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How to show an RSS feed on your WordPress site

This guide shows you how to display headlines from another website on your WordPress pages using an RSS feed.

WordPress2 min read12 steps1 screenshots

What is an RSS feed?

RSS is a special page that lists the newest posts of a website in a simple format. Think of it as a news ticker. News readers and other websites can read it. An RSS feed address usually looks like https://example.com/feed/. Most WordPress sites have one at /feed/ after the site address.

WordPress, RSS feeds, Rss feeds in WordPress

Showing a feed lets you share fresh content, like news about your topic, without writing it. Only show feeds from sites you trust, and give credit to the source.

Way 1: Use the RSS block

The block editor builds pages from blocks. A block is one piece of content, like a paragraph or an image.

  1. Open the page or post where you want the feed. Click Edit.
  2. Click the plus icon to add a block.
  3. Search for RSS and click the RSS block.
  4. Paste the feed address in the box. Click Use URL.
  5. In the block settings on the right, choose how many items to show.
  6. Switch on options such as Display author, Display date or Display excerpt if you want them.
  7. Click Update or Publish.

Way 2: Use the RSS widget

A widget is a small box that sits in a side area of your site, like a sidebar or footer.

  1. Go to Appearance, then Widgets.
  2. Pick the area, such as the sidebar. Click the plus icon.
  3. Search for the RSS block or widget and add it.
  4. Paste the feed address.
  5. Set how many items to show and click Update.

Some newer themes do not show this menu. Use Appearance, then Editor instead and add the RSS block to a template part.

Way 3: Use a shortcode

A shortcode is a short word in square brackets that WordPress swaps for something bigger. WordPress has no built-in RSS shortcode. Add a plugin from Plugins, then Add New, and search for an RSS feed display plugin. Then follow that plugin's page for the exact shortcode.

If the feed does not show

  • Check the feed address. Open it in your browser. You should see text or code, not an error.
  • Make sure the other site allows feeds.
  • Wait some time. WordPress keeps a copy of feeds for a while before updating.
Tip: Show only a handful of items, such as five. A long list makes the page slower and harder to read.

Quick recap

  • An RSS feed is a list of the newest posts of a site.
  • Add the RSS block to a page, or to a widget area.
  • Paste the feed address and choose how many items.
  • Test the feed address in your browser if nothing appears.