English 
Pling, an audio content platform, announced the availability of new features and future developments in response to the expansion of its usage in the Japanese market. Pling entered the Japanese audio content market with its strengths in versatility, including audio dramas based on popular webtoons, a name customization feature using AI, and a subscription system for creators.
In recent years, the market for “listening content” such as audio dramas and ASMR has continued to expand globally. According to market research firm Verified Market Reports, the global audio drama market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8%. Dataintelo’s research shows the ASMR market growing at a rate of 16.8%. In particular, the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, is reporting high growth rates of 12-19%.
Since its launch in 2021, Pling has been downloaded more than 1 million times, and its membership in Japan has grown to more than 40,000. In 2023, it was selected as one of the “most loved apps” by the Apple App Store, further increasing its presence.
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Pling’s greatest feature is that it is an “experiential platform” that combines audio content with visual elements and interactivity. It maximizes immersion by combining a video player with images, a choice-based story where the ending changes depending on the user’s choices, and custom AI voices. While traditional situational voices are audio-only and otome games have limited name customization, Pling uses AI technology to create the experience of having your name called by a voice actor. The AI learns the voice data of the voice actors and naturally reads out the name registered by the user, further enhancing immersion in the work.
Another unique feature of Pling’s BL audio drama series is that they are based on popular Japanese webtoons. Enjoy familiar works from Piccoma, LINE Manga, Beltoon, and other platforms, performed by professional voice actors. Choose from a wide variety of genres, including romance, fantasy, office, and school stories, which are updated weekly. Because the IP has an existing fanbase, users can easily choose a work that suits their preferences. Some users have commented that “it’s refreshing to enjoy a work they’ve read on a webtoon with the voice acting of voice actors,” and “it has the same realism as an anime.”
Furthermore, Pling offers a choice-based story where the story changes depending on the user’s choices, allowing users to enjoy multiple endings for a single work, further enhancing the enjoyment of repeated viewings.
One notable feature is Pling‘s voice actor and creator following system. Users can follow their favorite creators and enjoy all of their works in one place. It also offers a feed that shows the creator’s update schedule, a multilingual comment function, and a support system, allowing users to interact with creators in a way that’s similar to VTuber culture. Many creators from Korea and Japan participate, and there’s active cross-border interaction, with aspiring voice actors earning extra income and amateur illustrators providing their work. In terms of creator management, the site offers recording support and script writing assistance, creating an environment where creators can focus on expression and fan communication.
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