Understanding what a podcast RSS feed is and how to locate it can significantly enhance a podcaster’s ability to reach a broader audience. This article explores the fundamentals of podcast RSS feeds, how to find a podcast’s RSS feed, and how to create one of your own.
What is a Podcast RSS Feed?
An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed for a podcast is an XML file that continuously updates and includes detailed information about each episode of a podcast, such as titles, descriptions, hosts, and links to media files.
This feed is essential for podcast distribution, allowing podcast directories to automatically update with new episodes as they are released.
Note that these feeds are usually accessible by a URL, however these differ from a podcast’s show URL.
How Do Podcast RSS Feeds Work?
A podcast RSS feed acts as a bridge between the podcast host and the listener’s platform of choice.
When a new episode is uploaded by the podcaster, the RSS feed is automatically updated with the episode’s information.
Podcast platforms and aggregators read this feed and use it to list the podcast and its episodes for listeners to discover and play.
How to Find a Podcast RSS Feed
To find a podcast’s RSS feed, check out tools like GetRSSFeed or FetchRSS to extract the RSS feed URL programmatically.
For security reasons, podcasts do not publicly share their RSS feeds. This protects their data and information from potential security risks.
How to Create a Podcast RSS Feed
Start by selecting a reliable podcast hosting platform like Libsyn, Podbean, or Anchor.
These services not only host your audio files but also automatically generate an RSS feed for your podcast.
Upload your episodes to the platform, complete with titles, descriptions, and keywords relevant to your content.
The hosting service will update your feed every time you publish a new episode, ensuring it contains the latest information.
This feed can then be submitted to popular directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, helping listeners find and subscribe to your podcast effortlessly.
