Geek Stuff

What is an RSS Feed and How or Why Do I Subscribe to them?

By Steve Krause

Updated October 25, 2023

RSS Feeds are created by Websites and other online applications in order to allow you to receive a summary of newly published content. Although they can be used for many purposes, primarily, they are used by websites or forums to notify readers of new articles or posts that have been published.

Recently, I received an email from one of our readers:

Hi – great site! I was wondering how I subscribe to your RSS feed?  When I click on RSS all that comes up is the html code; am I supposed to copy and paste that somewhere? Trying to learn what RSS is and the how and why of it – have you an article?

That’s a great question, let’s dig into it!

What does the Initials RSS mean?

The RSS initials stand for – “Really Simple Syndication” or if you’re an old-timer, “Rich Site Summary.”  RSS is an Internet language standard similar to HTML.  I know… Not very exciting.

What is an RSS Feed?

The most basic definition of an RSS Feed is a News Feed.  It can also be a lot more than that, but in its most basic/common form – an RSS Feed is essentially a way for a Web Publisher to alert their Regular Readers that new content is available on their Website.

Typically, an RSS Feed will contain just the first few paragraphs of the latest 15-20 Published Articles/Blog posts/How-To Articles.  At the bottom of each Post Summary will be a link that the reader can Click on if they think the Article sounds interesting.

Why should I Subscribe to an RSS Feed?

RSS Feeds are a very nice way to quickly and easily monitor your favorite Website(s) for new articles and news. For me, I monitor sites and catch up on articles using Microsoft Outlook as an RSS reader.  Various times throughout the day, I just drop down into my RSS feeds folder and review newly published articles.

How do I Subscribe to an RSS Feed?

An RSS Reader is required to Subscribe and read an RSS Feed. Many applications have the capability, like Microsoft Outlook, however, some applications are purpose-built.

When I find a Website I like, I find the RSS Feed. I then right-click the link and copy it. Then, just paste it into your RSS reader, much like a Web Browser.

What RSS Reader would you Recommend?

You have two options.  You can either install an RSS Reader on your Computer OR use an Online Service.  Online services are usually more convenient (you can access them from any computer with an Internet Connection), and they don’t take up any resources on our computer.  Locally installed RSS Readers are also helpful because you don’t need to be online to review your Subscriptions.  I have found they usually have more features and integration with browsers/the local OS.  Personally, I use both.

Free RSS Readers

• Microsoft Outlook – Not free but, most have it installed.
• Feedly – Free online service. Best RSS reader out there.
• NewsBluer – Another feature-rich RSS reader supported by Ads.
• Inoreader – Free RSS reader supported by Ads

Even in 2023, RSS Feeds have their place. They are a great time saver and allow you to organize your content without having to jump around a browser and be flooded by Ads.