Last week, we told you about “Shiri”, the new Israeli music streaming app released by the Israeli government. Since then, we’ve learned a bit more about the app and how it came about.

We’ve also learned that some of you (who are a bit Hebrew-challenged) are having some trouble getting started. If this is you, read on.

Turns out the mastermind behind the app is none other than Ariel Horowitz, son of Naomi Shemer. (He’s also the singer of “Yalla Bye“, one of our favorite songs of the 1990s.)

According to Israel 21c:

Three and a half years ago, Horowitz became concerned that her legacy, along with others of that founding generation, could be forgotten. The solution would be an app for Israeli music…

Horowitz said, “I’m a musician who, along with my sister, had the good fortune to be the heir of my mother, the late Naomi Shemer, so I’m also interested in how we can preserve the culture that preceded our generation, and I’ve also founded an initiative together with the best Israeli artists from across the musical spectrum… for free access to Israeli music in anyone’s pocket via an app… It is not for profit because we are very, very worried about the fate of this sector.”

The Times of Israel reports that the app had been downloaded more than 85,000 times by February 10, just a few days after its release. To say it has exceeded expectations is an understatement.

However, the app is entirely in Hebrew. Therefore, a few of our listeners who don’t read Hebrew have had a tough time getting it up and running on their phones. We can help!

How to install the “Shiri” app

If you don’t read Hebrew, it might be challenging to start using Shiri. Here is our step-by-step guide to getting started.

1. Search for Shiri in the iTunes App Store or Google play. If you search for it by name, you can copy and paste from the following Hebrew text: שירי
2. Alternatively, you can follow these links: iTunes | Android
3. When you open the app for the first time, agree to the terms and conditions by clicking the check box, then click the big orange button at the bottom that says (in Hebrew) “Meet Shiri”.
4. You’ll then see the screen below:

Here is a rough translation of the text on the screen:

“Hi, it’s Shiri – Israeli radio that listens to you, for free and without commercials.

To get started, click on the + and choose up to three Israeli artists you like. From there I already understand your direction, and I’ll play you your songs and many other Israeli songs I think you’ll enjoy.

If I ‘got it’, click on the thumbs up so I’ll know that I was successful.
If I messed up, click on the thumbs down and I promise to improve.

It’s important to me that you know that I am still in development, and therefore, if you find that an artist is missing from the search, or if you’re stuck with another problem, write to me using the “contact us” in the menu and I’ll fix it right away.

P.S. When you listen to Israeli music through me, the artists you love earn more than from any other app.

Here’s where Shiri gets a bit complicated…

5. Now it’s time to get down to business. Click on the plus sign at the top left corner of the screen. From there, you will search for three of your favorite Israeli artists. Unfortunately, you’ll need a Hebrew keyboard to do that.

But we can help! Tell us your three favorite artists in the comments below, and we’ll reply with the Hebrew text. Then you can copy and paste into the app, and listen to your heart’s content. 🙂

6. This part’s easy. Once the music begins, if you like the song you’re hearing, click “thumbs up” and the app will play more songs like it. If not, click “thumbs down” and…well, you get the idea. This way, the app will – hopefully – learn to create the perfect playlist for your musical tastes.

7. One final thing…the app asks “how often should I surprise you?” via a slider bar at the top of the screen (see screenshot below). Would you like Shiri to expose you to new music? It’s up to you. Your choices, from right to left: a little, sometimes, a lot.

Have you installed Shiri? What do you think of the musical selections so far? Can we help you with installation? If there’s anything we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below. Happy listening!