What is an RSS feed?
RSS is a plain list of a website's newest posts. A feed is that list. Apps read it to show headlines without visiting the site. It is like a newspaper delivery that brings only the headlines.
Most blogs have a feed. The address often ends in /feed, for example https://example.com/feed. Check that the site allows you to show its content.
Method 1: Use the RSS widget
A widget is a small box that shows something in your sidebar or footer.
- Log in to WordPress.
- Go to Appearance, then Widgets.
- Click the plus button to add a block.
- Search for RSS and choose it.
- Paste the feed address into the box and click Apply.
- Choose how many items to show. You can also show the date, author or a short summary.
- Click Update.
On older themes, the widget is called RSS under Appearance, Widgets. Drag it into a sidebar and fill in the fields.
Method 2: Put the feed inside a page or post
- Go to Pages, then Add New, or edit a page.
- Click the plus button and search for RSS.
- Add the block and paste the feed address.
- Pick the number of items and display options.
- Click Publish or Update.
Show your own feed
Your WordPress site already has a feed at https://yourdomain.com/feed. Share that address so people can follow you in a feed reader.
If nothing shows
- Open the feed address in your browser. It should show text or a list.
- Make sure you copied the full address, including
https://. - Wait a bit. WordPress saves feeds for a short time before it checks again.
- Some sites block feed access. Try another feed.
Tip: Only show headlines and links. Copying whole articles from another site is not fair to the writer.
Quick recap
- An RSS feed is a list of a site's newest posts.
- Use the RSS block in widgets or pages.
- Paste the full feed address and choose display options.
- Your own feed lives at
/feed.