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What Is RSS?
Content
Updated 18 September 2026
Quick Answer
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a web feed format that lets people or tools automatically receive updates whenever a website publishes new content, without needing to check the site manually.
RSS vs. Newsletter — What's the Difference?
| RSS | Newsletter | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Pulled automatically by an RSS reader tool | Pushed directly to a subscriber's email inbox |
Why It Matters
- It allows content to be automatically syndicated or monitored by other tools and services, useful for content distribution and automation.
- While less prominent for general consumers than it once was, it remains useful for automating content workflows.
How It Works
- A website generates an RSS feed listing its recent content updates.
- RSS reader tools or other automated services can subscribe to this feed.
- New content automatically appears in the subscriber's feed reader or connected tool without manual checking.
Key Takeaways
- RSS lets tools automatically receive updates when a website publishes new content.
- It's less consumer-visible now but still useful for automating content workflows.
- Most CMS platforms generate a basic RSS feed automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RSS still relevant today?
It's less visible to general consumers than it once was, but still useful for automating content distribution and monitoring, including feeding other marketing tools.
Does my website automatically have an RSS feed?
Most CMS platforms, especially WordPress, generate one automatically without extra setup.
What can I do with an RSS feed?
It can automatically feed your latest content into email newsletters, other websites, or automation tools without manual copying.