learning.

Industry observers note that podcasting in India is seeing strong growth in categories such as business, leadership, personal finance, and self-development. The shift is driven largely by younger audiences who prefer experiential learning from founders and operators over traditional theory-heavy formats.

Spotify taps into the learning shift

Recognising this momentum, Spotify has launched Unlock, a podcast-led learning initiative aimed at young entrepreneurs, early-career professionals, and aspiring founders. Rather than positioning podcasts purely as entertainment, the platform is leaning into their role as a structured learning medium.

Spotify’s first learning path under this initiative, Unlock Your Startup Dreams, curates episodes from leading Indian business podcasters into focused learning journeys. The goal is to help listeners avoid information overload while accessing content aligned with specific themes such as brand building, productivity, leadership, and founder mindset.

This move reflects how podcasting in India is increasingly being used as an on-demand classroom, allowing listeners to learn directly from people who have built companies, scaled brands, and navigated failure.

Learning from trusted business voices

The initiative features well-known creators including Indian Business Podcast, WTF with Nikhil Kamath, Figuring Out with Raj Shamani, SparX with Mukesh Bansal, Founder's Office with Sarthak Ahuja, and The Masoom Minawala Show. These podcasters have built credibility by consistently sharing practical insights grounded in real-world experience.

What differentiates Unlock is its emphasis on curation rather than volume. Instead of endless playlists, Spotify is organising content around learning outcomes, catering to serious listeners who see podcasting in India as a tool for professional growth.

Beyond audio playlists

Unlock is positioned as more than a digital content library. Spotify plans to complement playlists with guidance from “thinkfluencers” and offline engagement through campus events at MBA colleges, fireside chats, and community meetups.

This blended approach reflects the evolving expectations of listeners, who now want relevance, credibility, and context along with convenience. As podcasting in India matures, platforms are being pushed to deliver structured value, not just reach.

 A long-term vision for podcast-led learning

Spotify has indicated that Unlock Your Startup Dreams is only the beginning. Future learning paths will focus on finance, personal growth, and entrepreneurship, further reinforcing how podcasting in India is becoming a mainstream learning ecosystem for the country’s next generation of builders.