Crime stories are the most popular subject for podcast these days. Podcasts have become one of the most dominant audio storytelling formats, gripping millions worldwide with tales of real-life mysteries, murders, and scandals. In 2025, the podcasting universe continues to expand—there are over 4.6 million podcasts globally, and the total worldwide listener base is expected to reach 584 million by year’s end.
India is leading this surge. The country counted 105 million podcast listeners in 2024, and that number is projected to nearly double by 2025, surpassing 200 million listeners, cementing India’s position as the third-largest podcast market after China and the U.S. In fact, more than half of Indian consumers now listen to podcasts for at least an hour every week.
But why are audiences—especially in India—so drawn to true crime? The answer lies in deep-rooted psychological needs, cultural resonance, and the accessibility of digital audio.
Psychological Drivers of True Crime’s Appeal
At its core, true crime satisfies a fundamental human instinct: curiosity about danger. Evolutionary psychologists argue that humans are wired to study threats as a survival mechanism. True crime podcasts provide a safe environment to explore this curiosity, allowing listeners to confront violence and deviance without personal risk. This “morbid curiosity” explains why millions are captivated by real-life cases.
Global hits like Serial engage listeners’ problem-solving instincts as they analyze evidence and clues—each twist and revelation triggering dopamine releases. In India, shows like The Desi Crime Podcast particularly resonate with women, who make up a majority of the true crime audience worldwide. Many are driven not just by empathy for victims but also by a desire to learn safety strategies.
Another psychological draw is moral exploration. True crime narratives frame stark battles between right and wrong, prompting listeners to question justice systems. Iconic cases such as the Aarushi Talwar murder spark national dialogues about accountability, media bias, and institutional failures—offering both intellectual stimulation and emotional resolution.
Parasocial bonds with podcast hosts further deepen engagement. Narrators using empathy, humor, or raw storytelling echo India’s oral storytelling traditions, creating an intimate, communal listening experience—even when individual listeners are tuning in solo.
Cultural and Technological Catalysts in India
India’s podcast boom is fueled by digital transformation. With over 750 million smartphone users, affordable data plans, and platforms like Spotify, JioSaavn, and YouTube, podcasts have become ubiquitous. As of 2025, India boasts over 100 million podcast listeners, a figure expected to cross 200 million by year-end.
Social media amplifies true crime’s reach—hashtags like #TrueCrimeIndia often trend during high-profile cases. This fandom-like engagement blends journalism, entertainment, and communal debate, while tapping into India’s deep-rooted tradition of storytelling—from epics like the Mahabharata to Bollywood’s crime thrillers.
The Indian Context: A Growing Obsession
What sets Indian true crime apart is a fusion of global format and local flavor. Khooni retells cases like the Nithari killings in both Hindi and English, while The Desi Crime Podcast explores stories like the Sheena Bora murder with cultural nuance. Regional-language podcasts in Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, and others are emerging, broadening the genre’s reach beyond metros into semi-urban and rural areas.
Gen Z and millennials—who favor raw, authentic narratives—are the core listeners. These podcasts dissect taboo subjects like domestic violence, caste-based injustice, and corruption, offering platforms for discussions on safety and systemic change often ignored by mainstream media.
Challenges and Ethical Concerns
Yet, the rise of true crime comes with responsibilities. Sensational coverage risks exploiting victims’ trauma, especially in emotionally charged cases like the Delhi gang rape or Kolkata incidents. Graphic retellings can retraumatize families, while oversimplified narratives can skew public perception and interfere with legal processes.
Social platforms often unleash “armchair detectives,” whose speculation complicates investigations and can unfairly target individuals. Responsible creators must prioritize empathy, context, and accuracy—ensuring the genre educates as much as it enthralls.
Top True Crime Podcast Recommendations
For Indian listeners in 2025, here are compelling choices:
- The Desi Crime Podcast – South Asian cases narrated with cultural depth.
- Khooni – Bilingual retellings of Indian crimes, appealing to Hindi–English audiences.
- Serial – A global gold standard in investigative storytelling.
- My Favorite Murder – Balances humor, empathy, and advocacy.
- Casefile – Immersive, data-driven case explorations.
A Mirror to Human Nature
This true crime wave speaks to universal human drives: curiosity, empathy, and moral investigation. As India’s podcast audience soars—now projected at hundreds of millions—these narratives offer more than thrills. They spark awareness, foster critical conversation, and knit together communities confronting the shadows of society.
When crafted ethically, true crime has the potential to do more than entertain—it can illuminate, unite, and heal, one episode at a time.