What is RSS?

RSS (which stands for "Really Simple Syndication") is a web feed standard used to publish frequently updated content such as news headlines or video podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed", contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner.

RSS content can be read using software called a "feed reader" or an "aggregator." The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.