RSS Feed Validator - Check XML Feed Syntax Online

Validate your RSS feeds, check XML syndication syntax, and troubleshoot podcast/blog feeds to ensure they meet RSS 2.0 specifications.

Understanding RSS Validation

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an XML-based format used for content distribution. Because it is parsed by machines (feed readers, podcast apps, search engines), strict adherence to XML syntax and the RSS 2.0 specification is critical. Even a single syntax error can break an entire feed.

Common RSS Feed Errors

  • Invalid XML: Missing closing tags, unescaped ampersands (&), or improper use of CDATA sections.
  • Missing Required Elements: RSS 2.0 requires a <title>, <link>, and <description> at the channel level.
  • Date Format Issues: Publication dates (<pubDate>) must follow RFC 822 format (e.g., Tue, 10 Jun 2003 04:00:00 GMT).
  • Item Level Errors: Items typically must contain at least a <title> or a <description> to be valid.

Podcast feeds and Namespaces

Modern feeds often use namespaces to extend functionality. For example, Apple Podcasts relies heavily on the itunes: namespace (e.g., <itunes:author>, <itunes:image>). When building these feeds, ensure you declare the namespace properly in the <rss> tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an RSS feed?

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. It is a standardized XML format used to publish frequently updated works—such as blog entries, news headlines, audio, and video—in a standardized format.

Why does my feed reader show an error?

Feed readers expect perfectly formed XML. If your feed contains unescaped special characters (like an ampersand instead of &amp;) or missing closing tags, the reader cannot parse the file and will display an error.

How do I fix a missing pubDate?

Ensure your publishing platform outputs a <pubDate> element inside your items or channel. The date must strictly follow the RFC 822 standard, typically structured as Day, Date Month Year Time Timezone.

What makes a podcast feed valid?

A valid podcast feed is an RSS 2.0 feed that includes specific <itunes:...> tags. It must also have <enclosure> tags for each item containing the URL, byte length, and mime type of the audio file.

Is RSS the same as Atom?

No. Atom is a newer, distinct XML syndication format designed to fix some ambiguities in RSS 2.0. However, both serve the same fundamental purpose, and many modern feed readers support both formats.

Can I validate feeds via URL here?

Currently, this tool validates pasted XML code directly in your browser. This ensures privacy and circumvents potential Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) blocks when fetching remote feeds via client-side scripts.

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