How To Use a Podcast RSS Feed Generator

An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is a file that syndicates your podcast episodes across platforms like Apple, Spotify, and Google. It contains metadata about your show, such as the title, description, artwork, and links to each episode’s audio files. Without an RSS feed, you cannot distribute your podcast to listeners via directories.

Using Podcast Hosting Platforms to Automatically Generate an RSS Feed

A podcast hosting platform is the most efficient method if you want the easiest route to generating an RSS feed. These platforms automatically create the RSS feed for you as you upload episodes.

Here are four popular platforms to consider:

Anchor (Free)

Anchor is a great option for beginner podcasters, offering an intuitive, all-in-one solution. After signing up and uploading your episodes:

Step 1: Go to your Anchor dashboard.
Step 2: Navigate to “Podcast Availability.”
Step 3: Your RSS feed link will be displayed, which you can copy and submit to podcast directories. Anchor takes care of everything, including feed formatting and submission to platforms.

Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is user-friendly and offers a more premium podcast hosting service. To generate your RSS feed with Buzzsprout:

Step 1: Upload your episodes and fill out the show details.
Step 2: Head to the “Directories” section in your dashboard.
Step 3: Your RSS feed link, which is automatically created for you, will be found here. Buzzsprout even provides helpful guides on submitting your feed to directories.

Podbean

Podbean is another highly popular platform for podcast hosting that makes it easy to generate an RSS feed:

Step 1: Sign up for a Podbean account and upload your episodes.
Step 2: Go to “Settings” and then to the “Feed/iTunes” section.
Step 3: Your RSS feed link will be displayed here. Podbean also ensures your feed is compatible with major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Libsyn

Libsyn is a trusted podcast hosting platform with more customization options. To get your RSS feed on Libsyn:

Step 1: Once your show is set up, navigate to the “Destinations” tab in the dashboard.
Step 2: Click “Edit” next to your RSS feed settings.
Step 3: Your feed will be ready to submit to directories, and Libsyn gives you options to customize your feed details.

Manual RSS Feed Generation for Advanced Users

For podcasters with technical skills who prefer complete control over their RSS feed, you can create one manually by writing an XML file. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Create an XML file with a structure that includes:
- <rss>: The root element of the feed.
- <channel>: Contains metadata about your podcast (title, description, etc.).
- <item>: For each episode, include elements like <title>, <link>, <description>, and the <enclosure> for your audio file link.
Step 2: Host this XML file on your website or server.
Step 3: Validate your feed using tools like the W3C Feed Validator to ensure it’s correctly formatted.

Example of an RSS feed structure:

<title>Your Podcast Title</title>

<description>Your podcast description here.</description>

<item>

<title>Episode 1 Title</title>

<description>Description of Episode 1</description>

</item>

<!– Additional episodes go here –>

</channel>

</rss>

Best Practices for Optimizing Your RSS Feed

No matter how you generate your RSS feed, there are a few best practices to ensure your podcast is discoverable and SEO-friendly:

Ensure metadata is complete: Include a title, description, and relevant keywords for each episode.
Use high-quality artwork: Make sure your podcast image meets the specifications of major directories (usually 1400×1400 pixels minimum).
Keep audio file sizes reasonable: Optimize your files to balance quality and download speed.

Submitting Your RSS Feed to Podcast Directories

Once your RSS feed is generated, you’ll need to submit it to the major podcast directories. Here’s how:

Apple Podcasts

Go to Apple Podcasts Connect.
Log in with your Apple ID and submit your RSS feed URL.

Spotify

Visit Spotify for Podcasters.
Log in and submit your feed URL.

Google Podcasts

Submit your feed through the Google Podcasts Manager.

Each platform may take a few days to approve your feed, so be patient and keep an eye on your email for notifications.

Final Tips for Managing Your Podcast’s RSS Feed

Regularly update your feed: Keep your podcast feed updated as you publish new episodes.
Check for errors: Use feed validation tools periodically to ensure your feed is still functioning properly.
Monitor your podcast stats: Most hosting platforms like Buzzsprout and Podbean offer detailed analytics to track your feed’s performance.