RSS

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is an automatic update system composed of XML files that regularly feature news stories, summaries and links from websites if you subscribe to them. Once connected with an RSS aggregator or feed reader, these RSS files become part of a stream of updates from those websites you follow.

Websites offering RSS feeds typically mark their HTML code with an orange icon known as chicklets, a very fun reference!

What Is RSS?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an easy and effective way to stay informed from websites you follow. Also referred to as web feed, news feed or “RSS stream”, using RSS can help keep track of multiple websites without visiting each one directly, perfect for keeping current with news, blogs and weather!

RSS technology is built around extensible markup language (XML), a close cousin of HTML used for Web pages. The World Wide Web Consortium has established standards for displaying information via RSS files; their files themselves use extensible markup language (XML) programming code.

Subscribing to an RSS feed means telling your news aggregator that you would like to receive all of the latest content from that site. Your news aggregator will then check periodically for new articles or posts on that website and send them directly to you.  This way, whenever a new article or piece of media has been posted online, you’ll always know right away! Once subscribed, feeds can be read at your leisure, you won’t miss any important announcements!

Search websites for their RSS or XML feed by either searching the site itself, or looking for an orange icon with either “RSS/XML” written in it or by simply looking out for its orange icon that may say so on it. Many websites make this process very straightforward by making the process as user-friendly as possible.  Some even allow users to click an icon like chicklet which adds the feed automatically into your news aggregator.

Alternately, you can manually add the URL of the feed into your news aggregator subscription box.  Some browsers even automatically search for and detect RSS symbols in their address bars to automatically identify feeds for you.

RSS can not only keep you informed on the websites that interest you, but can also help you discover new podcasts via Apple Podcasts and other directories that leverage this service. 

What Are RSS Feeds?

RSS (Rich Site Summary) is a Web service that enables content creators and readers to easily communicate, follow updates on similar topics, and stay informed with news or blog articles published on any given website. RSS also serves as an email newsletter subscription option and keeps readers in the know by making it easier to view news or blog articles directly without going directly to each individual website.

RSS technology makes the process of receiving news articles straightforward.  Websites or content creators create an RSS file containing title, summary and publication dates of articles/posts.  Next, users who wish to receive this information copy the feed’s URL into an “RSS reader” or an RSS aggregator program.  This automatically checks for updates as new pieces arrive in your feed reader or aggregator program.

Staying informed through RSS is an effective and efficient method, but it’s not the only way. Many websites now feature an RSS icon resembling an orange square with white radio waves at the top; this icon has become industry standard and serves to identify various forms of syndication data such as RSS.

There are free programs and services that allow you to subscribe to an RSS feed directly from your Web browser, generally known as “feed readers.” Other web-based solutions for subscribing include online applications as well as popular browsers (Internet Explorer and Firefox) that support them.

Once you add a feed to your reader, it will update regularly with all of the latest articles or blog posts published on websites you care about. Article titles appear in reverse chronological order so it’s easy to spot all recent updates as well as those that came before.

If you need more specific information, you can customize an RSS feed to meet your interests. For instance, if you’re keen on keeping abreast of emerging trends in your industry, populate it with authoritative sources of such data, and be certain not to miss any unforeseen developments that could impact you directly.

How Do RSS Feeds Work?

Understanding RSS Feeds may be challenging at first, but consider them like car components: engine, transmission, battery and radiator are just part of what makes your ride run smoothly.  While there are various hoses, valves and wires that allow it all to work seamlessly together, RSS acts similarly by making content portable.

Website authors create new content in the form of an RSS feed and upload it to the Internet, while readers subscribe via an aggregator that monitors and pulls it directly into an RSS reader. Reverse chronological order displays new posts first with more recent ones at the top. Furthermore, an RSS feed includes basic details like title, description and link back to its original platform, that enable readers to quickly filter what interests them, before clicking through to view full-content pages.

RSS also saves users time by eliminating the need to visit multiple websites for information they need, since its reader simply monitors one site and automatically updates whenever there is new content.  This can save time if a popular site is visited multiple times daily for news or updates. Its reader can also synchronize with other computer systems so if someone takes 15 minutes out of their day at work to read their feed at home, they’ll still see identical headlines when they return home later that evening.

RSS can be invaluable for professionals in various fields. Researchers, writers and other professionals can utilize RSS to stay informed of recent developments in their area of study.  This is especially useful when working under tight deadlines or searching for information buried deep in databases. Furthermore, it offers up-to-date news coverage.

RSS Feed Benefits?

RSS feeds offer content directly to users without them needing to visit any individual website or manually check for updates. This saves them time from searching multiple websites manually for information they desire.  They also get automatic updates from websites they’re following in real-time such as news or blogs they care about. Subscribing is as easy as entering a URL into their RSS reader or clicking its feed icon within browser.  Once subscribed, their reader will regularly check for new updates and will download them automatically if enabled to do so.

Use of RSS feeds can increase productivity by enabling individuals to quickly scan headlines and only click on posts relevant to them. Furthermore, RSS feeds prevent people from falling into an “information bubble,” whereby they keep reading similar articles or visiting similar websites over and over again.

By offering an RSS feed on your website, you can easily distribute content across a variety of platforms and reach a larger audience while building brand recognition. In addition, this gives customers and potential clients more meaningful ways to interact with you.

RSS feeds contain information that provides a summary of recent news or blog posts and includes links back to websites where full articles or posts can be found. This allows the user to keep up-to-date with multiple websites at once using one news aggregator, or receive email alerts whenever a new article is posted on any given website.

RSS feeds can provide marketers with creative content ideas, particularly those looking for inspiration for sharing via social media or email newsletter. A quick glance through your feed’s headlines and descriptions can give you ideas for writing topics, videos or podcast episodes.  This can also help identify which kinds of information your target audience finds most engaging, so that you can continue providing the type of information that resonates most strongly with them.

RSS Feed Reader

Web-Based RSS Readers: Many popular web browsers, such as Firefox and Chrome, have built-in RSS feed reader functionality. Simply click on the RSS icon or the “Subscribe” button on a website, and the browser will offer options for subscribing or adding the feed to your preferred reader.

Standalone RSS Readers: There are several standalone RSS feed reader applications available for various operating systems, such as Feedly, Inoreader, and NewsBlur. These applications offer more advanced features, synchronization across devices, and a dedicated user interface designed specifically for RSS consumption.

Mobile Apps: If you prefer accessing your feeds on-the-go, numerous mobile apps are available for iOS and Android devices. Popular examples include Feedly, Flipboard, and Reeder, which provide seamless integration with your chosen RSS feed reader service.

In a world overflowing with information, having a reliable RSS feed reader can be a game-changer for efficient content consumption. By understanding what an RSS feed reader is, its advantages, and how to access one, you can streamline your online reading experience and stay updated with the latest content from your favorite sources effortlessly. Give it a try and witness the convenience of having all your desired information in one place!