Report updated Apr 2, 2026
YLE hirsipuu
v2.1Finnish-speaking residents who want a comprehensive, reliable source for national news, live event participation, and entertainment.
What Is YLE hirsipuu?
Launched Oct 6, 2011
Updated Mar 2026
What users think iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
What does it look like?
What are the key features?
A word game utilizing vocabulary extracted from current news feeds, primarily in Finnish.
Ability to vote in events like UMK and chat during live broadcasts like Eurovision.
Real-time access to reliable news coverage from Finland and around the world.
Access to weather reports, text TV, and the 'Elämäni biisi' home game.
What do users think? iIndependent intel reports to help builders create better apps or enhance existing ones. Still in beta, accuracy and relevancy get better every day. For informational purposes only.
“Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate content quality and accessibility and usability features, but report mandatory login and technical issues and performance.”
What Users Love
Handy for quick updates and interesting local articles
Recommend also for people learning Finnish. Especially news in easy Finnish - selkosuomeksi.
Easy to use, LARGE FONTS, can read it without glasses
Pain Points
Kirjautumispakko ei kuulu veroluonteiselle palvelulle.
Why do you need an account. My data is not your God given right.
Sovellus ei aukee, kun yritin äänestä.
Opens slowly.
High confidence · 33K reviews available
What are the pros and cons?
Pros
- Public service trust and reliability
- Unique news-integrated gaming mechanics
- Strong accessibility (Large fonts, Easy Finnish)
- Exclusive interactive rights to national events
Cons
- Mandatory login friction
- Technical instability during peak loads
- Poor personalization/content filtering
- Platform disparity (iOS vs Android)
What is the market outlook?
Growth Opportunities
- Targeting Finnish language learners
- Gamification for younger demographics
- Positioning as an ad-free alternative to commercial news
Market Threats
- Commercial rivals with better UX (Sanoma, Alma Media)
- Global word game trends (Wordle)
- User migration to browser versions to avoid login
Who competes with YLE hirsipuu?
The Nemesis
IS – Ilta-Sanomat
★4.7 (33)Sanoma Media Finland
The primary rival for Finnish news-based entertainment, offering a similar mix of live news, sports, and interactive participation features.
The primary rival for Finnish news-based entertainment, offering a similar mix of live news, sports, and interactive participation features.
Contenders
Iltalehti
★4.4 (104)Alma Media
Directly competes for the same Finnish audience seeking real-time news updates, sports highlights, and casual entertainment.
Directly competes for the same Finnish audience seeking real-time news updates, sports highlights, and casual entertainment.
HS – Helsingin Sanomat
★4.6 (458)Sanoma Media Finland
While more premium, it competes for the core Finnish news audience and includes a dedicated section for word games and puzzles.
While more premium, it competes for the core Finnish news audience and includes a dedicated section for word games and puzzles.
The dominant word game in the Finnish market, capturing the casual gaming audience that YLE Hirsipuu targets.
World Travel Theme
A direct sub-genre match as a standalone Finnish Hangman game without the news integration.
News-based Hangman
Peers
Foreca Weather
0Foreca Oy
Competes with the integrated weather reporting feature found within the YLE app ecosystem.
Competes with the integrated weather reporting feature found within the YLE app ecosystem.
New Kids on the Block
The global trendsetter for daily word puzzles that has significantly impacted the engagement levels of local word games like Hirsipuu.
Unlimited Classic Mode
What are the key takeaways?
YLE hirsipuu is a frustrating games app that is completely free. With a 4.3/5 rating from 33K reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate content quality and accessibility, though mandatory login remains a common concern.
Best for: Finnish-speaking residents who want a comprehensive, reliable source for national news, live event participation, and entertainment.
How much does it cost?
Model: free
The app operates as a public service utility with no monetization, focusing on accessibility and public engagement rather than revenue generation.
iOS Version
2.1
Android Version
6.75.0
Release Date
Oct 6, 2011
iOS Price
Free
Android Price
Free