Understanding RSS feeds
Learn what RSS feeds are and why they matter for your podcast.
What Is an RSS Feed?
An RSS feed is an XML file that contains all the information about your podcast: the show title, description, cover art, and every episode with its audio file location. Podcast directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.) read this file to display your podcast and deliver new episodes to subscribers.
Think of your RSS feed as your podcast's "source of truth", it's the single file that tells every podcast app what your show is and where to find your episodes.
How RSS Feeds Work
- You publish an episode in Castos (or WordPress with SSP)
- Your RSS feed updates automatically with the new episode
- Podcast directories check your feed periodically (usually every few hours)
- Listeners receive the new episode in their podcast app
You don't need to manually update anything. Once your RSS feed is connected to a directory, new episodes appear automatically.
Your Castos RSS Feed
Every podcast you create in Castos has a unique RSS feed URL. You'll find it in:
Castos Dashboard: Settings → Distribution → Visibility
The URL looks something like:
https://feeds.castos.com/abcd1234
This is the URL you submit to podcast directories.
RSS Feeds for WordPress Users
If you use WordPress with Seriously Simple Podcasting along with Castos, you have two RSS feeds:
| Feed | Source | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Castos RSS feed | Generated by Castos servers | Reduces load on your WordPress site |
| SSP RSS feed | Generated by your WordPress site | Keeping your feed tied to your website domain |
Both feeds contain the same content if configured identically. Most users should submit the Castos RSS feed to directories.
Find your SSP feed at: https://yoursite.com/feed/podcast/your-show-slug
Common RSS Feed Tasks
| Task | Article |
|---|---|
| Find your RSS feed URL | Where to find your podcast's RSS feed URL |
| Submit to directories | Distribution guides |
| Migrate from another host | Migrate your podcast to Castos |
| Redirect your feed | Redirect your podcast's RSS feed |
| Podcast RSS Requirements | Podcast RSS Requirements |
RSS Feed Best Practices
Keep your feed accessible. Directories need to read your feed 24/7. Never password-protect a public podcast's RSS feed.
Don't change your feed URL. Once directories know your feed location, changing it requires a redirect. Avoid this hassle by sticking with your original URL.
Use one feed per podcast. Each show should have exactly one RSS feed. Submitting different feeds to different directories causes analytics fragmentation.
Validate before submitting. Use CastFeedValidator to check your feed for errors before submitting to directories.
Glossary
RSS: Really Simple Syndication, a standardized format for distributing content updates.
Feed URL: The web address of your RSS feed.
Directory: A platform that lists podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.).
Redirect: A setting that tells directories your feed has moved to a new URL.
Feed validation: Checking your RSS feed for errors or compatibility issues.