RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a web feed format for publishing frequently updated content. It enabled blogs and podcasts to thrive by letting users subscribe to content without visiting individual websites.
Origins
RSS emerged from multiple efforts in the late 1990s. Aaron Swartz contributed to the RSS 1.0 specification at age 14, helping standardize web content syndication.
How It Works
RSS provides a machine-readable feed:
- XML format describing content
- Title, description, link for each item
- Timestamps for ordering
- Readers poll feeds for updates
Impact on the Web
RSS enabled:
- Blogs: Readers could follow many blogs easily
- Podcasts: Audio delivered via RSS enclosures
- News aggregation: Collect multiple sources
- Decentralized publishing: No platform needed
Decline and Persistence
RSS usage declined after Google Reader’s shutdown (2013) and social media’s rise. But it persists:
- Podcasts still use RSS
- Power users rely on feed readers
- Developer tools consume RSS
RSS represents the open web’s vision—decentralized content distribution without platform intermediaries.