How to Find RSS Feed URLs for Websites or Blogs

Finding an RSS feed URL for a website or blog can be a bit tricky, especially since many websites have moved away from prominently displaying their RSS (aka Really Simple Syndication) feed buttons on the home pages. However, RSS feeds remain a valuable tool for staying updated on the latest content from your favorite sites or news blogs. While some webmasters use RSS feeds to automate their social media posting to save time. This guide will walk you through 10 (plus) effective methods to locate the RSS feed URL for almost any website or blog.

1. Check the Website's Source Code

One of the most direct methods to find an RSS feed URL is to examine the website's source code, ideally on Google Chrome browser or any other web browser. For example, if we have this blog https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/ and if we could not find its feed, here's how inspecting its source code can help us find the RSS link:

Open the website in any browser and right-click anywhere (ideally empty space) on the page (be sure to not right click on an image or link).
In the right click menu, select "View Page Source" or "Inspect" depending on your browser. And you'll be redirected to a page something like this:
Use the search function (Ctrl + F or Command + F) and type "RSS" or "feed".
Look for a line of code like <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://www.digitalinformationworld.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss" />. The href attribute contains the RSS feed URL. Simply right click on it and copy it.

This method is reliable because many websites include RSS links in their HTML headers.

2. Add ‘/feed’ or ‘/rss’ to the URL

A simple trick is to manually add /feed or /rss at the end of the website’s URL and paste/enter it in the browser address bar. For example:

For WordPress sites: https://example.com/feed
For other modern content management systems: Try https://example.com/rss

This approach works on many blogging platforms and content management systems that follow standard conventions. It's important to note that some websites may offer Atom feeds instead of RSS feeds. The URL might look similar but end in .atom instead of .rss. Try adding /atom at the end of the URL, like https://example.com/atom.

Incase you don't know, here is how RSS feeds looks like, example:

3. Use RSS Feed Finder Tools

Several online tools can help you locate RSS feeds. These tools scan the website and return potential feed URLs. Some popular options include:

Feedly: Feedly offers an RSS feed finder tool when you try to add new content, it does require a sign up though.
RSS.app: Enter the website URL, and it will generate the RSS feed link without any signup.

These tools simplify the process and save you from manual searching, but depending on third-party can have its consequences, such as down times, subscriptions, etc.

4. Browser Extensions for Finding RSS Feeds

Browser extensions designed to detect RSS feeds can automatically identify available feeds on a page, however, extinctions come with their own privacy and security risks, as some of them ask for unnecessary data permissions:

RSS Feed Reader (Chrome): This extension adds an icon to your toolbar that lights up when an RSS feed is detected on the site you’re visiting.

Using these extensions is convenient if you frequently need to find RSS feeds.

5. Look for RSS Icons or Links on the Website/Blogs

Many websites still display RSS feed icons or links, often in the footer, sidebar, separate page, or "subscribe" section of the page. Look for symbols like:

The standard (yellow and orange) RSS icon
Image: Wiki
Links with the text "RSS Feed," "Subscribe," or "XML Feed"

Clicking on these buttons (provided by websites) or links will usually take you to the RSS feed URL directly.

Also read: Setting Up Google Alerts: Tips and Tricks for Effective Web Monitoring

6. Use a Site’s Sitemap

Some websites include RSS feeds in their XML sitemaps. Here's how you can find it:

Add /sitemap.xml to the end of the website URL, like https://example.com/sitemap.xml.
Look for links that end in .xml or .rss. These are often RSS feeds.

This method is particularly effective for large websites with structured content.

7. Search in Google

If manual methods don’t work, a quick Google search might help. Use queries like:

"site:example.com RSS feed"
"example.com subscribe RSS"

This can lead you directly to the feed or to a page where the feed is listed, only if Google has indexed that website/page.

8. Utilize Online Feed Directories

Some websites list popular RSS feeds in online directories. These directories can help you find feeds for specific websites or topics:

Feedspot: Offers a searchable directory of RSS feeds.

These directories are a good starting point if you’re looking for feeds on niche topics.

9. Contact the Website Owner

If all else fails, consider reaching out directly to the website owner or webmaster. They might provide you with the RSS feed link or guide you on how to find it. Look for a "Contact Us" page or email the website administrator.

10. Check for Third-Party Feed Services

Some websites use third-party services to manage their RSS feeds. Common services include:

Feedburner: Though less popular now, some older sites still use it. Try adding ?format=xml to the end of the URL, like https://feeds.feedburner.com/example?format=xml.

11. RSS Search Engines

Dedicated RSS search engines can help you locate feeds. These search engines crawl the web specifically for RSS feeds. Examples include:

RSS Search Engine: Enter the website domain name or URL to find related feeds.

Bonus tips:

Some websites share their RSS feeds on social media platforms. Check the site’s social media profiles (Twitter/X, Facebook, LinkedIn) for any mentions or links to their RSS feeds. You might find posts or pages dedicated to subscription options.

By following these methods, you should be able to find the RSS feed URL for almost any website or news blog. Whether you're manually inspecting the site’s code or using specialized tools and extensions, this guide covers all the important tips, tricks and hacks.