RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds allow you to subscribe to updates from websites so you can easily stay informed on topics you care about. With an RSS reader, you can view new content from all your favorite sites in one place instead of visiting each site individually.
Harnessing the power of RSS can save you time, expand your knowledge, discover new content, and boost your productivity. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to fully utilize RSS feeds.
Table of Contents
What is an RSS Feed?
An RSS feed is a standardized format for delivering updates about online content. It contains summaries of blog posts, news articles, videos, podcasts, and more.
Websites publish RSS feeds which can then be read by RSS readers or aggregators. Each time new content is added to a site, the RSS feed is automatically updated so subscribers instantly receive the latest posts.
Key Benefits of RSS Feeds
- Convenience: View new posts from all your favorite sites in one place.
- Time Savings: No need to visit each site to check for updates.
- Customization: Subscribe only to websites and topics you care about.
- Discoverability: Easily find new content based on your interests.
Getting Started with RSS Readers
To subscribe and read RSS feeds, you need an RSS reader. There are many free online readers to choose from:
Online RSS Readers
You can also find RSS reader extensions for web browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Or download RSS reader apps for your smartphone or tablet.
How to Find and Subscribe to Feeds
Many websites feature orange RSS icons or include “subscribe” buttons to help you locate their feeds. But here are some other places to find feeds:
- Site sidebars
- Site footers
- Sitemaps
- Blog homepages
- Look for “RSS”, “XML”, “Atom”, “Feed”, or “Subscribe” links
Once you find a website’s RSS feed URL, copy the link and add it to your RSS reader. This subscribes you to that site so you’ll see new posts in your feed.
Organizing Your RSS Feeds
As you subscribe to more sites, you may find your feed overwhelming. Use these tips to organize your RSS feeds and make them more manageable:
Use Folders
Most readers allow you to sort feeds into folders by topic or other categories. For example, create an IT folder and add tech site feeds there.
Create Filters
Set up keyword or tag filters so only certain posts get added to your feed or folders based on your preferences.
Review Subscriptions
Periodically review feeds and unsubscribe from low quality or irrelevant ones.
Mark as Read
Mark less important posts as read without opening them so higher priority items rise to the top.
RSS Feed Power User Tips
Once you understand the basics, it’s time to unlock the full potential of RSS with these advanced tips:
Automate Social Sharing
Use a service like IFTTT to automatically share new posts from your RSS feed to social networks.
Send Email Digests
Get an email roundup of everything added to your RSS reader over the past day or week so you never miss anything important.
Read Feeds Offline
Use an RSS app that lets you cache feeds for reading without an internet connection. Great for frequent travelers.
Discover New Content
Explore recommendations from your RSS reader to find new websites and feeds to follow based on your subscriptions.
Integrate with Pocket
Save interesting posts from your RSS feeds into Pocket to read later and keep your inbox organized.
The Future of RSS
While social media dominates internet traffic today, RSS continues to deliver unique value to publishers and consumers. And with concerns over algorithms controlling what we see online, the transparent and chronological nature of RSS offers an appealing alternative.
Although RSS feeds seem like old technology, their flexibility ensures they will remain relevant even as new formats emerge. Whether you want to save time, discover new information, or gain more control over your content stream, leveraging the power of RSS feeds provides real benefits.
