Understanding and using RSS feeds

In short: RSS feeds let you automatically subscribe to website updates and read them in one central place, without having to visit each site individually. Despite their declining popularity, they remain an efficient tool for ad-free, algorithm-free information consumption.

In more detail: RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and is based on a standardised XML format that provides new content in a structured way.

In detail

• Operating principle: A website publishes an RSS feed that updates automatically as soon as new articles or content appear.
• Feed readers: Special programs or apps collect content from various subscribed feeds and display it clearly in a chronological list.
• No algorithmic filtering: Unlike social networks, RSS readers show all content from subscribed sources without prioritisation by an algorithm.
• Privacy: RSS feeds generally don’t require personal data or account creation, making them more privacy-friendly than many social media platforms.
• Ad-free: Many feed readers display plain text content without the advertising embedded on the original websites.
• Prevalence: Although RSS has become less widespread since major reader services shut down, many blogs, news sites, and podcasts still offer RSS feeds.
• Podcast use: Podcasts are often technically based on RSS feeds, through which podcast apps automatically detect and download new episodes (podcasts-hoeren-und-entdecken, filterblase-und-algorithmen).