Matt Emma
The audio series is now set to conquer comics and more.
It started as a story you couldn’t see. And that’s probably why millions could not stop listening.
Three years ago, when Pocket Entertainment launched “My Vampire System” as an audio series, the fantasy genre was almost non-existent in the world of audio entertainment, largely because fantasy has traditionally been associated with visual feasts for the eyes. Pocket FM, the non-music audio entertainment arm of the startup, wanted to prove otherwise.
It was more of a litmus test for the entertainment startup, which hoped to spark the imaginations of its listeners with audio-only fantasy stories. And the earbuds generation just loved it.
Over the next three years, “My Vampire System” proved to be one of its most successful audio series globally, with 2,296 episodes spanning more than 326 hours of playtime. To date, Pocket FM has recorded over 831 million plays for “My Vampire System.
For the audio streaming platform, this isn’t just a win. It’s the crown jewel in a category it helped create: the modern drama audio series.
The visuals are in your head
According to the Pocket FM team, fans of their audio series say that part of the magic lies in the fact that there are no official visuals accompanying the series, giving listeners the freedom to imagine every detail themselves. The same character can look completely different in two people’s minds, shaped by their voice, descriptions, and the listener’s own imagination.
“That’s the beauty of audio,” says Lalit Gangwar, Head – US, Pocket FM. “It’s collaborative storytelling between creator and listener. You hear, you feel, and you build the world in your own head.”
That intimacy is one reason “My Vampire System” has inspired deep fandoms and online discussions where each piece reflects a different “version” of the same character.
“Fantasy is no longer just a visual genre. We have unlocked the potential in audio by creating rich worlds, compelling arcs, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling in a format that travels with you,” Gangwar recently told OK! Magazine.
The success of “My Vampire System” isn’t limited to English-speaking fans either. The show has already been adapted into multiple languages, including German and Spanish, widening its reach and transforming it into a truly global franchise.
Why it matters for audio
However, Pocket FM’s gamble on the fantasy genre wasn’t just about one show. The success of “My Vampire System” reshaped the platform’s entire content mix.
“‘My Vampire System’ gave us the blueprint,” says Gangwar. “It proved that you can build a massive, loyal audience purely through audio storytelling, and that audio-first IP can live across multiple formats.”
Today, fantasy is one of the dominant genres in Pocket FM’s library, alongside romance and thrillers, driving both listeners and revenue. The company’s data shows that fantasy fans are more engaged, spend longer on the platform, and are more likely to explore multiple titles after finishing one.
Besides “My Vampire System,” Pocket FM’s fantasy library includes audio series like “God Eye” (1,478 episodes, 130 million plays) and “Jack’s Retribution” (2,442 episodes, 76 million plays), among others.
From headphones to comics
The next step for Pocket FM is bringing “My Vampire System” to life visually through Pocket Toons, the company’s web comics arm. While some might see the move as a departure, Pocket FM views it as an expansion that will let fans experience a visual version of the world they’ve long imagined, while still retaining the audio as the “pure” original.
According to Gangwar, “My Vampire System” is an IP, now expanding into webcomics and eventually will be launched into other formats, the hit audio series is proving to be pure gold for Pocket, becoming one of the most successful fantasy IPs in audio entertainment history.
Could “My Vampire System” be the next “Harry Potter” or “Avengers?” Although only time will tell, the signs are indeed promising for Pocket FM.