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How to Create an RSS Feed in WordPress

Learn how to create, find, set up, customize, and edit an RSS feed in WordPress using built-in settings, blocks, and plugins.

Editorial Team 5 min read
How to Create an RSS Feed in WordPress

Understanding RSS Feeds in WordPress

RSS means Really Simple Syndication. An RSS feed is an XML document with your latest posts.

It can include titles, links, dates, authors, images, and post text. Feed readers check the feed for new posts.

WordPress creates this feed by default. You do not need to build one by hand.

This answers the basic question, what is RSS feed in WordPress? It is a live list of your published content.

  • Readers subscribe through a feed reader
  • New posts appear without daily site visits
  • Other tools can share your latest content
  • You can change several feed settings

Why Use an RSS Feed for Your Blog?

An RSS feed gives readers a simple way to follow your work. It places new posts in one familiar app.

Feeds also support email tools, news apps, and content syndication services. These tools can read your posts without manual copying.

RSS does not replace email or social media. It gives loyal readers another way to stay updated.

That makes RSS useful for news sites, tutorial blogs, and niche publishers. It can also help readers who avoid social networks.

GoalHow RSS helps
Reach repeat readersSubscribers see new posts in their feed reader
Share contentOther services can read your latest post data
Save timeReaders get updates without checking each site
Browser address concept shown through a tidy desk with domain planning notes
Planning a feed address

How to Find Your WordPress RSS Feed URL

The default WordPress feed URL uses this format: https://yourdomain.com/feed/.

Replace “yourdomain.com” with your real domain. The final slash usually works best.

For example, a site at example.com often uses https://example.com/feed/. Open that address to test it.

You may see raw XML in your browser. That result is normal and shows that the feed works.

To learn how to find your RSS feed on WordPress, use these steps:

  1. Open your public website
  2. Add /feed/ after the domain name
  3. Load the new address
  4. Check for recent post data
  5. Copy the full address into a feed reader

You can also inspect your page source for a feed link. The official WordPress feed guide lists common feed formats and URL patterns.

WordPress setup concept with laptop, notebook, and organized desk accessories
WordPress feed setup

Setting Up an RSS Feed in WordPress

WordPress already creates an RSS feed for each site. This is the main answer to how to create an RSS feed in WordPress.

You only need to check the reading settings. These settings control how many posts appear and how much text readers receive.

  1. Sign in to your WordPress dashboard
  2. Open Settings > Reading
  3. Find the feed item count
  4. Choose full text or an excerpt
  5. Save the changes
  6. Test your feed URL again

Choose a count near 10 items for a common starting point. A larger count gives readers more past posts.

Full text gives subscribers the whole post. Excerpts send readers back to your site for the rest.

You do not need to install an RSS feed on WordPress. A plugin is optional for basic feed use.

Using a feed block or widget

You can show another feed on your site with a block or widget. Open the editor and add the RSS block.

Paste the feed address, then choose the number of items. This displays outside content on a page or sidebar.

These steps cover how to set up RSS feed in WordPress without code. They also explain how to enable RSS feed in WordPress.

Customizing What Your RSS Feed Shows

Feed customization should match your publishing goals. Short entries are quick to scan.

Full posts give subscribers a smoother reading experience. Excerpts can send more visitors to your site.

WordPress lets you set the item count and text length from the Reading screen. Your theme or plugin may add more choices.

  • Item count: Set the number of recent posts
  • Text length: Pick full posts or excerpts
  • Images: Check that images display well
  • Links: Keep post links clear and useful
  • Extra content: Keep added material brief

Test changes in more than one feed reader. Some readers handle images and markup in different ways.

Avoid adding large blocks before every post. They can make the feed slow and hard to scan.

Content customization workspace with notebook, camera, and desk tools
Customizing a content feed

Using RSS Feed Plugins

Plugins are not needed for a basic WordPress feed. They help when you need extra control.

Feedzy RSS Feeds can display items from outside feeds. It suits sites that curate content from several sources.

WP RSS Aggregator can collect feeds and show them on your site. It suits larger feed collections and custom display needs.

Review each plugin before use. Check its update history, support, and feed rules.

  • Use a plugin to import outside feeds
  • Use a plugin to filter or combine sources
  • Use a block to show selected feed items
  • Keep the core feed for your own posts

Do not add a plugin just to create the default feed. Extra tools can add settings and maintenance work.

Editing and Managing Your RSS Feed

The question how to edit RSS feed WordPress usually means changing feed content or feed settings.

Start with Settings > Reading. Change the item count or switch between full text and excerpts.

For deeper changes, use a trusted feed plugin or a small code change. Back up your site before editing theme files.

Check your feed after each change. Look for broken links, missing images, and unwanted content.

If you ask how to get RSS feed from WordPress, use your domain plus /feed/. If that address fails, check caching, security tools, and server rules.

Also check whether a plugin blocks feeds. A feed should return recent posts with valid links and dates.

Quick feed check

  • Open the feed URL in a browser
  • Confirm that recent posts appear
  • Test links from one feed item
  • Check the feed in a reader
  • Review the feed after each future change

That process covers how to use RSS on WordPress with little upkeep. It also gives you a clear way to manage problems.

Step-by-step

  1. 01
    Open your WordPress dashboard

    Sign in to your site and open the WordPress dashboard.

  2. 02
    Check the Reading settings

    Go to Settings, then Reading. Set the feed item count and text choice.

  3. 03
    Save the feed choices

    Choose full text or excerpts, then save your changes.

  4. 04
    Open the feed URL

    Visit your domain followed by /feed/. Check that recent posts appear.

  5. 05
    Test the feed

    Open the feed in a reader and test links, dates, and images.

Frequently asked questions

How do I create an RSS feed for a WordPress blog?
WordPress creates an RSS feed by default. Visit your domain followed by /feed/ to view it.
How do I find my RSS feed on WordPress?
Use https://yourdomain.com/feed/ and replace yourdomain.com with your site domain.
How do I set up an RSS feed in WordPress?
Open Settings, then Reading. Choose the item count and full text or excerpt setting.
Do I need to install an RSS feed plugin on WordPress?
No plugin is needed for the standard feed. Plugins help with imports, filters, and custom displays.
How do I edit an RSS feed in WordPress?
Change the feed item count or text setting under Settings, then Reading. Use a plugin or code for deeper changes.
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