Before telling you how to effectively use an RSS feed podcast, we’ll explain what RSS means then walk you through steps to create this type of feed for your podcast.
What is RSS Feed?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is a standard XML text document, which stores important information and updates about the website. To understand RSS feeds better, think about your favorite news website or podcast channel that you listen to regularly.
Now, given your busy lives, you will probably miss the latest episode of your favorite podcast, unless you’re actively looking for it. So, what can you do to ensure you’re automatically updated with all the new content published? That’s precisely where an RSS feed comes.
An RSS feed contains all the necessary information about the content published on the website, updating it with the most recent entry. It also includes all of the articles, links, and descriptions of the content. RSS feeds come in handy for podcasts that publish new content regularly because they ensure that loyal listeners never miss a new episode.
RSS Feed Podcast
Whether you have your own podcast or are an avid podcast listener, having an RSS Feed Podcast is quite helpful. As mentioned above, you get updates every time a new episode is uploaded. In addition, as a podcaster, you ensure that your podcast is getting the coverage it needs to make it more easily accessible to your listeners.
If you have a podcast, your podcast RSS Feed would typically contain information about your show, its episodes, the current show and the episode’s title, and audio links.
Creating an RSS Feed for Podcast
Creating an RSS Feed for your Podcast is important if you want to submit your podcast to platforms like iTunes and other podcast directories.
You can create one in two ways. The first is to do it manually, and the second one is through your podcast hosting company, which is usually preferred in most cases.
RSS Builder is a free, easy-to-use RSS Feed Creation software program that you can use to create RSS feeds for your podcasts.
Another application you can use is RSS.com, which allows you to create a free account and easily make your podcast’s RSS feed.
Podcast RSS Feed URL and How to Find Your Podcast RSS Feed
You can find your RSS URL on the server where your RSS feed is hosted. It differs from case to case, depending on how you created your RSS feed for your podcast. For example, if you used RSS.com to build your RSS feed, you could visit the site to locate the RSS feed URL. Once you have the URL, you will find your Podcast RSS Feed.
How to Find the RSS Feed of a Podcast
You can find the Podcast RSS feed by clicking on the RSS logo (shown below) used by most platforms, or click on the icon that reads ‘RSS link’.
Best and Free RSS for Podcasts
Here’s a quick rundown of the top three RSS hosting sites for podcasts.
1. Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is one of the best and most prevalent RSS hosting sites for podcasts. It includes a free plan along with an affordable monthly plan. In addition, it has analytic features, like letting you embed a podcast player on your website and an algorithm that estimates the number of listeners each episode receives.
2. Spreaker
Another great RSS for podcasts is Spreaker, which helps manage and distribute your podcast and monetize it.
It enables podcasters to distribute new episodes to major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, etc.
3. RSS.com
You can set up your podcast for free here. After you publish the first episode, you must pay for ongoing use. RSS.com offers an affordable plan that comes with a lot of benefits. For example, you get your own website and a personalized RSS feed URL.
How to Add Your Show’s RSS Feed to Apple, Google Podcasts, and Other Listening Apps
For your podcast to be featured on platforms like Apple, Google Podcasts and Spotify, etc., you need to give them the URL of your podcast RSS Feed.
Submitting RSS feed to Apple Podcasts/iTunes
Once you have created your podcast RSS feed, you need to submit it to Apple Podcasts/iTunes. First, log in to iTunes Connect and validate your RSS feed there. For that, copy and paste your RSS feed URL and click on the ‘validate’ button.
Once you have verified your show’s details, you will receive an email that your podcast is under review. Once it has been reviewed and approved, you get the email informing you that it has been accepted.
Submitting RSS feed to Google Podcasts
Submitting your RSS feed to Google Podcasts follows the above-mentioned method. First, you need to copy your podcast’s RSS feed URL, then go to Google’s Podcast Manager, add your show’s feed, and verify it.
Submitting RSS feed to Spotify
To set up a Podcast on Spotify and the RSS feed, you first need to make an account on Spotify. Then, click on the option to add your podcast, which you can do by linking your podcast’s RSS feed and submitting it.
Setting up your podcast RSS feed in WordPress
To set up your podcast RSS feed in WordPress, you first need to choose an RSS plug-in and a podcast hosting service. Once you have set it up, open the ‘Podcast’ option from the WordPress dashboard menu. Now, fill in the details and information about your podcast there, and attach the media file.
Make sure to fill in as much as necessary information about your podcast in the ‘Podcast’ feed details. Once the feed is set up, you can find the URL by navigating through the menu. Find the ‘Publishing’ button to know where it is located. You can then use this RSS feed to submit your feed to listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.
