Shubhankar Mishra has become one of India’s most prominent independent news creators, a figure who seamlessly transitioned from prime-time television to the digital stage.
Known for his grounded style, poetic reflections, and balanced reporting, Mishra now commands millions of daily viewers across YouTube, Instagram, and other platforms. His growing presence reflects a wider shift in Indian journalism, where independent digital voices are reshaping how news is consumed.
Born on April 10, 1993, in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, Mishra’s journey into journalism was anything but straightforward. Pressured early on by his father to pursue engineering, he completed a B.Tech degree, but his heart remained with storytelling, poetry, and reporting.
By 2015, he found his way into the media world as a news anchor for India News. Over the next several years, he sharpened his craft across Zee Media and TV9 Bharatvarsh, eventually reaching the high-profile newsroom of Aaj Tak in 2022, one of India’s most-watched Hindi news channels.
But by mid-2023, Mishra felt the pull toward independence. In July of that year, he left Aaj Tak to pursue his own path, launching a digital-first brand of journalism that emphasised direct connection with viewers.
The risk quickly paid off: within six months, his YouTube channel crossed the 1-million-subscriber milestone, driven by a mix of explainer podcasts, political interviews, and grassroots reporting.
Audiences were drawn to his signature calm tone and straightforward delivery, a sharp contrast to the loud, polarising formats often seen on TV.
Mishra’s digital empire has since grown rapidly. His YouTube content ranges from ground reporting on social issues, disaster zones, and public health crises to entertaining conversations on cricket, Bollywood, and spirituality.
He has also built explainer-style videos designed to decode complex issues for all age groups, strengthening his reputation as a journalist who educates while engaging.
His main channel boasted more than 7 million subscribers, 1.99 billion views, and nearly 2,500 uploads. Combined with his 13 million Instagram followers, Mishra’s reach extends across demographics, especially among India’s youth.
His poetic monologues, often peppered with quotes from Swami Vivekananda, have become a signature feature, inspiring audiences to see journalism not only as news but also as reflection and motivation.
The influence of Mishra’s work has extended back into mainstream media as well. In July 2025, NDTV welcomed him as a prime-time anchor-editor, tasking him with a show that focuses on issues affecting common citizens.
This dual presence, on digital platforms and mainstream television, highlights his growing impact as both a grassroots reporter and a national voice for accountability.
Beyond journalism, Mishra has long been involved in social causes. He founded The Smile Foundation in 2014 to support underprivileged children, frequently participates in college events and youth summits, and has grown his media ventures into a company employing over 50 people across four to five digital channels.
At the heart of Mishra’s success is what he calls his “Common Man Calm” philosophy: a commitment to delivering news without sensationalism, giving space for thoughtful analysis, and keeping the focus on issues that matter to everyday Indians.
Whether on YouTube, Instagram, or television, Shubhankar Mishra has proven that independent journalism can be both impactful and inspiring in the digital age.
