An RSS feed is a simple way to distribute web content quickly and automatically to viewers through feed readers or content syndicators. Allowing viewers easy, instant access to updates and new content through feed readers or aggregate syndication sites, RSS feeds can act as an alternate distribution channel to a website, mass email or newsletter service.
RSS — an acronym for “Really Simple Syndication,” “RDF Site Summary,” or “Rich Site Summary” — is an XML authoring technology file format that enables content to be published one time and viewed by many different programs. Traditionally, online content viewing has been viewer-initiated, relying on the user or viewer to return to the site on a regular basis for updates. RSS, on the other hand, is based on the use of a subscription process, in which viewers subscribe to chosen RSS feeds and view them from an aggregator or feed reader, like web-based Google Reader. Viewers are able to pull content from many channels at one time rather than having the content pushed to them through email or other means, or having to pull the content themselves.
RSS feeds give viewers an alternative way to watch their favorite “live” websites. The success of simple syndication relies on the ease with which viewers can find new content. Using RSS feeds, the viewer, by simply clicking on the RSS icon within the address bar and designating to which preferred reader or aggregator to send the feed, can easily view all content updates each time the aggregator is opened. Both writers and publishers use RSS feeds to update subscribers to their blogs or publications.
Here is a short video called “RSS in Plain English”:
