What is RSS? A Beginner’s Guide
Take control of what you read, without algorithms deciding for you.
RSS might be the most important technology you’ve never heard of. It’s been quietly powering the open web since 1999, giving people a way to follow websites without social media, algorithms, or accounts.
If you’re tired of platforms controlling what you see, RSS is your escape route.
RSS in Plain English
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication (or Rich Site Summary, depending on who you ask).
Here’s the simple version: RSS lets websites broadcast their new content, and lets you collect all those broadcasts in one place.
Think of it like this:
- Without RSS: You visit 20 different websites every day to check for updates
- With RSS: Updates from all 20 websites come to you, in one app
It’s like having a personal newspaper that automatically fills itself with articles from sources you’ve chosen — not sources an algorithm thinks will maximize your engagement.
How RSS Works
Every website that supports RSS has a special file called a feed. This feed is a simple list of the site’s recent content — titles, summaries, links, and publication dates.
RSS reader apps check these feeds regularly and show you what’s new. When a site publishes something, it appears in your reader. When you’ve read everything, you’re done.
The key difference from social media:
| Social Media | RSS |
|---|---|
| Algorithm picks what you see | You pick what you see |
| Infinite scroll, no ending | Finite — you can be “caught up” |
| Optimized for engagement | Optimized for information |
| Requires account | No account needed |
| Tracks your behavior | Completely private |
Why RSS Matters in 2026
You might think RSS is outdated — after all, it’s been around since the late 90s. But RSS matters more now than ever:
1. Escape Algorithm Control
Social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement, not inform you. RSS puts you back in control. You decide what sources to follow, and you see everything they publish — not just what drives clicks.
2. Own Your Reading List
On social media, the platform owns your feed. They can change the algorithm, insert ads, or ban accounts you follow. With RSS, your feed is yours. No company can take it away or manipulate it.
3. No Account, No Tracking
RSS readers don’t require accounts. There’s no profile, no login, no data collection. Your reading habits are your business.
4. Finite by Design
RSS feeds have an ending. When you’ve read the new articles, you’re done. There’s no infinite scroll because there’s no incentive to trap you.
5. The Open Web Lives Here
RSS is part of the open web — standards-based, not controlled by any corporation. Supporting RSS means supporting a more open internet.
How to Find RSS Feeds
Most websites still have RSS feeds, even if they don’t advertise them. Here’s how to find them:
Look for the RSS Icon
The classic orange RSS icon (📡) often appears in headers, footers, or sidebars. Click it to get the feed URL.
Check Common URLs
Try adding these to any website URL:
/feed/rss/feed.xml/rss.xml/atom.xml
For example: example.com/feed or example.com/rss
Use Your RSS Reader
Most RSS apps, including Electric Pants, will automatically detect feeds. Just paste the website URL, and the app finds the feed for you.
Special Sources
- YouTube: Every channel has an RSS feed
- Reddit: Add
.rssto any subreddit URL (e.g.,reddit.com/r/technology.rss) - Substack: Every newsletter has a feed at
newsletter.substack.com/feed - Podcasts: All podcasts are RSS feeds — that’s how podcasting works!
Getting Started with RSS
Step 1: Choose an RSS Reader
You need an app to collect and display your feeds. Electric Pants is a free option for iPhone and iPad that’s designed for mindful reading — it shows you an “All Caught Up” screen when you’ve read everything.
Other options include NetNewsWire, Reeder, and Feedly. See our comparison →
Step 2: Add Some Feeds
Start with sources you already read regularly:
- Your favorite news sites
- Blogs you follow
- YouTube channels you watch
- Subreddits you browse
In Electric Pants, just tap the + button and paste the website URL. The app handles the rest.
Step 3: Check In Daily
Build a habit of checking your RSS reader once or twice a day. Unlike social media, you’ll actually finish. There’s a bottom to the feed.
Step 4: Curate Over Time
Add feeds that bring value. Remove ones that don’t. Your feed should serve you, not stress you.
RSS vs. Social Media vs. Newsletters
| RSS | Social Media | Newsletters | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You control the sources | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Algorithm-free | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| All in one place | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ (in email) |
| No account needed | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Private | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Real-time updates | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Finite/has an ending | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
RSS gives you the best of both worlds: real-time updates from sources you choose, without the manipulation or tracking.
Start Reading on Your Terms
RSS is the antidote to modern social media. It’s calm, private, and finite. You read what you want, when you want, and then you’re done.
Ready to try it?
Download Electric Pants — A free, mindful RSS reader for iPhone and iPad.