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On today’s episode, Todd Corcoran, CEO of RawVoice, answers our questions about RSS feeds.
What is an RSS?
RSS stands for real simple syndication, like a document or file. However, it is not meant for human reading.
A podcast RSS feed essentially has all of the metadata, including:
- Show name
- Show email address
- Show location
- Episode links
- Media file links
- And other syndication sites that pull from the RSS feed to update their directories
The magic happens in the tag or enclosure which links to the media file. When you subscribe to a show, you are really subscribing to the show’s RSS feed.
You can also think of the RSS feed as the URL that links to all of your podcast episodes.
Why should you own your RSS feed?
There are two options for RSS feeds.
- You can have a third party site run it, which Todd does not recommend. He likens it to renting. When you are renting, you are under your landlord’s jurisdiction.
- You can own your own RSS feed. This is the ideal option because nothing can disrupt it unless you disrupt it. Todd also emphasizes how important this is to build your show. You need to have a destination to send your users to. When you own your feed, you are able to design their experience and streamline your workflow.
RSS feeds are necessary and it is highly recommended that you own yours.
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