RSS is said to have appeared in 1999 and is a mechanism for distributing information about newly updated pages and articles on websites.
Since it is a relatively old technology, some people think that RSS is outdated these days. However, even now, various websites use RSS to distribute updated information, and if used properly, it can be useful for efficient information gathering.
In this article, we will explain the basic knowledge about RSS, the differences between similar terms and services, recommended RSS readers and how to use them effectively. Please use this as a reference for those who want to gain basic knowledge about RSS or those who want to know the characteristics of various RSS readers.
What is RSS?
RSS is an abbreviation for Rich Site Summary, and it refers to a system that displays the update status of a website. By using RSS, when a new page or article is added to any website registered in the RSS reader, you can automatically obtain the title, date, and page summary.
By using RSS, you don’t have to check each site you want to check individually, and you can check only the pages that have been updated on multiple sites at a glance.
Features of RSS
RSS has two main characteristics.
I will explain each in turn.
Deliver website content
As mentioned above, RSS is a mechanism for “distributing updated information from websites.” RSS refers to written rules for distributing updated information and summaries on websites.
As a general rule, websites distribute an “RSS feed” that summarizes website updates and new pages to users who wish to receive RSS. The role of an RSS reader is to receive RSS feeds distributed by websites.
Read with RSS reader
Users who want to know the update status will use software called an RSS reader. When acquiring RSS, we use a language called XML. An “RSS reader” can read only the necessary information (update information and summary) from this XML.
By using an RSS reader, the RSS feed set on each page is read and updated information is delivered to the user. RSS readers read RSS feeds distributed by websites, so if you want to use an RSS reader, it must be a page that has an RSS feed set up.
What is the difference between RSS and ATOM?
ATOM is also one of the ways to know about website updates. Although the name is different from RSS, the basic functions are the same.
In addition to RSS functionality, ATOM also has content editing functionality. ATOM is an improved version of RSS, so it’s safe to assume that there are almost no differences.
What is the difference between RSS and RSS feed?
RSS and RSS feeds are often confused, but they are different. RSS is a mechanism for distributing website updates, and RSS feeds refer to data (files) based on RSS. You can think of it as a difference between a “mechanism” and “data that uses that system.”
How to use RSS
You can start using RSS by following the steps below.
1. Check the URL
2. Register the URL you found in your RSS reader
I will explain each in turn.
Check the URL
First, get the RSS URL. Simply click on the RSS icon displayed on the website to find out the RSSURL.
If you don’t have an RSS icon, use a tool (
BeRSS
) that automatically acquires and detects RSS feeds. Just enter the website URL and the RSSURL will be automatically detected.
Register the URL you found in your RSS reader
Next, after obtaining the RSSURL of the website, register it in the input field on the RSS reader. The RSS function can only be used if you have an RSS reader. Before acquiring RSSURL, be sure to prepare an RSS reader.
There are following types of RSS readers.
Choose the one that is easy to use based on the characteristics of each RSS reader, the device you are using, and the scene you want to use it for.
7 recommended RSS readers
There are various RSS readers. Recommended RSS readers are as follows.
We will explain each feature in detail.
Feedly
A widely used free hosted RSS reader app. It is compatible with not only PCs but also iOS and Android, and you can receive update information from your smartphone.
You can use it by logging in with your Google, Apple, Twitter, Facebook, etc. account. It also supports updates on Twitter and Podcasts, allowing you to check updates on a wide range of content, not just websites, all at once.
Please note that there is no notification function and it does not support Japanese. You can receive update notifications by using the Google Chrome extension.
Inoreader
Inoreader is a free hosted RSS reader. In addition to your email address, you can log in with your Facebook account, Google account, or Apple ID and use it on PC, iOS, and Android.
Even if the RSS icon is not displayed on a website, you can receive updated information by simply entering the URL of the top page of the website you want to receive updated information in the “Add new feed” field at the top of Inoreader.
It can be linked not only to Google and Twitter, but also to Dropbox and YouTube, as well as various other services, so you can share and save your favorite articles on SNS. Registered RSS can be divided into folders, so it is attractive that you can manage them by a wide range of genres such as work and hobbies.
By upgrading to the paid version, you will be able to receive RSS at 10 minute intervals. Since it also supports Japanese, this app is recommended for people who are not good at using English RSS readers.
Tiny Tiny RSS
A free RSS reader compatible with PCs and smartphones. Compared to other RSS readers, Tiny Tiny RSS is highly customizable.
Tiny Tiny RSS needs to be installed on
a server
, so prepare your own server. Because it requires a server and is highly customizable, programming knowledge is required to use Tiny Tiny RSS.
Please note that it does not support Japanese. Recommended for people who are familiar with programming and those who want to customize their RSS reader to their liking.
The Old Reader
The Old Reader is an RSS reader that can be used not only on PCs and smartphones, but also as bookmarklets. It is designed to imitate the currently discontinued Google Reader, so it will be the perfect RSS reader for those who used to use Google Reader.
You can obtain RSS from the URL of the website where you want to receive updated information, and you will be notified by notification when updated information is received. There are also paid options if you want to expand the functionality further. Although it does not support Japanese, you can view Japanese websites.
NewsBlur
This is an RSS reader compatible with iOS and Android. The free version allows you to register up to 64 websites, and if you want to register more websites, you will need to use the paid version.
The paid version is also highly convenient, as you can
tag
pages and use search functions. NewBlur is also similar to The Old Reader, and has a similar usability to Google Reader.
There are two types of paid versions, so it is recommended for people who have many websites they want to register, people who want multi-functionality, and people who want to customize.
Feeder
feeder can be used on PC as well as iOS and Android. For people who don’t know which websites they want to read, there is a function that suggests recommended articles by genre, so even those new to RSS can enjoy it.
There is also a smartphone app version, so you can receive
pop-up
notifications of update information from your iPhone or Android. Feeder is divided into a free version and a paid version, and the free version has an RSS update frequency of 2 hours and advertisements.
The paid version does not display advertisements, and the RSS update frequency is reduced to 1 minute. A paid business version is also available, and in addition to the features of the paid version, you can also use features such as sharing RSS in a group and dividing into folders.
Feedly Classic
Feedly Classic is a reproduction of the older version of Feedly introduced above. The UI has been significantly changed in conjunction with a major update to Feedly, making it an RSS reader for people who find the old version easier to use.
The basic functionality is the same as Feedly, so try using both and choose the one that’s easier for you.
In Feedly Classic, some features that are currently available in Feedly, such as widgets, cannot be used.
Feedly Classic is recommended for those who want a simple UI and minimal functionality.
Points to use RSS effectively
If used properly, RSS can be used not only for hobbies and daily life, but also for business. However, simply registering websites you are interested in is inefficient, as updated information may be lost and it may be difficult to find the information you need.
Make sure to cover all the functions of the RSS reader you are using, use the bookmark function and “read later” function, and divide articles into folders so that the information and articles you need do not flow. When you want to collect information about a specific topic for work or hobbies, it’s a good idea to make good use of the search function.
Also, depending on the RSS reader, it is possible to delete accumulated update information all at once, or to partially delete only articles older than a certain period. Choose an RSS reader depending on the situation and what kind of information you want to collect.
summary
Although RSS is said to be outdated, it is still a useful technology for gathering information. If you understand RSS and use an RSS reader that suits you, you will be able to work more efficiently.
Please refer to this article and use it to select an RSS reader and collect information efficiently.